Halifax Credit Card

[mjc007.5]

Newbie just starting to sort out my own personal debt mess!

 

I have recieved correspondence from the "retail bank collections" department of the above (PO box 718 in Leeds!) ( to date I have offered token payment, no reply, requested do not phone, continued to call despite my refusing to give security details and now robot calls! , standard threat letters saying pay now, charges being added etc) which states:

 

"IMPORTANT NOTICE"

Our representative will be calling your home on:23rd June 2009

PLEASE TELEPHONE 08452000580 IF THIS IS NOT CONVENIENT!

 

Now before I found the good people here I might have read this to mean I have a door step collector due and probably would have called them to be subjected to the usual telephone harrasment. I realise that this is the intention of the notice so will not call them but what would be the best way to play it? My initial thoughts were continue the minimum repayment, further copies of previous correspondence together with a letter saying do not visit?? (I am sure I have seen it on here somewhere but cannot find at present).

 

Is this about right? Should I add/consider anything further? Any advice gratefully recieved (just about to fall of the edge with a number of unsecured debts and it is getting very stressful!). Many thanks

[silverfox1961]

Hi and welcome to the CAG. you will get all the help you need.

 

For now, don't talk tto them on the phone. They will bully, bluff and threaten to take you first born if you don't do what they say. Utter rollocks.

They have no power over you. Only the courts have that power so from now on treat them with contempt. (unless they treat you nicely of course:D)

 

Here is a letter to send them and keep a copy by your door just in case someone actually turns up to take your doorstep:

 

http://www.consumerforums.com/resources/templates-library/86-debt-collectors/590-letter-used-when-a-dca-threatens-a-doorstep-visit-.html

 

Send by recorded delivery.

Don't sign it

 

good luck

 

fox

[Spamalot]

Hi and welcome.

 

Are you looking to see whether your agreement is enforceable or just to reduce payments?

 

Spam.

 

I did have more but silverfox beat me to it..;-)

Edited June 19, 2009 by Spamalot
silverfox sneaked in while I wasn't looking

[mjc007.5]

Spam and fox thank you very much indeed - This site has already started to show me the way and it is very reassuring to know there are many people out there in the same boat. The really frustrating thing is that in trying to do the right thing I end up feeling worse that if I just disappear and loose contact with the lot of them!!

 

Spam - initially intent was to freeze charges, make mininum payment and then review 6 months (this is what I asked for with no reply). I guess as they and others (Barclaycard, Citi and various payday loans) escalate their harrasment I am becoming more inclined towards a militant approach.

 

Once I have fired of the doorstep visit letter should I be asking for the agreement or a subject access request? I have read on the site that if I ask for the agreement in a particular way I am only likely to get a copy and without a signature (will this suffice for now deciding if agreement is enforceable??).

 

Very grateful for the help and support

[Spamalot]

If you send a request for a copy of your agreement under s77/78 Consumer Credit act they have 12+ 2 days to respond with a copy of your agreement...If they do not comply in that time you can put the account into dispute and refuse to pay until they come up with the goods!

 

How old is the account by the way?

 

If you send a SAR you can also ask for a copy of the agreement and any statements for the account.... that way you can claim back unlawful charges.

 

Depending on what you get back or how long they take to respond is how you take it from there..

 

Halifax did freeze my interest and put me on a payment Plan but I am now querying my agreement because I have some dodgy paperwork sent by themselves and I'm hoping to take it further.

 

Good Luck.

 

Spam.

[mjc007.5]

Hiya - fairly new agreement (under 2 years) and so from what I read on here more likely to be enforceable. However, with what has gone on in the banking sector and the tales I have read since arriving at CAG feel worth a go at asking for the agreement at least. Will save the SAR for down the line!

 

Many thanks :grin: