barclaycard/mercers

[walkinthepark]

Hi

 

I wondered if anyone had any experience of this problem?

 

I am negotiating with Mercer's to set up a reduced payment plan to pay off my debt to Barclaycard.

 

They want me to take up a direct debit.

 

I've been told by my debt counsellor not to give out my card details.

I've told Mercers this and also that I'm afraid that they will take out more money than I have agreed on.

 

They told me that it would be illegal for them to do this.

I want to believe them and I am keen to get the ball rolling but I would prefer to pay by cheque but they have turned that offer down.

 

Are they trustworthy?

[pompeyfaith]

standing order is safer than direct debit because with a standing order you are in control where as a direct debt they have control of your account.

 

PF

[walkinthepark]

The first payments has to be £60 and then after that it goes down to £49. I like the idea of standing order but how can I get it to work when the first payment is going to be different to the following monthly payments. Can I get my bank to sort this out. Thanks

[pompeyfaith]

indeed just instruct them to pay £60 and when that payment has gone though just contact your bank to lower it remember you are in control.

 

PF

[IdaInFife]

you would just amend the standing order after the first payment

 

ida x

[pompeyfaith]

dca,s do not mention standing orders because they dont like them and indeed same with most companies

[walkinthepark]

Thanks for this information you've all been really helpful.

[Seminole]

Just to mention that Mercers are Barclays in-house debt collectors. They are probably marginally more trustworthy than an external firm of debt collectors but I still wouldn't give them a direct debit.

[walkinthepark]

Yes I know - it's just that I'm keen to sort it out but I feel as though they have me over a barrel if I don't go ahead.

[Seminole]

Yes I know - it's just that I'm keen to sort it out but I feel as though they have me over a barrel if I don't go ahead.

 

They cannot dictate to you how you should pay this debt. If you can't agree payment by s/o or cheque with them, just start sending them cheques (look to make sure that they're cashing them).

 

Given that they're being bolshie have you asked for a copy of the credit agreement to make sure that it exists and is valid?

[walkinthepark]

Hi

 

Yes I've been sending a fixed amount to Barclaycard for a couple of months. They originally asked me to update my first offer by £2 which I did. I accepted by letter but they ignored it and then it went to Mercers. I haven't asked them for my credit card agreement as yet. It's not that I don't want to pay but they seem to be intent on getting my card details. I've offered to pay by cheque but they keep saying it won't go through the system in time. Seeing as they've put everything on hold for me for 2 weeks it seems to be a bit silly but there's no reasoning with them.

[Seminole]

It's all a power trip for these people- trying to show you who's boss. I'd definately ask them for the credit agreement to show that they can't mess you around.

[walkinthepark]

Thank you for this I will try.

[walkinthepark]

I've been in negotiation with Mercers and agreed to ring them back on a particular date when I get paid to set up a direct debit. I've now received a letter saying a debt collector will be calling if I don't set up a direct debit. I'm not sure what to do. Even when I last spoke to them I got a call on my mobile from them 10 mins later. It's like one advisor doesn't know what the others doing.

[silverfox1961]

Hi,

 

You have hit the nail on the head. None of them know what the other is doing-ever!

 

If you wish to stop them calling on you, send them this:

 

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

 

 

fox

[Revenant]

Morning

 

First rule DO NOT call a dca as they can and will say things just to get you to agree to anything, do everything in writing so you have hard proof for later down the line

 

Not wise to set up a DD as I believe they can be altered and withdrawn against without further permission needed from you, use a Standing Order if you must do anything

 

A doorstep visit can only be carried out if you agree, they can not enter your property "Uninvited" and besides they have no power anyway

 

Write to Mercers and dvise them:

 

All further contact in writing only so delete your phone number from their files

You will not accept any door step callers

[walkinthepark]

Thanks - it's put my mind at rest a little. Believe it or not I feel as though they are doing everything to stop me from paying ie refusing cheques every month etc Hopefully they will accept a standing order. Thanks again!

[maroondevo52]

Hi, walkinthepark.

 

What is the debt?

[mr.ton]

DCA's have a bit of a bizzare mentality like that....they dont like people taking the initiative & being the one to offer them payment, it always has to be a payment made as a result of a demand or threatogram from the DCA.

Natually..they then dont get anything at all.

The industry is so barmy it beggars belief

[walkinthepark]

It's a credit card debt. Like I said it's them that's dragging their feet just because I won't tell them my card details. Funny thing is the credit card company have sent me details of debt counselling services but when I have mentioned that I'm taking the advice of the debt counselling people not to divulge my card details they've don't want to know. I don't want to antagonise these people but it's them what's stopping me from paying.

[maroondevo52]

Are there any charges you could re-claim ?

[walkinthepark]

Not that I know of

[maroondevo52]

So you are trying to pay it but the DCA will only accept payment by Direct Debit.

 

How old is the card and have you CCA'd them.

[walkinthepark]

Yes absolutely - we had agreed a monthly figure and then when they asked me what method of payment I was going to use I said a monthly cheque and they refused. The debt people told me not to divulge my card details. Mercer's did say they couldn't take out more than what is agreed because it would be illegal but I'm still concerned.

[maroondevo52]

Hi,

 

Don't know if you noticed ( I edited my post) I asked how old the card was and whether you had CCA'd them.

 

If they can't comply with your CCA request, puts you in a good position to offer a very reduced 'full and final' to get shot off the debt.

 

Regards.

 

Scott.