Are PCN "debts" traded.....?

[Meekyou]

Have been wondering, how these debt collection companies actually make any money....?

 

They have offices, staff, websites etc, usual overheads, they send out letters etc - all of which cost money, yet they appear to be chasing a lost cause with these PCNs so how do they make any money out of them? likewise the companies that issue the PCNs.

 

Are the debts traded, i.e. say Fred's Parking [problem] Ltd issue a PCN, send out a few letters, get nowhere, so do they sell the "£100 debt" on to Dodgy Debt Collectors Ltd, for say £20. DDC Ltd then up the debt to cover costs to £150 and try to recover it with a few letters, get no-where so do they then sell it on to Threatenyouwithallsorts Debts Ltd to recoup their costs, and so the circle continues.... until someone either gives up or attempts a court action.

 

I assume the rely on innocent public paying up the £60 for fear of CCJ's etc, surely this is demanding money with menaces.... or under duress..... which are illegal....??

[renegadeimp]

A lot of people dont know their rights and pay the dcas no matter if the devt is legit or not. Others like lowells and link ignore all guidance and issue court action as a form of debt collection. Even if they know the debt is bad.

 

Couple this with the fact they buy the debts for a very small amount and they try to collect the full amount.

[esmerobbo]

They wont be buying the debts because they don't exist unlike contracted/credit agreement debts. They will be collecting on percentage. The PPC has nothing to lose they have received nowt from the driver/keeper so pass it to a debt collector who if successful takes a cut and gives the PPC the rest.

 

A DCA can threaten court action but they cant take you to court unless they are also solicitors and act for the owner of the debt. because they don't own the debt. Only the original creditor or a solicitor acting for them can take action.

[ericsbrother]

You know when you get a letter from Debt Recovery Plus and it asks for £140 instead of the original £60? That is how they get their money. They also get paid £15 for sending out the threatograms.