Being chased by debt collectors for a vet's bill

[T C B]

Its just come to my attention that a friend has been getting pressure from a company called ACT credit management.

They are collecting a debt on behalf of a service provider.  My friend has been pressured to pay far more than they can afford and I've suggested that they request an income and expenditure form.

This has been sent but insists on evidence for all about goings. Bank statements etc. Can they legally insist on this evidence.

 

I'd also like to know if it reasonable to request details of the debt. it wasn't  credit agreement it was for an essential service that should have been paid when the invoice was presented. I'm not convinced that the original cost was fair. 

 

Thanks in advance

[T C B]

Thanks for your response

Emergency vet bill. I don't think they've bought the debt judging by the way they word the letters

Value is about 2k, Paid online monthly. 

Original arrangement was set up over the phone a couple of years ago. They call every month and refuse to drop the payment to a reasonable, affordable amount.

 

No problem filling out an income and expenditure form i just don't think asking form evidence is reasonable.

 

Thanks again.

[T C B]

Thanks for responses.

 

The post thats been deleted was posted before the post requesting bullet points. I was deliberately vague on the type of debt it was. However a utility company is not a service provider

 

The answer provided in respect of the income form is great.

 

The only question i have now is if its reasonable to request  breakdown of how the debt has been calculated and any contract hey may have been in place.

 

Thanks again 

[T C B]

That advice is all good.  Thanks for everyone's help.

its appreciated 

[T C B]

I just wanted to update this thread...its been a long time!

 

I submitted an SAR and the content I got back was unbelievable and quite shocking!

Internal emails with very derogatory remarks about the account holders financial position and the passing of a relative.

lots of admissions regarding coercive and intimidation behaviour by the firms agents and in particular lots of references to fees being applied to the account.

 

I proceeded to put questions to them and ask for information in relation to the fees.

 

To cut a long story. They have refused to provide further information but have wiped the debt which was several £k. which is , to my mind,  an indication that they are in water they don't like.

 

I am not happy to let this go as I feel they need holding to account and i want to know how much in fees they have added.

 

Who do i complain to? The FCA?  they referred me to the CSA but I doubt they'll have any teeth

 

Thanks in advance...Tim