Moorcroft Debt Collections seem a little overaggressive - what actions can I take to protect myself?

[HermPK]

Hi, has anyone had to deal with Moorcroft debt collections before? I don’t really know what debt collectors are and aren’t allowed to do but they seem over aggressive?

 

I found a guide that tells me that I should pay what I can afford of the debt, but I’m worried they will try to force me to pay more than that. What shall I do? 

 

[robswish]

Hi Herm,

I completely understand your position as debt collectors on the whole do try to intimidate you to pay and many people do just for that reason. The important thing to remember is to not panic, don’t let them stress you out to the point of paying an amount you can’t afford.

The first thing to note is that Moorcroft are debt collectors not bailiffs. This means they have no special legal powers and are not court appointed so they are pretty limited in what they can do.

What sort of thing are they doing that you think isn’t right?

CAG has some good info, but I would recommend that you check out a debt charity guide as well so you’re sure that it’s definitely impartial advice.
 

[Nobby_v]

Couple of things. 

1. treat all creditors equally if you are in a debt mess.

2. If money is tight, offer a token payment only - £1 per month until things get better.

3. Only deal with debt collectors in writing. Make them write to you and you write back, no phone, no email. 

 

These things will create a breathing space for you. 

 

If you  have not not yet created a priority debt list yet do so. 

 

Bite your on the bum debt - needs to be deal with first - mortgage/rent  council tax, inland revenue all need to be dealt with before credit debt. 

 

 

 

 

[HermPK]

 I know I shouldn’t panic but it’s hard not to when they threaten to come to my home again if I don’t pay, I have a daughter and my wife is really frail so I don’t want to worry them. 

They have just been calling me at all times of the day and mostly quite early in the morning around 7/8am.

I’m receiving a lot of letters with pretty threatening language and the last time they visited us they were hammering the door very loudly and shouting for a long time (I pretended I wasn’t in as my wife wasn’t doing well at all that day!).

I’m worried if they come again it will be even worse, are they allowed to do this??

Thanks Nobby - how do I offer them a token payment?

Are they likely to accept this?

 

[Nobby_v]

Firstly drop them a line -post it, take a copy first. Write out by hand if ness... 

Dear Sirs.

MoorCroft Reference

Due to my present situation and the illness of my partner  I am struggling to cope with your constant calls. 

 I can now only deal with this matter in writing.

Please cease all calls with immediate effect.

Given my present circumstances I am only in a position to make a token payment of £1 per month towards this debt, this will be paid by standing order.  Please send me your bank details.

I hope to be able to engage with you some more once my stress levels have reduced. 

Yours faithfully.

xxxxx

Then block them on your mobile/landline (if possible).

You don't have to feel stressed by this people.

Provided the debt is legitimate and not a 'bum biting debt' then the token payment will work - but don't let them bully you. More information below (sorry CA - couldn't find your link). 

 

Harassment by creditors

WWW.CITIZENSADVICE.ORG.UK

---

How creditors are supposed to behave when they are trying to recover their money, what kind of behaviour is not acceptable and how to tell if you are...

 

 

[Bazooka Boo]

Wait, what is the debt for?

DO NOT blindly pay a DCA. Especially Moorcr@p.

 

Check your credit file and see what is on there.

 

NEVER EVER contact a DCA until you know what the debt is, if you owe it, and the last time you paid anything towards it.

 

And you most certainly don't offer to pay £1 a month that only keeps the clock ticking and resets it for another 6 years.

 

 

[AndyOrch]

And...particularly as this is Moorcroft. I wasn't aware they were using door knockers to pressure debt collection ?

 

 

[robswish]

I’m sorry to hear that and it seems that they are definitely crossing a line. There are a lot of articles on the internet stating exactly what bailiffs can’t do.

 

On the whole, debt collectors cannot visit your home if you have weak, disabled or people that are sick in the house and in your case they cannot visit if you have young children present. 

 

Unfortunately, debt collectors can visit between 6am and 9pm BUT they cannot be overly aggressive or make your circumstances known to anyone other than you so if the Moorcroft collectors are shouting loudly then this could be grounds for a complaint. 

 

Finally, if they are calling and sending letters so frequently it could be considered harassment then you are entitled to send them a letter stating your contact preferences which they have to stick to and if not you can complain. 

 

The link you asked about is a good start but there is loads of good information available for free online and like I said, if it all becomes too overwhelming, get in touch with a debt charity.

 

I wish you all the best. 
 

[AndyOrch]

All the information you require in dealing with debt and DCA is here on this forum...for some reason robswish wishes to redirect you to external sources rather than utilize this forum which you have become a member and no doubt viewed the rest and determined their advice is ineffective.

 

Andy 

[Bazooka Boo]

Don't get confused between Debt collectors and Bailiffs.

 

A debt collector is NOT a bailiff.

A debt collector has absolutely zero legal rights.

 

Not entirely sure where some of the advice is coming from robswish but it isnt correct.

[dx100uk]

what is the debt please and who are moorcrofts stated clients?

they don't buy debts only chase.

please don't send then any pointless letter tennis till you answer my questions

its worthy to note that the links that have been now removed from earlier posts are nothing more than a site that gives very bad advice and is i see a glorified introducer to secured loans and IVA's. no wonder the site keeps saying you must respond and pay DCA's.!!

go scam other people!

not on CAG you wont.

god the video on that site by scott is appalling , very bad advice throughout.

[dx100uk]

hows this going?

dx