OFT debt collection guidance

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

I am not sure that the OFT would be interested in this, although I certainly would not pay any unsubstantiated extra charges. Who is the DCA ?

 

The OFT are usually very interested in breaches of its own guidance.

[Peterbard]

The OFT are usually very interested in breaches of its own guidance.

 

The OFT rarely if ever act on individual complaints like this, they will refer you to the CAB.

 

http://oft.gov.uk/contactus#.UdSecfnVCHQ

 

The OFT cannot provide advice or assistance to individual consumers or traders. If you require consumer advice, information on specific consumer rights or wish to make a consumer complaint against a trader, please visit http://www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

[Peterbard]

Sorry just read the post you were referring to, the OFT would not be interested anyway because it is not a regulated activity to collect vets bills.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Dodgeball

[Guest]

OFT refers payday lending market to Competition Commission

http://oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2013/45-13

 

'The review has found evidence of widespread non-compliance with the law and guidance across the sector and at every stage in the life-cycle of loans.'

http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/credit...liance-review/

 

oft update http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/credit/payday-lenders-compliance-review/#.Uffit5F0Ziw

Edited July 30, 2013 by Ford

[Guest]

and, stepchanges view http://www.stepchange.org/Mediacentre/Pressreleases/Paydayloansfurtheractionneeded.aspx

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

It MUST be remembered that THE OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING IS NOT JUST ABOUT CCA 1974 REGULATED MATTERS!!

 

There are dedicated teams dealing with a multitude of trading areas.

 

It is nonsense to state that the OFT would not be interested is this type of case.

[Peterbard]

It MUST be remembered that THE OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING IS NOT JUST ABOUT CCA 1974 REGULATED MATTERS!!

 

There are dedicated teams dealing with a multitude of trading areas.

 

It is nonsense to state that the OFT would not be interested is this type of case.

 

The OP can try them if they like, but they will just be referred to the CAB, they have no interest in the collection of vets bills, unless there is credit involved of course.

[Peterbard]

Taken from here:

 

http://www.oft.gov.uk/about-the-oft/faqs/#.UgOUJW1dBm8

 

"What can't you do?

 

We cannot:

 

• act on behalf of individuals
  
• help or intervene in individual disputes
  
• advise if a business is being investigated
  
• tell you if a trader is good or bad
  
• tell you which trader you should use
  
• help you to get your money back
  
• comment on whether a specific contract or situation is unfair
  
• help with academic research
  
• comment on studies we are doing beyond what we have said in our public statements, or
  
• take enforcement action without a breach of specific legislation.
  

Back to top

Why can't you get involved in individual disputes?

 

We are bound by the powers given to us in legislation. For example, Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (OPSI website) restricts the OFT to enforcing legislation only where there has been a breach that affects the collective interests of consumers (see paragraph 9.2 of the Enterprise Act guidelines published by the OFT).

This means that we don't have the powers to get involved in your individual dispute. However, there are people who may be able to help you. For more information, see 'Where can I get advice about a problem I'm having with a particular business?' below.

Although the OFT is unable to act on your behalf, we can act to protect a large number of consumers throughout the UK

 

Where can I get advice about a problem I'm having with a particular business?

 

You can get advice from Citizens Advice consumer service. The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Visit www.adviceguide.org.uk - making a complaint or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06."

[Peterbard]

Taken from here:

 

http://www.oft.gov.uk/about-the-oft/faqs/#.UgOUJW1dBm8

 

"What can't you do?

 

We cannot:

 

• act on behalf of individuals
  
• help or intervene in individual disputes
  
• advise if a business is being investigated
  
• tell you if a trader is good or bad
  
• tell you which trader you should use
  
• help you to get your money back
  
• comment on whether a specific contract or situation is unfair
  
• help with academic research
  
• comment on studies we are doing beyond what we have said in our public statements, or
  
• take enforcement action without a breach of specific legislation.
  

Back to top

Why can't you get involved in individual disputes?

 

We are bound by the powers given to us in legislation. For example, Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (OPSI website) restricts the OFT to enforcing legislation only where there has been a breach that affects the collective interests of consumers (see paragraph 9.2 of the Enterprise Act guidelines published by the OFT).

This means that we don't have the powers to get involved in your individual dispute. However, there are people who may be able to help you. For more information, see 'Where can I get advice about a problem I'm having with a particular business?' below.

Although the OFT is unable to act on your behalf, we can act to protect a large number of consumers throughout the UK

 

Where can I get advice about a problem I'm having with a particular business?

 

You can get advice from Citizens Advice consumer service. The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Visit www.adviceguide.org.uk - making a complaint or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06."

 

Yes thank Davyly, thought that this was common knowledge, but it is good to see it in writing. They must have gotten fed up with people making inappropriate complaints and decided to clarify the position once and for all.

 

I wonder if it will do any good ?

[sequenci]

There's a huge difference between a regulator and a complaints body; that's for sure.

[Guest]

for (oldish) reference

 

'Please note that references to mental capacity in the irresponsible lending guidance have now been superseded by the Mental Capacity guidance for creditors.' oft

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/consultations/oft1373.pdf

http://www.oft.gov.uk/about-the-oft/legal-powers/legal/cca/mental-capacity-guidance/

http://www.walkermorris.co.uk/business-insights/short-guide-5-oft%E2%80%99s-mental-capacity-guidance

etc

[phatram]

Who do I complain to about a DCA ?

[sequenci]

Who do I complain to about a DCA ?

 

The FOS usually. What's the situation, do you have a thread anywhere?

[phatram]

The FOS usually. What's the situation, do you have a thread anywhere?

 

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?267034-Moorcroft-CO-OP-Now-with-Lowell

[lizilou]

Can companies collect debt on Sundays i.e home visits or phone calls need advice

[Guest]

'The OFT has refused to renew the consumer credit licences of debt purchaser HFO Capital Limited, and two associated debt collectors, HFO Services Limited and Roxburghe (UK) Limited.'

'The OFT found evidence of misleading and unfair practices in the businesses' operations, including:

• sending debt collection letters which misrepresented debtors' legal position
  
• misleading and otherwise inappropriate behaviour by HFO and Roxburghe agents during phone calls to debtors
  
• failing to properly investigate disputed debts
  
• failure to respond appropriately to the concerns of regulators, including the OFT.'
  

http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2014/08-14

 

'The OFT's consumer credit team currently has 32 investigations open into firms which intelligence suggests are engaged in unfair practices or may be otherwise unfit to hold a licence.'

 

it can pay to send info to the relevant authorities, albeit maybe short term.

 

[Guest]

also

'As part of the Government’s reforms to the arrangements for competition, consumer protection and consumer credit regulation, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) closes on 31 March 2014, and its work and responsibilities pass to a number of different bodies.'

http://www.oft.gov.uk/about-the-oft/work-and-responsibilities/

[AndyOrch]

Thread started for you in Debt Collection Agencies forum davyboy.

 

Regards

 

Andy

[Guest]

the FCA CONC, for reference

 

http://fshandbook.info/FS/html/handbook/CONC

[Guest]

FCA recent warnings re unauthorised/clone firms targeting uk (see FCA news);

 

Ronney Loan services

Stanford Barclay

King Edward / Brightstar Financial Limited (clone) (clone of FCA registered firm)

Cruiser Trading Co Ltd (clone of FCA authorised firm)

Migham Credit Finance Limited

Gilmoore Financial

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?409-FCA-Unauthorised-firms-and-individuals-to-avoid

[Guest]

there are 'awards' for debt collection!! can anyone vouch for the 'winners'?

 

http://www.credittoday.co.uk/article/17531/online-news/debt-collection-awards-winners-announced

[oleg]

Couple of years ago I seem to recall one of them was a certain whatsisname McKenzie who has recently reaped his most Just rewards ever.

[Guest]

 

i only just came across those 'awards'.

wondered if any 'customers' cld vouch for eg 1st credit being first for compliance and fair cust treatment. or mbna re 'vulnerable customers'.

[DonkeyB]

I remember Roxburghe winning an award once ... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Byeee!

[Guest]

 

looks like then that the winners of these self indulgent 'awards' dont last too long