Hello.

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Hi everyone.

 

I joined these forums back in May and have received some invaluable help. I just thought I should formally introduce myself to some of the other regulars and to any future recruits. I thought this post would quickly get swamped in the main intro section and doubt many of you would look in there that often. Also, as this is where I am inevitably 'lurking' I decided to post here.

 

I experienced some serious bad health when I was younger (specific physical health problem) and in combination with University and general 'stupidity of youth' I built up some considerable debts. I think I ended up owing about £25,000. I somehow managed to service these debts for a couple of years after University, but bank charges eventually sent me under. Everything just collapsed and my health problem deteriorated and I suffered a lot mentally. I just couldn't cope and buried my head in the sand. My debts are now statute barred and I am going to start digging around my credit record soon and getting rid of any lingering creditors still hassling me. I will soon be in complete control (hopefully!) and can have a brand new start in my life. One thing at a time, slowly but surely. :) What I can say with a lot of conviction is never again! What a nightmare.

 

A year after my world fell apart it came to light that my elderly father had also built up some huge debts. Over £100,000! :o :o This had happened over a period of 20 years and he had somehow kept it hidden from my mum and I. He was also in a terrible state and his health suffered too. He took his share of the equity in the property and managed to clear a good chunk of the debts. I am now trying to help him get completely debt free. We have already battled and won one court case (with CAG help) and successfully defended a stat demand from another creditor through a CCA request. We have CCAed the remaining creditors and not one of them has come up with anything yet. Fingers crossed!

 

Neither my father or I are proud of what has happened, but you can't change the past. You can change the future though. The DCA's we have both encountered have invariably been very nasty indeed. Now do you put up with that like scared mice or do you fight back? I say you fight back. They don't have the right to treat people the way they do because they have had the misfortune or ignorance to build up debts. I am sure of that. They could and should behave a lot better towards debtors. My solution is ***EXPANSION***. That is what they must fear. They won't change until we hurt them. I sincerely believe that. The more people that get here the better. And remember it is the probably the most messed up that generally don't manage to get help. If you think you know someone with a debt problem mention this site.

 

I hope to build up my knowledge and stay part of these forums for the foreseeable future. I aim to completely resolve the affairs of my father and I and at the same time do my utmost to help other people. I also want to promote these forums as much as possible. Now I will do my best to behave, but I do have a habit of wading in with my size 25's. I can't help it though. I do hate DCAs' so much and have a lot more steam to eject. Not because 'they are DCA's', but because of the 'way they conduct business'. If I upset any of the good folk on here I am sorry. It is never my intention to upset anyone. Blame it on the DCA's for creating me, they have driven me bonkers! :D I will take criticism in good spirits though. We are on the same side.

 

Thanks.

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LOL. I already have my high horse mate. I will need it to trample on all those DCA's. We can do a 'Lord of the Rings' style assault together and slay some trolls. Death to the DCA's! Chargggggggge!!!!!

 

Out of interest. Have the DCA's made any efforts to clamp down on this forum yet? I think I have managed to keep my comments legal if people look at them closely.

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That's reassuring to know. :)

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Ha ha ha. When he leaves the forum he goes off crying to 'mummy'.

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Someone here should be overseeing complaints that CAG Debt Action members have made. Maybe some sticky threads for people that have actually submitted formal complaints? One for ignoring telephone harassment letters, one for ignoring letters to stop chasing stat barred debt, one for bullying and intimidation etc.. When complaints are submitted to the OFT, FOS, TS etc. it should be stipulated that it is part of a CAG mass complaint and progress WILL be scrutinised. It would be easier to track everything and what results we are getting.

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If people have complained and if The FOS can actually get involved and take the complaint up.

 

Everyone should also ensure that the complain to The OFT questioning the firms fitness to hold a CC licence.

 

Maybe the debt action group should be 'target driven'? An organised fight would probably fare better. Starting off with a modest monthly target of 10 or something for each different type of complaint wouldn't be bad. I think people would be queueing up to compalin about ignoring telephone harassment letters for starters. Maybe just start off with that for now with a sticky for those that have complained and take it from there? I strongly support your stance sequenci of actively encouragfing everyone to formally complain. I think it would make a difference and the ball would soon be rolling. What have we got to lose?