Anybody dealt with these bullies? Arvato

Shane-KornSpace

Hi, guys.
I recently had an outstanding balance with Board Gais that I was not aware of (€115).
About 2 weeks ago I started receiving letters in the post from Arvato Finance, looking to aquire my balances.

I get paid by the month and was due to be paid today, however there was a problem and I was not paid today.

I got another letter from Arvato informing me they will be calling to my house to claim my owed money.
It's bad enough they have been calling me twice a day, every day for the past two weeks, but to call to my door is just making me feel really under pressure and very anxious.

It's approaching Christmas, I pay 650euro a month in rent and work in retail, my GF is not currently working as she's heavily pregnant. I just cannot afford this.

Has anybody dealt with these before?

Dudess

How were you not aware that you owed money for a service that you use, and for which statements are issued to you?

Shane-KornSpace

usually taken out by direct debit. since i never was notified, i assumed by balance had been paid

foggy_lad

Shane-KornSpace wrote: »

Hi, guys.
I recently had an outstanding balance with Board Gais that I was not aware of (€115).
About 2 weeks ago I started receiving letters in the post from Arvato Finance, looking to aquire my balances.

I get paid by the month and was due to be paid today, however there was a problem and I was not paid today.

I got another letter from Arvato informing me they will be calling to my house to claim my owed money.
It's bad enough they have been calling me twice a day, every day for the past two weeks, but to call to my door is just making me feel really under pressure and very anxious.

It's approaching Christmas, I pay 650euro a month in rent and work in retail, my GF is not currently working as she's heavily pregnant. I just cannot afford this.

Has anybody dealt with these before?

Get in touch with Bord Gais and offer to pay something off the arrears each week/month until the debt is cleared, don't deal with anyone else as you don't owe money to anyone else!

If Bord Gais refuse a reasonable payment plan then let them take you to court(a very expensive process and all for €115) as a reasonable judge will see your attempts to make good on the debt.

These debt collectors have no powers in Ireland and will not call to your door, this is just intimidation and a tactic to try to get money from you.

Dudess

Shane-KornSpace wrote: »

usually taken out by direct debit. since i never was notified, i assumed by balance had been paid

Even though no payment showed on your bank statement?
Yeah get on to them to set up a payment plan but pay no attention to all the nonsense above about how these guys are not legit etc from someone who clearly hasn't a clue. If they were not legit, BG would not use them.

angel01

Shane-KornSpace wrote: »

usually taken out by direct debit. since i never was notified, i assumed by balance had been paid

Surely you would have been checking your statements every 2 months or so When they rang you, did you arrange how you were going to pay off this debt?

kennethsmyth

These guys are legit but you dont have to deal with them, your contract is with bord gais. Ring bord gais and only ever deal with them, tell these guys that you are dealing with bord gais and to not call again.

foggy_lad

Have I said they were not legitimate?

They have no more powers than I have if I asked the op for money owed to Bord Gais, It would be uneconomical for them to Call to your door for such a small sum and even if they did call they have no right of entry and absolutely no right to take money or other goods from the premises as that would be theft. OP you do not have to talk to them at all.

If they have been calling you twice a day even after they have notified you of the amount outstanding you should contact the Gardai as this is harassment.

Times are hard for everyone especially at Christmas and this kind of harassment and intimidation is not right from a company as bad with their bookkeeping as bord gais are! I left them because they kept sending out bills late, leaving only a few days between getting the bill and the money being taken from the account even though the direct debit guarantee stated 14 days I was only getting 2-5 days.

after ringing and writing to them they eventually answered when I stopped the direct debit payments and they had the neck to request a security deposit, I asked for a written undertaking that they would adhere to the rules of the direct debit scheme which they had signed up to but they could not give such an undertaking so had no choice but to let me off without paying any deposit!

two years later and although bumped up to some customer care operations manager in some cosy office my bills were still arriving late while all other bills were very much on time so I switched to FloGas!

Deal only with Bord Gais and my advice would be as soon as the arrears are paid switch to FloGas who are much cheaper.

Dudess

I'm gettIng tired of reading "times are hard" in relation to bills for services that people elect to use and agree to pay. I'm not denying times are hard but therefore, ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan... but don't try to deflect the responsibility to the company when you don't even check your bank statements, despite knowingly using the service.
As for this agency, if the debt is passed on to them, they are the ones to be dealt with. It's all very well to say "They're not who you're contracted to" bla bla... but the terms of that very contract were broken.
If you feel harassed by them, well they don't know your personal circumstances - they're not psychic. All they know is: you owe money that you don't appear to have done anything about, e.g. ringing the supplier, paying even a tenner off. I don't get this victimhood stuff, as if you've done nothing wrong.

I don't get the "The company is always up to something" paranoia from a minority here either.

tallaghtoutlaws

Dudess wrote: »

I'm gettIng tired of reading "times are hard" in relation to bills for services that people elect to use and agree to pay. I'm not denying times are hard but therefore, ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan... but don't try to deflect the responsibility to the company when you don't even check your bank statements, despite knowingly using the service.
As for this agency, if the debt is passed on to them, they are the ones to be dealt with. It's all very well to say "They're not who you're contracted to" bla bla... but the terms of that very contract were broken.
If you feel harassed by them, well they don't know your personal circumstances - they're not psychic. All they know is: you owe money that you don't appear to have done anything about, e.g. ringing the supplier, paying even a tenner off. I don't get this victimhood stuff, as if you've done nothing wrong.

I don't get the "The company is always up to something" paranoia from a minority here either.

You are wrong on the count you deal with the agency they passed the debt on to as they use these companies only to threaten people into paying.

When I ran into trouble with my AIB Visa, my own fault of course they passed it on to some aganecy who have no legal standing here to begin with. I told that agency to practically go and fook themselves and told them I will only deal with the AIB Credit card dept. I called up the AIB and sorted out my mess avoiding the debt collectors. You are better off dealing with the source as they still carry your debt. Debt collection agencies are used as an extra avenue to get their funds back and to scare folk into paying up.

Dudess

But the debt is often paid by the agency to the company which then no longer requires it, hence the agency being the ones to look for the money consequently.
It isn't always a case of the agency being out to bully people.

Avatarr

Dudess wrote: »

I'm gettIng tired of reading "times are hard" in relation to bills for services that people elect to use and agree to pay. I'm not denying times are hard but therefore, ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan... but don't try to deflect the responsibility to the company when you don't even check your bank statements, despite knowingly using the service.
As for this agency, if the debt is passed on to them, they are the ones to be dealt with. It's all very well to say "They're not who you're contracted to" bla bla... but the terms of that very contract were broken.
If you feel harassed by them, well they don't know your personal circumstances - they're not psychic. All they know is: you owe money that you don't appear to have done anything about, e.g. ringing the supplier, paying even a tenner off. I don't get this victimhood stuff, as if you've done nothing wrong.

I don't get the "The company is always up to something" paranoia from a minority here either.

Hey, lighten up, cut the guy some slack.

NewHillel

Dudess wrote: »

?.., ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan...

That advice is sound.

As for the rest of your post, what a load of codswollop. :pac:

tallaghtoutlaws

Dudess wrote: »

But the debt is often paid by the agency to the company which then no longer requires it, hence the agency being the ones to look for the money consequently.
It isn't always a case of the agency being out to bully people.

Most of those debt collectors work off commission. Once they get the money back they get a cut. The companies don't actually pass or sell on the debt. If that was the case anyway who tells them to fook off and tries to deal with the actual company they owe money to would be told to go away and deal with the debt collector where the debt was passed to. Anyone in this situation should ignore the debt collector and just go to the original company and sort out a payment with them. And all Debt collectors use bully tactics no matter how legit they are. That is how they get their money back. And they have no legal standing here unlike the UK where the debt is 100% for the most part passed on to them.

Dudess

NewHillel wrote: »

Dudess wrote: »

?.., ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan...

That advice is sound.

As for the rest of your post, what a load of codswollop. :pac:

You haven't offered an explanation why, therefore I'm assuming you don't really think it is - you just don't like reading it.
Nothing incorrect in what I say, darl - some folks don't like reality though.
Let me guess: you're the type who rings companies in a rage over being charged money you owe for a service you used.

Dudess

Avatarr wrote: »

Dudess wrote: »

I'm gettIng tired of reading "times are hard" in relation to bills for services that people elect to use and agree to pay. I'm not denying times are hard but therefore, ring the company, explain the situation, set up a payment plan... but don't try to deflect the responsibility to the company when you don't even check your bank statements, despite knowingly using the service.
As for this agency, if the debt is passed on to them, they are the ones to be dealt with. It's all very well to say "They're not who you're contracted to" bla bla... but the terms of that very contract were broken.
If you feel harassed by them, well they don't know your personal circumstances - they're not psychic. All they know is: you owe money that you don't appear to have done anything about, e.g. ringing the supplier, paying even a tenner off. I don't get this victimhood stuff, as if you've done nothing wrong.

I don't get the "The company is always up to something" paranoia from a minority here either.

Hey, lighten up, cut the guy some slack.

I did - I outlined his options but made him aware he has to take some responsibility too. I also just created awareness of some realities - apologies that I didn't say "Ah they're mean, you shouldn't have to pay anything." I was speaking more in general in that post you highlighted - not specifically to the OP. It would be nice if whingers cut service providers some slack too, but I guess we can but dream.

I don't want to see anyone struggling with debt but take a bit of a decent attitude with the evil company, take some personal responsibility, and you'll be surprised at how they're not actually that evil!

dharn

GOD ! Another thread hijacked by 2 timewasters

Dudess

dharn wrote: »

GOD ! Another thread hijacked by 2 timewasters

You... could say what you're referring to - otherwise your own post looks like time-wasting.

Dudess

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

The companies don't actually pass or sell on the debt.

Actually, some companies do.

If that was the case anyway who tells them to fook off and tries to deal with the actual company they owe money to would be told to go away and deal with the debt collector where the debt was passed to.

And I know for a fact that happens. Maybe it depends on the company, but telling people to just brush off collection agencies in general is incorrect advice, difficult as it may be for some, who feel violated by being reminded they owe money, to accept. Not an attack on you btw.

Can't be nice to have the likes of them chasing you but insist on a payment plan with them if the debt is passed on by the company. Don't leave bills build up in the hope they'll go away either. Talk to MABS, whomever you can.

Morlar

foggy_lad wrote: »

Get in touch with Bord Gais and offer to pay something off the arrears each week/month until the debt is cleared, don't deal with anyone else as you don't owe money to anyone else!

If Bord Gais refuse a reasonable payment plan then let them take you to court(a very expensive process and all for €115) as a reasonable judge will see your attempts to make good on the debt.

These debt collectors have no powers in Ireland and will not call to your door, this is just intimidation and a tactic to try to get money from you.

This is probably the best and least judgemental advice on this thread OP. Good luck with it.

Dudess

Morlar wrote: »

foggy_lad wrote: »

Get in touch with Bord Gais and offer to pay something off the arrears each week/month until the debt is cleared, don't deal with anyone else as you don't owe money to anyone else!

If Bord Gais refuse a reasonable payment plan then let them take you to court(a very expensive process and all for €115) as a reasonable judge will see your attempts to make good on the debt.

These debt collectors have no powers in Ireland and will not call to your door, this is just intimidation and a tactic to try to get money from you.

This is probably the best and least judgemental advice on this thread OP. Good luck with it.

How is it the best when it's possibly incorrect?

If people stopped blaming companies for their own errors, then there wouldn't be what you deem judging. The same advice about a payment plan was also given by those "judging".

Technocentral

Dudess wrote: »

You... could say what you're referring to - otherwise your own post looks like time-wasting.

Now who could dharn be referring to? I simply can't think who it could be.

Dudess

I've no doubt. Funny how stuff which isn't untrue, some folks just don't like reading it, is deemed "time-wasting".

I'm not a judgemental person - regularly chided here for being a "do-gooder". If someone posted that they were struggling to pay bills end of, I'd say nothing whatsoever about personal responsibility, just offer advice like ringing the company and mabs.
But when the "I didn't know about it" and other attempts at twisting the blame on the company start, then I can't help but see the company's perspective too.

Shame that's so problematic for some.

kennethsmyth

Dudess wrote: »

How is it the best when it's possibly incorrect?

If people stopped blaming companies for their own errors, then there wouldn't be what you deem judging. The same advice about a payment plan was also given by those "judging".

Again, you do not have to deal with the debt agent only the original company in IRELAND, do as foggy lad said.

Dudess, the op was looking for help in how to deal with the issue not a lecture on whether people should be responsibly about their debts. The op knows they owe the money by now. I'm not siding with the op as i also believe in an individuals responsiblity for their own issues and debts. But they are looking for help not judgement.

jonevin

If you only owe 150 to bord gais a ten week pay plan is only 15 euro a week you would have been called at least four times and numerous letters sent before your debt was sent to alternative means of collection

Dudess

kennethsmyth wrote: »

Dudess wrote: »

How is it the best when it's possibly incorrect?

If people stopped blaming companies for their own errors, then there wouldn't be what you deem judging. The same advice about a payment plan was also given by those "judging".

Again, you do not have to deal with the debt agent only the original company in IRELAND, do as foggy lad said.

Dudess, the op was looking for help in how to deal with the issue not a lecture on whether people should be responsibly about their debts. The op knows they owe the money by now. I'm not siding with the op as i also believe in an individuals responsiblity for their own issues and debts. But they are looking for help not judgement.

Kenneth, I don't understand why foggy lad's word is taken as gospel. There are companies here who pass the debt to agencies. I know people who have had to pay them and were told by the original company to deal with the agency. Not good to give the OP potentially incorrect info. Maybe it's correct but we don't know. I'd advise the OP to ask.
I asked the OP why he didn't know about a bill he owes since you don't not know about a bill for which you owe - you are notified a number of times, as well as knowingly using the service and being aware when money goes out of your bank account. It's unfair to make out the company is at fault in such cases. Change of contact details could be a factor but that's not the company's fault if they're not advised.
The rest of what I said was general, not specifically to the OP - on the back of the ludicrous "the company is mean" sentiment here, as if they chase people for no reason.
And I offered advice. I'm not someone who gets off on having a swipe at others' misfortune, believe me, but unfair blaming and scapegoating is also something that's very wrong - and far too widespread.

tallaghtoutlaws

Dudess wrote: »

Actually, some companies do.

And I know for a fact that happens. Maybe it depends on the company, but telling people to just brush off collection agencies in general is incorrect advice, difficult as it may be for some, who feel violated by being reminded they owe money, to accept. Not an attack on you btw.

Debt collection agencies have no legal standing here and 99% of the time are only used to scare people or bully them.

Can't be nice to have the likes of them chasing you but insist on a payment plan with them if the debt is passed on by the company. Don't leave bills build up in the hope they'll go away either. Talk to MABS, whomever you can.

Want to hear something that is going to rubbish your whole theory? Mabs actually told me to deal with the companies directly and not with collection agencies. They said that if you owe a company money only deal with that company and not the collection agency.

who feel violated by being reminded they owe money, to accept. Not an attack on you btw.

See this part of your post gets me whether you say it isnt against me. In my case I already knew I owed the AIB money, It was a mess i put myself in. I had already talked to the AIB about it on many occasions and pressed on thinking things would be fine until I couldn't handle the debt anymore. They still sent the debt collection agency on to me even though I had talked to them. It wasn't until we mutually agreed what was the best plan for paying the debt then they called off the debt collection agency. And I am not alone when it comes to the situation I put myself in.

Dudess

Honestly it's not directed at you - you said you knew it was your issue to sort out, you didn't blame the bank.
Where is your "fact" from? And where is your 99 per cent from? A figure that's usually made up, but if not, there's still one per cent. I'm not saying there aren't agencies that merely intimidate, but there are some that actually take the debt from the company, and we don't know which type of agency this is, so ffs why are people giving the OP certain advice based on something they're not totally certain of?
It's not a theory by me, btw.
OP, ask - and if it's just a crowd of heavies, speak to Bord Gais and set up a payment plan. Let them know your situation, because they've no way of knowing.

brianserious

I just got a letter from these guys saying I need to call immediatley , damn I thought it was a job I applied for till I came here.

I owe bord gais approx 400 euros

NEVER deal with the debt collectors they are the lowest of the low and they add fees.

And to those people who always seem to side with companies they need to take a look at them selves in the mirror,

big companies dont care about peoples circumstances, ,thats why they get the people in financial services to do what they are best at- intimidate folk.

I will ignore the letters and pay bord gais 50 e in about a month then in about another 9 months they process will repeat. This is how these issues get resolved in Ireland.

Dont get all mad- dont reply or acknowledge or write back to these debters they can do nothing.

Dont worry about the self righteous folk here talking about availing of services as if you have a choice to not use electricty
LOL gimme a break !


This is no rreal biggie to bord gais neither its just process to them and they will get their money----.....................
...............
.............

eventually

brianserious

PS: I have got many many many debt collectors letters over the years and dealing with the company direct is the way to go in EVERY case.

Play like these guys dont exist-
#

foggy_lad

brianserious wrote: »

Play like these guys dont exist-
#

But don't ignore or play like the debt doesn't exist and you should be ok!

the original company you owe money to should set up a reasonable payment plan and even if they don't you should still pay money off the debt weekly and whenever you can afford it. this shows you willing to pay.

Morning Wood

Dudess wrote: »

Nothing incorrect in what I say, darl

How patronising & condescending. I bet you click your fingers & "sshhh" people too.

dudara

Morning Wood If you have a problem with a post, then please use the Report Post button. Please do not add noise to the thread.

dudara

Onthe3rdDay

I gave up on Direct Debits a long time ago. I know it’s not always possible but not all companies use the system correctly. We all need to take responsibility for what we owe but when you sign up with a Direct Debit it’s supposed to be taken care of. It’s easy to see how you could end up owing money.

It’s better to pay items with online banking or down at the post office.

Also it’s very hard to defend these debt collection companies when they lie. They say someone is coming to call but then they don’t turn up.

Dudess

brianserious wrote: »

And to those people who always seem to side with companies they need to take a look at them selves in the mirror

If the company are being arseholes, I wouldn't side with them - but what's wrong with seeing nothing wrong with them looking for the money they're owed? People who act as if they're being violated when money they owe is requested are the ones who need to look in the mirror - what utter self entitlement. If it's difficult to pay bills, ring them and set up a payment plan. You're incorrect - companies actually do take individual circumstances into account, but it's not their fault either. Damn right I'd side with the company when responsibility is shifted to them.

self righteous folk here talking about availing of services as if you have a choice to not use electricty
LOL gimme a break !

Er... it still has to be paid. People who are arrogant enough to think they can leave their bills pile up and not even pay a fiver off a week, and say they'll pay "eventually" are the self righteous ones who clearly feel they deserve special treatment.
Food is even more of a human requirement but you pay for that, why the attitude towards electricity and gas?

Dudess

Morning Wood wrote: »

Dudess wrote: »

Nothing incorrect in what I say, darl

How patronising & condescending. I bet you click your fingers & "sshhh" people too.

It was in response to something I said being referred to as codswallop even though I said nothing incorrect, the person just didn't like reality.

lala88

Shane-KornSpace wrote: »

Hi, guys.
I recently had an outstanding balance with Board Gais that I was not aware of (€115).
About 2 weeks ago I started receiving letters in the post from Arvato Finance, looking to aquire my balances.

I get paid by the month and was due to be paid today, however there was a problem and I was not paid today.

I got another letter from Arvato informing me they will be calling to my house to claim my owed money.
It's bad enough they have been calling me twice a day, every day for the past two weeks, but to call to my door is just making me feel really under pressure and very anxious.

It's approaching Christmas, I pay 650euro a month in rent and work in retail, my GF is not currently working as she's heavily pregnant. I just cannot afford this.

Has anybody dealt with these before?

How are theybullies? You owe them money even if you didn't relise it you still have to pay them! Same old sod story different person

slimjimmc

lala88 wrote: »

How are theybullies?

Avarto have been calling him twice a day for a fortnight and stated they will call to his house to claim money he doesn't owe to them. Quite a few people would consider that bullying or harrassment.

lala88 wrote: »

You owe them money even if you didn't relise it you still have to pay them!

He doesn't owe a cent to Arvato. He has no contract with Arvato, his contract is with BG and his debt is to BG.

lala88 wrote: »

Same old sod story different person

You're making an unjustified assumption, there is nothing in his OP to suggest he's trying to dodge his debts. He was just asking for advice on how to deal with a harrassing (allegedly) debt collection agency. He can't afford a lump sum payment but that doesn't mean he can't or won't settle his debt in instalments.

davo10

I really don't get people who say they are being "harassed" over a debt. Each consumer must take responsibility for the debts they accumulate and stop trying to blame the provider/vendor when they look for payment.

How many posters have posted the same story as the OP?. If you avail of a service or obtain goods, you are obliged to pay for them in a timely fashion as per T&C's, if you can't then you should not have obtained them in the first place.

Debt collectors act on behalf of the vendor and they are not harassing you, they are only looking for you to pay what YOU OWE, if you pay it they will leave you alone, if you do not, then they keep calling. Debtors must accept that they are responsible for the amount owed for the goods/services they have ALREADY RECIEVED, and stop blaming the vendors or their agents for wanting the debt settled.

lala88

davo10 wrote: »

I really don't get people who say they are being "harassed" over a debt. Each consumer must take responsibility for the debts they accumulate and stop trying to blame the provider/vendor when they look for payment.

How many posters have posted the same story as the OP?. If you avail of a service or obtain goods, you are obliged to pay for them in a timely fashion as per T&C's, if you can't then you should not have obtained them in the first place.

Debt collectors act on behalf of the vendor and they are not harassing you, they are only looking for you to pay what YOU OWE, if you pay it they will leave you alone, if you do not, then they keep calling. Debtors must accept that they are responsible for the amount owed for the goods/services they have ALREADY RECIEVED, and stop blaming the vendors or their agents for wanting the debt settled.

Thank you! Im glad to see someone ealse thinks the same. People dont seem to realise that the ESB, Airtricity or who ever it might be are business the same as any other. People habe the same view with banks i think, they think there just there to give money and when they come looking for whats owed the people clame there being "harassed"

nlgbbbblth

Onthe3rdDay wrote: »

I gave up on Direct Debits a long time ago. I know it’s not always possible but not all companies use the system correctly. We all need to take responsibility for what we owe but when you sign up with a Direct Debit it’s supposed to be taken care of. It’s easy to see how you could end up owing money.

It’s better to pay items with online banking or down at the post office.

gospel.

Direct debits mean you don't have control. Fight the power and take control yourself.

calling twice a day and threatening to come to the house IS harassment

davo10

bluewolf wrote: »

calling twice a day and threatening to come to the house IS harassment

If you arrange to pay on the first call, there would be no second nor a call to the house. I do not blame them if the debtor is not responding to their requests for the BG debt to be settled. The consumer knows they are availing of a fee accumulating service. A couple of months ago a poster complained about a creditor contacting him by phone 20 times a day, when he was asked if he actually answered the phone any time, he did not post a reply.

If you accumulate a debt by availing of a service, knowing you are liable for the costs of the service and then abdicate responsibility for payment, I do not believe you are in a position to complain when the service provider or their agents phone/call looking for the money THEY ARE OWED..

OP, do you answer the phone each time or are they leaving messages on your phone?

lala88

davo10 wrote: »

If you arrange to pay on the first call, there would be no second nor a call to the house. I do not blame them if the debtor is not responding to their requests for the BG debt to be settled. The consumer knows they are availing of a fee accumulating service. A couple of months ago a poster complained about a creditor contacting him by phone 20 times a day, when he was asked if he actually answered the phone any time, he did not post a reply.

If you accumulate a debt by availing of a service, knowing you are liable for the costs of the service and then abdicate responsibility for payment, I do not believe you are in a position to complain when the service provider or their agents phone/call looking for the money THEY ARE OWED..

OP, do you answer the phone each time or are they leaving messages on your phone?

Yes people are very fast to come on hear to see if they can find a way to getting out of paying for something. People are also very fast to back them up aswell! People use the recession as an excuse aswell they try and get people to feel sorry from them aswell

Dudess

And it is incorrect to say the debt is never passed to the debt collector. It may not be, but it sometimes can be - so better to check instead of taking it as gospel that the debt collectors don't have to be dealt with.
I feel sympathy for people having difficulty making ends meet, but talk to someone about it rather than leaving things build up.

lala88

Dudess wrote: »

And it is incorrect to say the debt is never passed to the debt collector. It may not be, but it sometimes can be - so better to check instead of taking it as gospel that the debt collectors don't have to be dealt with.
I feel sympathy for people having difficulty making ends meet, but talk to someone about it rather than leaving things build up.

You cant really have sympathy for someone who puts themself into debt by turning a blind eye to it

foggy_lad

Dudess wrote: »

And it is incorrect to say the debt is never passed to the debt collector. It may not be, but it sometimes can be - so better to check instead of taking it as gospel that the debt collectors don't have to be dealt with.
I feel sympathy for people having difficulty making ends meet, but talk to someone about it rather than leaving things build up.

AFAIK the only way for a company to pass/sell your debt over to another person or company is through the courts if a receiver is appointed or if a judgement is made against you.

The usual is that the company pays a collection agency a certain small amount per thousand or hundred debtors for phone calls, letters etc These companies are nothing more than call centres that try to find as much information about you so they can embarrass you into paying by ringing your work number or parents phone number etc or writing to your work or parents address

People with debts under say €100 might get 2 calls a day until they agree to pay up and those with larger amounts may get all the calls plus a series of threatening letters starting with nice ones leading to those threatening court and expenses and agents calling to your house etc.

But you have no dealings with these collection companies so should ignore all contact from them and instead arrange a payment plan directly with the company you owe money to!

If you can afford to pay €10/week to ESB BG or whoever and propose that amount in a payment plan then you MUST pay that even if the company have said they reject the payment plan because €10/week is better than you paying nothing at all! While you are negotiating with the company you should be paying all that you can afford off the debt.

infocal

pay to the collector or u may get a record in Irish Credit Bureau.

foggy_lad

infocal wrote: »

pay to the collector or u may get a record in Irish Credit Bureau.

Nonsense, as this can only be done by financial institutions! If you owe money to a bank or credit union etc they can take you to court and seek a judgement against you and have the details recorded with the Irish credit bureau but normal companies can only take you to court which costs a lot, they must then seek and obtain a judgement against you which is not easy to do as the judge will most likely give you all opportunities to pay by instalments etc, even if the judgement is obtained the company must then go through the county sheriff and get the bailiffs out but the sheriff will usually only act where there is an excellent chance of recovering goods.

rock22

Dudess wrote: »

I'm gettIng tired of reading "times are hard" in relation to bills for services that people elect to use and agree to pay.
.

After complaining about getting tired of these posts you continue to lecture the op in numerous further posts.

When I get tired of certain posts I just stop reading them.

dudara

rock22 Please stick to the original topic. Don't post off-topic.

dudara