This is an update on my previous thread titled my iva terminated after 4.5 years.As discussed previously,I had an IVA which was terminated after 4.5 years.I contacted this forum for advice as I was in despair and I didn't know what to do.I got a lot of support and I finally spoke with my IP who modified my agreement and the plan is to extend my agreement for 12 months.When I received the initial letter of termination of my IVA,I immediately started looking for a debt management company to take over.I went on line and the first company I contacted was 123 debt solutions.They seemed very nice and sympathetic and recommended my debt spread over a period,paying 600 pounds a month.They sent some paperwork which I completed.The plan was to start the DMP from the 31st of may.I knew it was too soon but I was advised to do it quite early as the charges will increase.I then contacted the forum and you guys practically forced me to speak to my IP with effect.I immediately contacted 123 debt solutions and told them verbally and via email to suspend the agreement and not to withdraw any money from my account.I was assured that no money was going to come out of my account as I have cancelled the standing order.I even called again to confirm.Guesss what happened?!They took 600 pounds anyway,I found out on the 1st of june,immediately called them and they said all I had to was send a cancellation letter in the post,send confirmation of re-instating of my IVA and proof that I emailed my contact about suspending the plan.I sent all the evidence via email,They received my cancellation letter on the 7th because of the jubilee according to them.I was assured i will receive my money back.I called today to find out if I have been reimbursed,I was told that I was not going to receive any money as my letter came late.I tried talking to quite a few people,they were very unprofessional and kept cutting me off.This money is meant for freeman jones.I really dont know what to do.Is there an equivalent of watch dog for debt management companies?I am planning to take this forward.I feel scammed.These companies are supposed to help us out,not take money from us.Can someone please advise?
Regards
Melanie
So sorry to hear about this Melanie. Some companies are just dreadful!!! I hope one of the professionals can answer your question and soon!!! Good luck
Take what life throws at you and hold your head up high. You're only human after all!!!
Your first course of action would be to go through their internal complaints procedure, as a regulator will more than likely want to see that you have exhausted this avenue before dealing with the complaint.
Also, have a chat to Freeman Jones and let them know so that you can make arrangements to pay this month's contribution once you have received your reimbursement.
What a dreadful time you have been through recently, however your post has hopefully told many people how 123 Debt Solutions conduct their business with clients who contact them for help
I looked on their website and there is no mention of a regulating body on there at all... I thought if they were regulated or members of a professional body they would want or need to have this information shown...
Take what life throws at you and hold your head up high. You're only human after all!!!
I would contact my bank and tell them that 123 took the money without your permission, you will be covered under the Direct Debit guarantee scheme and the bank should refund the money to your account and let them force 123 to refund the money to them. Your proof is the cancelled direct debit prior to 123 scamming the money from your account.
Last Payment made 04/12/14. Completion Certificate 25/7/15. IVA company GT. No Issues
Thanks for all your replies.They set up a standing order,I cancelled the standing order before it was taken,checked with my bank,BUT they used my card details to withdraw the money.Will try the bank and see tomorrow.600 pounds is a lot of money for the likes of me
Melanie
I would get Freeman Jones to give them a call and explain the position to them. They now have two representatives posting on the forum, and I am sure they will be able to help you - and thank goodness common sense prevailed and your IVA was saved.
Thanks very much for your advice.Will keep you updated.I am also receiving a phone call from representatives of this site this evening.I really do not know what I would do without this site.we all need the guidance experts can give us otherwise we take the wrong path as evidenced by myself
companys often make mistakes but hopefully you will get this sorted out,sometimes you do feel like your banging your head against a brick wall,my advise is try to get in contact with someone at the top of the company,it helped me
never cment on me speling its rubbish and i didnt go to schola lot okk
made bankrupt 1st august 2012 at 10.00am
now disharged so bankrupt no more thank god im free of debt now
You should also contact your bank and request a visa or MasterCard chargeback, if they did not have permission to take the money then the card issuer will refund it under the chargeback scheme which now covers debit cards. The icing on the cake is that the firm gets charged the fees in relation to the refund.
"Just when you think that you can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends."
