Harassment has now turned to threats!

[Foggy]

I understand it is stressful, having been there myself not so long ago. However, in my case at least, I found being in the IVA empowering. For once I was in the driving seat, I was in control, not the creditors. Once the IVA was in place I didn't have to play their games -- they had to play mine.

I get stressed too, and am on a daily pharmacies worth of pills, but I'd take them on. The way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them or ignore them. Both options require strength.

All the previous posters want to do is provide support.

[oscar]

best wishes I'm done with this forum

[SuperGert]

I just wanted to say that I am not upset or stressed out by any of your comments Foggy (or anyone elses for that matter). I chuckled when I read them all and take the comments in a lighthearted manner. We are all in the same boat and here to support each other, so why not have a giggle to lighten the way :O)

I have had a letter in writing from them Oscar with court action threat, which is why I answered the phone to them tonight, but as my IVA has been going for 5 months I am fully protected and they are just big bullies.

Thanks Oscar though for being sweet enough to make sure us newbies are ok x

[SuperGert]

Could one of the administrators please delete this topic I started. I didn't mean to start any arguements or upset anyone - oop's (sorry)!

[Foggy]

Gert (if I may call you that). There's no arguement, we are all adults (well I am some of the time) engaging in a healthy discussion

I hope Oscar reconsiders, being a very welcome and useful contributor here. If not, Oscar, I wish you well.

[kazzafunk]

Don't worry supergert - we do have discussions that end up like this. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and maybe some take offence to what others have said.

I think the main thing is, you can let off steam here. Attitudes towards creditors do change pre to post IVA. I remember trying to deal with them all civilly prior to the IVA. Once you know you have legal backing if any creditor wants to harrass or take someone to court then it's going to be them that looks rather foolish.

So please don't think you have caused trouble. I too hope that Oscar stays with the forum as we need diverse opinions on here.

[kallis3]

Oscar,

Sorry you feel that way about some of the comments but they are meant in a light hearted way but I personally wouldn't be bothered if they did take me to court. It is meant to show that you don't need to be worried by these bullies.

I know some people wouldn't want the threat of court which is why we say to contact the IP and let them sort it.

Unfortunately Icecream sandwich, a lot of the companies don't seem to know about the act and they will continue to phone even when you tell them to remove the number, especially if it is from a foreign call centre.

At the moment we are getting a lot of calls from people trying to sell us insurance for our Sky box, despite me telling them to remove the number as I'm really not interested.

[kallis3]

Supergert, don't worry. We enjoy a healthy debate on here.

[admin]

Hi SuperGert
Please don't feel the need to apologise !
Your thread has brought out an interesting divergence of opinions.
Healthy debate is always good when it is governed by a strict code of ethics (http://www.iva.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19592)

[Rob1171]

One thing I would suggest is that you keep a log of these calls if it goes to court you will then have the evidence of the harassment to add to the fact that they are in breach of your court order.

[orchid5]

Hi supergert, typing with one hand here so please excuse. Firstly please don't be bullied by anyone on the phone, no-one has the right to do this to you whether you are in an IVA or otherwise. The fact that this individual wouldn't give you his name suggests he knew he was in the wrong. I personally would get an answer phone and then you can police the phonecalls and decide whether you want to answer them. Meanwhile perhaps a letter with the time of the call made on the date etc to simplybe might be in order so that they can then invoke a complaint investigation and deal with the bully appropriately. Good luck to you. xxx

[kallis3]

I'd also consider changing your phone number. You only have to say that you're getting harrassing calls and they should change it free of charge.

[orchid5]

I second that Jaan, it's bad enough having to think about other things without idiots making it worse by using bullying tactics just because they're on the other end of a phone, i'm sure that customer services training doesn't teach them to speak to people this way and it would be interesting to see if that was actually taped as some of them are, now there is a thought!! I'm fine just aching really but have to go for a 2nd opinion re arm next week as a bad break near my elbow! tsk! xxxxx

[Adam Davies]

Hi

There is something quite comforting, as Foggy states, when your IVA is agreed and you have to initially still deal with creditor calls. I have heard of people being told that we do not recognise IVAs etc etc by call centre staff.

Regards

[plasticdaft]

What you have to remember when dealing with call centre staff is that for every 10 people who say they are doing an IVA chances are only 1 or 2 actually are,the rest are stalling to avoid paying debts. I cant believe I am defending them but it wont happen often.

As Andy says the knowledge that they cannot do harm if you have the protection of an IVA is perhaps one of the best features of an IVA.

As for debate on the forum,it is healthy to discuss things and we are all grown up and if one of us occasionally goes too far admin can get the pointy stick out and poke us back into line!!

Paul