Reference number

[Sarah1967]

Hi

I'm waiting for my creditors meeting on the 15th of Sept. I'm obviously still getting creditors phoning me, but luckily the phone calls are not too stressful.

Barclays phoned me this evening and asked on the progress of my situation. I advised them that my meeting was set. They asked me for a reference number. I don't actually have one. They said they couldn't put a hold on my account without one???

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[Foggy]

Are you with Mel ?? I think in the past when pressed, some IVA'ers have simply made one up and told their IP to keep an eye out for it on correspondence. Although, if with Mel, they use client's names to identify them.

[ginger3232]

As long as you give them you IVA company name and number - sounds like another case "no box for extra infomation" on the computer screen.

Maybe it is time to put the answer machine on for a while

[kallis3]

Mel doesn't give numbers out and to be honest, I don't remember having one when I started.

As others have said, just make up a number - they won't have a clue.

[Sarah1967]

Foggy, yes I am with Mel

I don't think they do use reference numbers because there isn't one on any of my letters. I guess I shouldn't worry too much about Barclays. My meeting is in just over a weeks time now. Hopefully the IVA will be accepted then, and everything will sort itself out.......

ginger - I don't actually really mind the phone calls They have started asking why I got into trouble with my payments. I just tell them the truth - I was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago, and being on half pay whilst going through chemo kinda made things hard, and I ended up taking out too much extra credit That explanation certainly shuts them up, and they actually end up appologising for bothering me

[Sarah1967]

That's a good idea Jan

[ginger3232]

Sarah - you picked a really good team there going with Mel. The next week may seem to "really drag" so make sure you use the forum for support and plenty of reassurance - which is in great supply on this forum

[kallis3]

Barclays are a nuisance anyway, they never give up!

I bet it does take the wind out of their sails when you tell them that!

[Sarah1967]

Thanks ginger [:D] They sure are a good team [:I]

[Sarah1967]

Everytime I post a reply, you just pip me to the post with one Jan [:D]

It does seem to shut them up when I tell them that [:I]

[Mark.es]

Hi Sarah

My suggestion is to get a name and number from the creditor or ask future communication is in writing. Then all details should be forward onto the IP that is acting on your behalf with all creditors included in your IVA.

He or she can contact the creditors to discuss the details of the arrangement and to advise that you try and avoid any detailed conversations with the creditors.

I had similar calls in the run up to my first creditors meeting and was advised to forward letters and numbers to my IP

Regards

Mark

[Sarah1967]

Good advice thanks Mark

I will do that!

[kallis3]

I always told my creditors that I would only deal in writing - they totally ignored it and continued to phone as well as send letters.

The call centres generally take no notice of what you say - their job is to try and get money out of you.

[Shining]

I'm with Mel and creditors do find it odd you don't have a reference number but that's the good thing about Mel's team we're all known to them by name not number. As others say make one up I'm sure that'd be fine. x

[kat68]

i'm with mel,
when asked for a reference number by my creditors, i contacted mels team and asked for one, i was told they dont have them, they know clients by name,(excellent personalised service)but as i was concerned i was given a reference number, could have been made up for all i know just to put my mind at rest, but i passed it on to my creditors, they were happy and my calls from them were put on hold for two weeks at a time.