How do I know they are a reputable company

[ben87]

Was the call centre based in the UK? If so, I was under the impression that they couldn't cold call from here.

Yes, Glasgow.

But from what I've been able to dig up, they can skirt around the rules because the initial cold call is based on the fact that you've logged on to websites like compare-the-meercat. Those websites sell lists of names & contact details to call centres like BackToBlack.

Apparently they also deal with mortgages, loans etc, but if it's a lead/enquiry about debts they just ask you if you want to be passed on to their IVA team. But the funny thing is, you don't get to deal with their actual IP department until after the saleman had visited you and you've signed the forms [:0]

The more I dig up and the more I read, the more it stinks!

[MelanieGiles]

I don't think that they can contact you without you having given prior permission for them to do so, but I could be wrong on that point.

[kallis3]

I'm sure I've read it that they whilst they can contact you via Asian call centres, they can't from the UK.

[johnnybriggs]

There are call centres we've mentioned before such as StormData and AJI. Some are based abroad, most operate with the recorded message offering a little known government solution - press 5 if you want to hear about it.

So I suppose on those calls you give your consent for them to connect you to an advisor.

Also there are those offers, competitions and reward cards etc where you forget to tick the box telling them not to pass your details on.

[ben87]

I'm not 100% sure, but when you log on to comparison websites (eg meercat)and give your contact details, isn't that effectively giving your permission to be contacted? They then sell the lists to whoever wants to buy them, and hence they have your "permission" to be contacted. And that's how those websites make their money [V]

When I was doing a bit of digging another thing I was told is that these call centres make their initial cold call about some spurious survey, e.g. "would you be interested in reducing your credit card debts?". Naturally your reply will be a big "YES".

Then they will ask you "is it ok to pass you onto somebody who deals with that, they will be able to tell you if you qualify for a little known government scheme that can get up to 70% of your debts written off?". You'll go along with it, not necessarily realising that you've just given them the permission they need to get over the cold calling rules. And then you're hooked into it.

[kallis3]

I never put my contact details on any comparison sites or insurance sites at all. I have to put my address details, but phone numbers always go down as 01000000000. That way no one can cold call me.

I'm afraid that I'm far too cynical to be suckered in to anyone who promises me they can reduce my debts. I would always want to do more research.

I know I am probably in the minority, but I would always say that if it looks and/or sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

[PELDER]

I got around being pestered by 'cold calling' long before I went into debt. About 8 years ago I got BT to install a second phone line in the back room for my new broadband connection - it came with a new phone number which I always give when I fill in online forms or any other personal information - the phone rings away most days and I never answer it, but when tapping in 1471 the numbers are usually with-held or 0800 numbers. If they really want to contact me they can e-mail me all they like, which I can junk - or send me letters through the post, which I can shred. I would say that none of these calls are important and doubtless people trying to sell me something or trying to con me.

[kallis3]

We had a second phone line as well when I used to have dial up and I always used to put that phone number down. Have BT Broadband talk now so have a second number anyway.

I had the other line removed as I could no longer afford it.

[Shining]

I totally agree with you Jan, if it sounds too good to be true, it mostly is!

I'm a very sceptical person.