What would happen if I keep ignoring CCS debt collectors? I have a debt with them for around £700 I believe for a credit card I never paid off because I lost my job - can I get away with not paying it?
Hi Jochim, I know dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and irritating but THE WORST thing you can do is ignore them as they are very persistent and ignoring them only escalates the severity of the situation. If you ignore them, not only will you continue to be harassed with phone calls, letters and further visits, but they are likely to take you to court (CCJ) down the line. I would advice dealing with sooner rather than later even if it's just getting in touch with them and explaining your situation.
If you ignore them you may well find bailiffs calling which is even worse than debt collectors calling so I suggest contacting them sooner rather than later as they can come round with a warrant and enter your house.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
You can't ignore it - it is not going to go away and they will go and get a warrant and, they can then enter your house.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Again, I really would not recommend this as not only does a CCJ have a much greater effect on your credit report than a default and will extend the 6 years from the original default to the date of the CCJ.
ALSO, as Kallis said, if you miss your court date then CCS have the right to employ bailiffs to visit your house who have more significant powers in terms of entering your home, selling your valuable items and even your car. They will sell these things for less than they’re worth so you may end up without some of your important goods AND you may need to pay on top of this. It would be better for you to get in contact with CCS now to put a stop to these escalating events and set up a repayment plan.
At this stage you should engage with the collectors and see what they say. The longer you have been avoiding them, the less helpful they will be. What they can do depends on who they are and at what stage the collection has got to. Maybe your local Citizen's Advice Bureau can advise if you take any paperwork in to them.
The creditor might agree to an installment plan.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
If you admit that the debt is yours, the easiest thing to do is to organise payment in full or better yet, try to arrange a lower amount to repay. Debt collectors like CCS buy debt for a fraction of the original price so you can often get away with paying less (but this settlement will stay on your credit report). If you can’t afford to pay a lump sum then you should contact them by letter and include your budget (income and expenses) to outline what you are willing/able to pay.
CCS as debt collectors have an obligation to work with you in order to get the debt paid off however as Foggy said, the more time you've spent ignoring them the less likely they are to help you and you may have to get in touch with a debt charity - I've found some appropriate info and some useful templates from these two guides:
So, try to get in touch to sort out a monthly payment plan and if they say no then maybe contact Citizens advice or another debt charity to see what they say?
You should contact them in the first place and see what they can do by way of a repayment plan. If not, speak to one of the two charities May has suggested and take advice from them. Please do it soon before it gets any worse.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
