mummyto2

I think from what you have said these companies are not acting in accordance with the OFT's collection guidelines. See link.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/publications/guidance/consumer_credit_act/oft664.

So you should not do anything at the moment. Wait for them to write to you and refer to Citizens Advice (CAB) about the options. If they phone you, tell them you will only accept contact in writing and will refer the matter to CAB debt advisor to understand the options.

You should not have paid the £10. CAB will advise you why this might not have been the best action. If you paid by card number or cheque, they now have your account details.

Huckster

You're even less likely to get a debt consolidation loan than a loan for another purpose as anyone who needs to consolidate, and who (no offence) is in a precarious financial position is less likely to be able to pay a new loan back.

Only advice is to ignore his requests and continue as best you can.

Back in 2000 we got ourselves in a load of debt - when we look back god knows how we did it, at one point we put them all with a DMC and stopped paying them a year or so ago.

These creditors have found us, I phoned one yesterday and they are asking for full payment or a lump sum, went thru the normal questions, do we have equity, do we have family members etc who can help - no no and no, we struggle as it is.

I am strongly tempted to put these loans from 2000 back with a DMC (3 creditors- some were paid in full) although I don't want to, an IVA isn't an option as husband is self employed, we barely meet outgoings as have 2 mortgages and even now even though I know its wrong rely on my credit card for food and fuel.

I was asked by this one creditor to go on to moneysupermarket and apply for a consoliodation loan to pay this debt off, I said I would not get a loan as I have bad credit rating and was not prepared to apply for another loan to worsen by credit score (if it can get worse!) - he said if you get a debt consolidation loan you will be approved and it will improve your score.

I am not daft I know how these things work, I know I would not get a loan and do not have suffient equity to get a homeowner loan, told him it was unethical to pay a debt with a debt and I could pay a monthly sum.

He asked me to pay a token amount which I did - £10. He has given me til 28th to apply for a loan and to ring them back - please can you offer me advice.