Hi,

I wish I had found this site sooner but anyway let me proceed.

I am currently have issues with DLC (Direct Legal & Collections).

They are acting on behalf of their cilent: Orange Personal Communications Ltd.

The debt itself is my mothers, in which she owes around £506.63 on the debt. She contacted DLC and they advised her that she can settle the debt in installments of 8 weeks of £63.33 a week or over 4 weeks at £126.66 and she was not happy about this as she only works part time which is an hour a week and cannot afford this amount each week. And they would not settle for a lower payment and told her she was to pay immediately and could only offer her 8 weeks to do to avoid the possibility of legal action being taken against her, and obviously incurring additional costs.

She accepted the terms to this, and obviously I was not happy because she was not happy about it, so she called them back up and gave me approval to settle the debt and talk about it with them, but I could not get any further. I told them I can settle the debt with two payments, one for October 27th of £200, and one for November 24th of £306.63. They would not accept this and said I could only pay in half payments so would have to pay £253.32 on October 27th (tomorrow) and the further and final payment of £253.32 on November 24th.

Having said that and agreed terms as I could not reason with them and simply gave up. And everything was going as planned but I have since picked up a snag and have had to pay another debt in the meantime which means I was unable to meet the payment terms agreed for tomorrow. I contacted them yesterday and they accpepted that I could not pay the full amount agreed for October 27th so now they've settled for £101.32 per week up until November 24th but sadly after looking at my outgoings for the next few weeks I cannot afford that myself.

Also they would not accept that I could not pay on November 10th and they told me I cannot miss a payment or legal action would be taken for the amount outstanding. They even asked me to provide a Credit / Debit Card so that they can take the payment instantly every friday for the next five weeks. They would not agree to the new terms unless I did this.

I have since found this site and also a Office of Fair Trading document on Debt Collection and what can be done and it says something like this under Deceptive and/or unfair methods sections.

"Pressuring debtors to pay in full, in unreasonably large installments or to increase payments when they are not able to do so."

So after this long post, and explanantion of this debt and dealings with the Debt Collector in question "DLC (Direct Legal & Collections)" I am wondering if I phoned them up against and questioned the fact they are going against Fair Training Standards for collection for a debt and offering payments that I am unable to afford, but they will not listen to reason.

I want to pay this debt, and I wish to do so. But I cannot afford to pay what they are asking, without risking other bills and payments I need to make whilst trying to settle this debt. Its just got me so annoyed and I am basically asking for some help on what I can do to resolve this and maybe get a lower re-payment settled with this company that simply will not be reasoned with.

Thank You

Regards
Adam Norton

I do not know to much about it, so I would ask Citizens advice if I was you.

However I would have thought that if it hasn't gone to court then you may be better off doing that.

If you have made an offer to pay and they have refused to accept it, that isn't going to look good in court. Judges generally don't like companies hassling people for money which is way beyond their means.

See a debt counsellor

Thanks, I may just do that if I can find the time, that's the problem at the moment. Pushing for time in some circumstances, I know I should do research on this but any idea on the business hours of Citizens Advice or Debt Counsellors.

Thanks in advance.

Times of your local CAB can be found at www.citizensadvice.org uk. Most branches have telephone advice as well but be prepared to have to keep on calling as they are very busy and if you plan to visit the branch then get there early as their appointments fill up very fast. They also have Advice Guide at www.adviceguide.org.uk. You can download information about debt and some good letter templates that you can use and how to make a financial statement to show your creditors what you are able to pay....Also remember non priority debts have very little power which is why they often use bully boy tactics.

Good luck

Potplant

Hi all

 

Sorry please be patient I’ve never had to use these forums before but this weekend it seems to becoming a habit!

 

We need HELP my son has or had an account with Orange. However, a few months ago he went off work (Only an apprenticeship on a very low income and he was just turned eighteen when he took out the contract with Orange immaterial I appreciate but just trying to give as much circumstances as possible) with Severe Depression.

 

Shortly after he contacted Orange to inform them of his financial difficulties and ask for help and advice if I remember right this was 12 July 2007. We have then again written numerous letters but with no contact from Orange or dlc?

 

Oh by the way they say he owes about £430 to date although the phone was cut off months ago and not serviceable which I agree is reasonable. However, they’ve still been putting on the month’s line rental despite the phone not making or receiving calls?

 

My son has now been made unemployed due to severe depression due to bereavement and has no employment or income.

 

Just over a week ago we received a bill from dlc for over £430, I immediately contacted dlc on his behalf and was informed if he paid £327.59 the account would be closed in full a day later I received a further call asking again for another figure. This has continued throughout the week and I have informed them that they can have a one of payment from my credit card (his dad’s) of £200 as that’s all that’s available on it!  As I recently paid for my Dad’s funeral on it.

 

However, this was to clear the account and I want conformation in writing that this would be the case and dlc informed me that they would not put this in writing as it was not policy but I would receive conformation later that the account was paid. However, I have then been contacted this week repeatedly saying £200 would be ok as an interim payment and instalments could be arranged?

 

Therefore, without being rude I had no option but to advice them to take him to court.

 

We have received no communication at all from Orange one to help or advice him and two to inform him the debt had been transferred or sold to dlc.

 

I’m completely out of my depth and hope some one can help a desperate dad help a desperate son? (Sorry but he is and I am)  

 

Also dlc have phoned and phoned and the outstanding settlement appears to change form person to person and the manner is getting more and more worrying!!!!!

Oh it also appears Orange have somehow given my sons new pay as you go Orange telephone number too dlc and they are again stressing him despite being asked to contact me. Surely this contravenes the data protection act as his agreement was with another number completely.

I truly hope someone can help I don’t seem to trust dlc if you require any further information please do not hesitate to ask any questions and I will answer anything honestly.

 

In hope thank you.

paul-wales  Replied to your duplicated question in the other thread you started.

Don't worry or bother with these idiots. You need to go to your local court house and get an administration form. They will take into account the amount of money you have comming in and going out and will arrange for you to pay the court and for the court to pay DLC. Remember the law says you need X-amount to live on depending upon your circumstances so you won't be left with nothing as these idiots would have you do.

God praise Administration forms. DLC & every other Collections agency I have ever come across hate them and hate us even more when we know how they work.

Once you have got your administration form you need to fill it in with all the details it requires including how much you can realistically pay back weekly or monthly. You then take this back to your local court and submit it with any documentation you have to back up your claim.

To be fair its much like applying for housing benefit or council tax benefit, there are always the forms which need to be filled in and the figures need to be verified. The court will then contact you and arrange a meeting to discus the finer details such as how much you have to pay each week or month.

As long as you can repay the debt within 3 years any figure you decide to pay back weekly or monthly will be accepted so keep the repayments realistic..

Heres the fun bit though. You can either wait until DLC or any other collections agency call you (which is much more fun when they threaten you) or you can call them and let them know you have obtained an Administration form and that should they wish to discus the matter further then they will have to talk to the courts as you have obtained an Administration Form. I love the silence it brings. Especially when some silly little idiot is threatening to do all sorts to me if I don't give them the exact amount they want whether I have it or not. The just don't take into consideration that there are people who would much reather pay the debt but just can't. They think were all dodgers

Remember to ask them very nicely not to call you again and warn them that should they harass you further you will be the ones taking them to court and not the other way around.

I loved every minute once I realised that the law was on my side.

You see half my debts were wiped clean when I obtained an Administration Form. I had been struggling to repay my debts after my husband died for over 5 years and all that remained from a few was interest. The court ruled that it was in my interest for the debt to be scrubbed and paid in full.

On a final note, I can't remember whether your debts have to be less than £3000 or £5000 to qualify for an Administration form but there is still hope. If your debts are greater than £3000 or 5000, which ever it is (you will find out when you file for the Administration Form, which costs nothing) then you may have to file for Bankruptcy.

Still the choice is yours eh! NOT THE COLLECTORS (DLC) So do yourself and your mother a favour and vist the courts tomorrow.

That thread is over a year old. !

Here is the successful conclusion to the posters problem.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/dlc-direct-legal-amp-collections-11338.aspx

TO ALL DEBITORS OF DLC (DIRECT LEGAL COLLECTIONS) IN RESPECT OF OUTSTANDING ORANGE ACCOUNTS. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!

DLC are currently breaking the law - you can ALL take them to court for what they are doing.

recieveing daily calls and refusing to come to agreemten is classed as debt harrassment under section 40 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act.

If they have telephoned you daily send them a letter outlined below.

Dear Sir

Re Account number: (insert account number)

I would like to request that you cease all telephone communication to any numbers currently held on file in respect of the above account and hereby notify you that your current daily harrassing calls are contrary to section 40 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act.

I will neither confirm nor deny responsibility for the debt in question unless this harrassment stops. The time, date and frequency of any further telephone contact will be recorded and shared with legal representation should this harrassment not stop.

Any matters of debt which I feel I am responsible for, and are not statue barred, subject to a miss-sold insurance policy, miss-representation of a written credit agreement or under dispute contrary to to section 40 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act, are presently being dealt with on my behalf by an external agent.

I will be happy to pass on all written communication to my agent and as outlined above, If I believe myself to be responsible for the debt in question, an appropriate informal payment agreement, SUBJECT TO MY DISPOSABLE INCOME, will be made by my agent.

Yours faithfully.

From there make a financial statement listing all your income and expenditure - templates for these can be found online, send them a letter offering them ONLY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. Enclose the financial statement. By LAW they can not refuse to uphold this - HOWEVER you must not default on this agreement.

IF THEY DO NOT STOP CALLING YOU IMMIDIATELY SEEK ADVICE - STOP ALL CONTACT WRITTEN AND TELEPHONE. THE DEBT CAN BE WIPED AND YOU WILL BE COMPENSATED FOR HARRASSMENT - IMMIDIATELY CONTACT C.A.B AND LET THEM KNOW THIS COMPANY IS HARRASSING YOU - THEY HAVE DLC ON FILE AND MAY BE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATINTG MULTIPLE CLAIMS OF HARRASSMENT.

***** IMPORTANT ***** If the debt is over 5 years oldand you recieve a letter DO NOT RESPOND. This is statue barred and you WILL NO HAVE TO PAY. IF THE DEBT BELONGS TO A DECEASED PERSON DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM. THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. CCJS DEFAULTS CAN NOT BE ISSUED TO A PERSON FOR DEBT OF ANOTHER. see internet / cab for further advice taking this post with you if necessary.

I myself am familiar with DLC and have found them to be understanding once the situation has been fully explained.

Of course, like any call centre there are a few bad eggs but most people there are reasonable.

They have guidelines to work to like we all do in our jobs and most importantly they have a licence they could lose if they behave inappropriately.

The current climate seems to have had an impact on this company and I for one have been dealt with decently by several people there. I think they have finally realised that there is no use in this day and age in pushing too hard for something unrealistic.

First time writer and feel I need to get this off my chest.

My son has just received a letter from this company wanting £400 plus for an account which was opened in June this year - when he contacted them thay gave some info but not all requested - we told them we would contact Orange to see if we could resolve the matter, we then contacted Orange and the refused to help as we were unable to give the address to which the account was opened -

Oh I forgot to mention, my son did not open the account and has lived in with old mom & dad all his life and yet to move out - when we continued to request info about the account from Orange, they refused to give any info as the debt had been passed on.

We then contacted DLC again informing of the situation, they would not confirm the address as we could not give them it. when I requested how they made the leap from one address to another, they informed they had done checks against my sons name which lead them to my present address - after banging my haed against a brick wall we decided that the next course of action was to report this as identity theft to the local police station - although they were helpful, they would not investigate as the debt was between Orange and the person who signed the contract.

The next thing I believe, is to go to a solicitor and nub this in the bud before it gets any further.

Will let you know how we get on