Debt Collection Process

could debt collectors turn up on my doorstep for my debt?? (UK)?

I have a debt totalling £5000 with credit cards, I haven't paid the minimum payment since November 2008 as I was made redundant. I am now with a debt management programme, I found them much more convenient, at the moment they are still in the process of negotiating with my creditors so hopefully next month, payments could be paid out to each creditor of mine. I got a message on my mobile from impact debt collection on the 2nd of feb 2009, they said they'll be calling at my home on the 3rd, i was scared!! since I live with my parents I wouldn't want them to see me going through this. But they never showed up, are they just threatening me or will they really turn up at my house?? I have about 6 cards, the limit is £700 and I'm behind with 4 months payment, would debt collectors really turn up on my doorstep? Or should I contact the debt management company I'm with and tell them to contact the debt collectors to notify them about my situation? Please help.

Public Comments

1. Speak with your debt management people about this, and get them to help with this situation. Debt collectors will quite often do what they can to scare you, and that does include harassing you with obscene phonecalls and turning up on your doorstep and trying to claim items equal to your debt. HOWEVER, they can not legally enter your house without your permission unless they are also accampanied by a police officer. Also you must be present at the time. They have no right to force their way into your home unless you allow them to. They will get very mean, I've seen them be complete bastards towards my brother and family. I seriously suggest you get the management people to help contact the collectors and deal with asap.
2. They have every right to come to your door if you owe them money but at this month I would imagine its a scare tactic as they dont usually come if you are only 4 months behind with payments. Ring the debt people and tell them the letters you have received and they will get on to it. Just keep in touch with the debt people and keep them informed and you will be fine.
3. Speak to the people who you are with. Think yourself lucky you dont have Vanquis...I get calls and texts 7 days a week with all the same threats..Sometimes three calls per day. I found that just paying them a tenner stopped it for a few days.. Dont just let it pass as I did though..
4. Potentially they can, however they probably won't. your dmp company should be sending out letters to all creditors by now. By all means write to your creditors yourself. If anyone does turn up you can refuse to deal with them but tell them about your dmp.
5. Don't sit around worrying yourself to death over this.Ring your citizens advice tomorrow,and tell them everything.You'll end up paying a pound a week(if that)to these bullies.Do this and it will take a massive weight off your mind.Don't do this,and you'll spend your life worrying.There's thousands of people in the same situation as you,and the citizens advice are great at helping with this.Good luck.It will be ok.
6. Yes they can turn up, but they are not entitled to enter the house without a court order, you should pass all information on to your debt management company and let them handle it, once this situation is sorted you need to do some serious growing up, you are obviously selfish and have no respect for your parents as you are deceiving them, I would suggest you take a long look in the mirror and ask your self why have I done this, the rules are easy if you haven't got it don't spend it.
7. yes they can come at any time but they cant force entry they have to ask you to let them in somehow ie can i come in a moment to discuss a repayment plan ..... once in they can distrain upon your goods !! they do not need the police as another person said .. bailiffs are officers of the court and another matter but similar people. if you want more info feel free to email me dave
8. My understanding is that debt collectors can show up anywhere at anytime, there are laws in the states, but may not apply to the US. It is important that you keep notes, notes, notes on what, where and when. Who is calling? get the number where they are calling from, get the address they are calling from, is this an address you can send correspondence to? Get the fax number. When any threat is made at all, make sure to get the date, time, telephone number and right it down immediatly. Debt collectors themselves have told me are not usually nice and don't think they have to be.
9. Relax mine are over £75000 and they have threatened all sorts over the last three years and I even get letters saying collectors have called many times but one of us is always home so we know that's not true. They will send all kind of messages to make you call and try tricks to make you curious. Relax I now get pleading notes instead of demands and offers of 25%discounts if I pay up. Now after three years the calls and letters are becoming less frequent and I have recently opened two new bank accounts. Unless you can pay them just ride out the storm.