Case & Management Information
- Claims
- Business/Commercial
- Commercial Disputes
- Debt Recovery
- Employment
- Family/Divorce
- Lender Services
- Property Commercial
- Property Residential
- Tax Returns/Planning
- Wills/Trusts/Estates
Bookmarks
'Unfair' debt collection companies warned against bad practices
10/04/2008
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has issued warnings to 13 UK companies who are deemed to have unfair debt collection practices.
According to the OFT, these companies have not followed regulatory guidelines in collecting consumer credit agreements.
Complaints included being chased for debts which were not owed, not putting sufficient investigation into debt claims and failure to check debts with credit agencies.
Firms were also accused of refusing to deal with intermediaries like Citizens' Advice and contacting debtors at unreasonable times and in some cases making home visits.
In March, justice minister Maria Eagle claimed that debt collectors do not have the authority to "threaten, bully or intimidate".
Stricter regulations which are to be introduced "will raise the level of professionalism among bailiffs by ensuring they are trained and know their legal limits," she added.
Legitimate debt collectors would not act in this way.
Those looking to reclaim debts are advised to visit registered solicitors in Northern Ireland.
Contact us for legal advice
According to the OFT, these companies have not followed regulatory guidelines in collecting consumer credit agreements.
Complaints included being chased for debts which were not owed, not putting sufficient investigation into debt claims and failure to check debts with credit agencies.
Firms were also accused of refusing to deal with intermediaries like Citizens' Advice and contacting debtors at unreasonable times and in some cases making home visits.
In March, justice minister Maria Eagle claimed that debt collectors do not have the authority to "threaten, bully or intimidate".
Stricter regulations which are to be introduced "will raise the level of professionalism among bailiffs by ensuring they are trained and know their legal limits," she added.
Legitimate debt collectors would not act in this way.
Those looking to reclaim debts are advised to visit registered solicitors in Northern Ireland.
Contact us for legal advice
