Debt collection!!!!!
08-12-2010 | 04:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 126
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From: durham
Debt collection!!!!!
Argh man!!
Get home from work to find a letter, open it and i owe Northumbria uni £200. Was 2 years ago aswell!! I got fined for setting the smoke alarm (several times) and coming in pissed one night and putting my fist through a window. This is in halls of residence by the way.
Fair enough fining me for the window (wouldn't dream of doing it these days) but for setting a smoke alarm off, come on!
Anyway its a debt collection agency collecting on behalf of the uni and i was wondering if theres any legal bods on here know if i can get out of it....
Its just im sure ive heard somewhere that a private organisation can't fine you (was around the time of the clamping malarky) That they can try and scare you into paying but can't make you??
If not jus going to have to grind my teeth and pay
Get home from work to find a letter, open it and i owe Northumbria uni £200. Was 2 years ago aswell!! I got fined for setting the smoke alarm (several times) and coming in pissed one night and putting my fist through a window. This is in halls of residence by the way.
Fair enough fining me for the window (wouldn't dream of doing it these days) but for setting a smoke alarm off, come on!
Anyway its a debt collection agency collecting on behalf of the uni and i was wondering if theres any legal bods on here know if i can get out of it....
Its just im sure ive heard somewhere that a private organisation can't fine you (was around the time of the clamping malarky) That they can try and scare you into paying but can't make you??
If not jus going to have to grind my teeth and pay
08-12-2010 | 04:46 PM
#3
be very grateful that they didnt charge you more for setting the alarms off - its not just a case of replacing the glass on the front its the call out fee and the reset of the board
just pay it, its £200 and you are very lucky imo
just pay it, its £200 and you are very lucky imo
08-12-2010 | 04:50 PM
#4
TBH I think that deliberately calling the fire brigade (assuming it was a fire alarm connected to the brigade like in the halls of my uni it was) as a prank is a cunts trick and 200 quid is getting off lightly considering that it possibly diverted a couple of fire engines away from more important things they could have been doing instead.
With regards to the actual debt, it will only get bigger as time goes on, so probably easiest to reach some sort of settlement figure sooner rather than later.
With regards to the actual debt, it will only get bigger as time goes on, so probably easiest to reach some sort of settlement figure sooner rather than later.
08-12-2010 | 04:52 PM
#5
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From: Sheffield
The moral of the story is don't go setting off smoke alarms several times, and don't go smashing windows. Think yourself lucky that they didn't get the police involved. Both are criminal damage so id just pay it and don't do it again. Job done.
Think yourself lucky that they didn't get the police involved. Both are criminal damage so id just pay it and don't do it again. Job done.
08-12-2010 | 04:59 PM
#6
Thread Starter
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
From: durham
TBH I think that deliberately calling the fire brigade (assuming it was a fire alarm connected to the brigade like in the halls of my uni it was) as a prank is a cunts trick and 200 quid is getting off lightly considering that it possibly diverted a couple of fire engines away from more important things they could have been doing instead.
With regards to the actual debt, it will only get bigger as time goes on, so probably easiest to reach some sort of settlement figure sooner rather than later.
With regards to the actual debt, it will only get bigger as time goes on, so probably easiest to reach some sort of settlement figure sooner rather than later.
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08-12-2010 | 05:05 PM
#8
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From: Blackpool
See tbh your guilty of it and these idiots pester the life out of you, I'd offer them a fiver a month as said and they will try make you pay more so ask what they'll take as a one of payment. They'll tell you £200 usually say ok i can't afford that so it's a fiver a month or take me to court
Legally they can't refuse a payment and will offer you a settlement via a phone call i settled a £1000 credit card debt with a one off payment of £350
Legally they can't refuse a payment and will offer you a settlement via a phone call i settled a £1000 credit card debt with a one off payment of £350
08-12-2010 | 05:06 PM
#9
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From: Sheffield
How true is that! They can work out 266347 x 643772 in their head in seconds, but getting them to learn not to smoke next to a smoke alarm, or ask them to get from A to B without sat nav and it baffles the hell out of them. 
Last edited by S1rst; 08-12-2010 at 05:07 PM.
08-12-2010 | 05:16 PM
#10
Professional Waffler
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,425
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From: HertFORDshire
Or
Typical student, can give you the square root of a jam jar but has no idea how to open the cunt
08-12-2010 | 05:17 PM
#11
Thread Starter
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: durham
Obviously i have grown up alot since them days have a full time job pay bills etc and i wouldn't dream of doing it again.
And yes i agree with another posters point i probably should pay up as im lucky im not in even more trouble over it however...
...If they cannot legally fine me and are just trying scare tactics etc hoping i will pay then they can do one...I paid 5 grand for 1 year in a tiny room with all of a bed and a sink, 4 grand a year for a course which attended less than 12 hours a week, use some of that money to fix the window, stingy bassas.
^^^^Any advice on above paragraph would be fantastic and i would be very grateful.
08-12-2010 | 05:22 PM
#12
Was some very clever people up there and a few thicko's (granted i was one of the thickos)
Obviously i have grown up alot since them days have a full time job pay bills etc and i wouldn't dream of doing it again.
And yes i agree with another posters point i probably should pay up as im lucky im not in even more trouble over it however...
...If they cannot legally fine me and are just trying scare tactics etc hoping i will pay then they can do one...I paid 5 grand for 1 year in a tiny room with all of a bed and a sink, 4 grand a year for a course which attended less than 12 hours a week, use some of that money to fix the window, stingy bassas.
^^^^Any advice on above paragraph would be fantastic and i would be very grateful.
Obviously i have grown up alot since them days have a full time job pay bills etc and i wouldn't dream of doing it again.
And yes i agree with another posters point i probably should pay up as im lucky im not in even more trouble over it however...
...If they cannot legally fine me and are just trying scare tactics etc hoping i will pay then they can do one...I paid 5 grand for 1 year in a tiny room with all of a bed and a sink, 4 grand a year for a course which attended less than 12 hours a week, use some of that money to fix the window, stingy bassas.
^^^^Any advice on above paragraph would be fantastic and i would be very grateful.
You repeatedly behaved like a cunt so IMO your getting off lightly with a £200 fine. Man up and pay it.
08-12-2010 | 05:23 PM
#14
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From: Blackpool
Was some very clever people up there and a few thicko's (granted i was one of the thickos)
Obviously i have grown up alot since them days have a full time job pay bills etc and i wouldn't dream of doing it again.
And yes i agree with another posters point i probably should pay up as im lucky im not in even more trouble over it however...
...If they cannot legally fine me and are just trying scare tactics etc hoping i will pay then they can do one...I paid 5 grand for 1 year in a tiny room with all of a bed and a sink, 4 grand a year for a course which attended less than 12 hours a week, use some of that money to fix the window, stingy bassas.
^^^^Any advice on above paragraph would be fantastic and i would be very grateful.
Obviously i have grown up alot since them days have a full time job pay bills etc and i wouldn't dream of doing it again.
And yes i agree with another posters point i probably should pay up as im lucky im not in even more trouble over it however...
...If they cannot legally fine me and are just trying scare tactics etc hoping i will pay then they can do one...I paid 5 grand for 1 year in a tiny room with all of a bed and a sink, 4 grand a year for a course which attended less than 12 hours a week, use some of that money to fix the window, stingy bassas.
^^^^Any advice on above paragraph would be fantastic and i would be very grateful.
08-12-2010 | 05:24 PM
#15
While I agree he is getting off lightly, bear in mind this money will ONLY go to the debt collectors and not to anyone who deserves it anymore than the OP, they'll have paid 20 quid for the debt and are now trying to make a profit out of it.
08-12-2010 | 05:39 PM
#16
08-12-2010 | 11:12 PM
#17
if the debt has been sold on then tell them to fuck off
if not, then pay the uni direct just to piss off the debt company as they wont get paid as they didnt collect a penny....
A debt collection company will have a hard time justifying hundreds of pounds of charges on a small debt if they ever tried to pursue you through the courts for costs.
if not, then pay the uni direct just to piss off the debt company as they wont get paid as they didnt collect a penny....
A debt collection company will have a hard time justifying hundreds of pounds of charges on a small debt if they ever tried to pursue you through the courts for costs.
08-12-2010 | 11:19 PM
#18
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Were the police involved at all? If not, what other proof is there that you did the damage or set the alarms off? Did you admit to it? Did you sign anything to agree to pay for the window?
If the police were not involved at the time, then id say its a civil matter now and upto the uni to take you to court. Wheres the proof that you did it?
Although i have to say i think it should be paid, but straight to the uni, not the debt collectors.
If the police were not involved at the time, then id say its a civil matter now and upto the uni to take you to court. Wheres the proof that you did it?
Although i have to say i think it should be paid, but straight to the uni, not the debt collectors.
09-12-2010 | 06:33 AM
#19
09-12-2010 | 07:34 AM
#21
burning oil
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: STOKE-ON-TRENT
Get yourself over to consumer forums. They helped me no end and you will get some really good advise.
I was being chased for money by a debt collection agency who was making bulshit threats and leaving bad marks all on my credit file.
After getting trading standards and office of fair trading involved they soon backed off and removed all footprints from my credit file.
Debt collection agencys are lowest of the low.
Never speak to them on the phone always via letter and ask them for proof that you owe the money they are asking for.
I was being chased for money by a debt collection agency who was making bulshit threats and leaving bad marks all on my credit file.
After getting trading standards and office of fair trading involved they soon backed off and removed all footprints from my credit file.
Debt collection agencys are lowest of the low.
Never speak to them on the phone always via letter and ask them for proof that you owe the money they are asking for.
09-12-2010 | 08:23 AM
#22
Will it ever end !!!!!!!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: Colchester, Essex
Just ignore it - these debt collection agencies are just trying it on.
They purchased the debt for peanuts (probably £20 to £30) and are just trying to scare you into paying it.
For a debt that size they would never take you to court as financially its just not worth it for them.
Seriously if they call just tell them to do one.
I bet the letter they sent says - we may take you to court we may instruct baliffs etc etc and not we will take you to court and we will instruct baliffs.
Very big difference between may and will - its just to scare you into paying.
Which debt collection company is it ???
They purchased the debt for peanuts (probably £20 to £30) and are just trying to scare you into paying it.
For a debt that size they would never take you to court as financially its just not worth it for them.
Seriously if they call just tell them to do one.
I bet the letter they sent says - we may take you to court we may instruct baliffs etc etc and not we will take you to court and we will instruct baliffs.
Very big difference between may and will - its just to scare you into paying.
Which debt collection company is it ???
09-12-2010 | 09:40 AM
#23
Thread Starter
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 126
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From: durham
They are called STA Graydon and the juicy bits in the letter are as follows;
"Your failure to take the above action within 14 days could result in legal action, and this may involve:
STA Graydon instructing solicitors to commence legal action in the county/high court, resulting in a judgement/decree being issued against you,
Court action requires you to pay the full balance outstanding, plus interest, court fees and any other legal costs,
A judgement/decree being issued against you that can seriously harm your chances of getting credit."
It then says the same again overleaf but shortened. Underneath that there is a section saying if you cant pay the debt in full we will consider regulat installments however will need a full assment of your income etc etc...
Is there any good websites/forum specifically for this type of thing?
And yes i realise i'd been a cunt but this was 2 years ago and im a different person to what i was back then, regardless im not going to pay a debt that i legally don't have to...
Thanks for the help so far everyone.
"Your failure to take the above action within 14 days could result in legal action, and this may involve:
STA Graydon instructing solicitors to commence legal action in the county/high court, resulting in a judgement/decree being issued against you,
Court action requires you to pay the full balance outstanding, plus interest, court fees and any other legal costs,
A judgement/decree being issued against you that can seriously harm your chances of getting credit."
It then says the same again overleaf but shortened. Underneath that there is a section saying if you cant pay the debt in full we will consider regulat installments however will need a full assment of your income etc etc...
Is there any good websites/forum specifically for this type of thing?
And yes i realise i'd been a cunt but this was 2 years ago and im a different person to what i was back then, regardless im not going to pay a debt that i legally don't have to...
Thanks for the help so far everyone.
09-12-2010 | 10:13 AM
#24
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From: Solihull
Regardless of morality or what have you,
for the debt collection company:
OR
BIG LINE THROUGH LETTER,
WRITE IN BIG LETTERS 'NO CONTRACT - REFUSED FOR CAUSE - WITHOUT DISHONOUR, WITHOUT RECOURSE'
SEND IT BACK TO THEM
Chris
for the debt collection company:
Your Ref: 94377248
NOTICE OF CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT
NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL
Dear [Recipient's name],
In reference to your letter dated [date], I wish to advise you that your letter has been accepted for value upon proof of claim, which may be substantiated by forwarding the following proof of claim and verification of debt details within 10 working days of receipt of this notice to the address above:
1) Proof of claim that there exists a valid legal/lawful contract in the actual flesh and blood name of [Your Name], duly signed by both parties;
2) Proof of claim that the aforementioned instrument was breached and precise details of how;
3) Proof of claim that you are the current holder of the aforementioned instrument, original and unaltered;
4) Validation of the debt – verified accounts and ledger showing the loss;
5) A verified invoice signed by the plaintiff/claimant.
If no written response is received from [debt collection company] within ten (10) working days from receipt of this Conditional Acceptance then it will be assumed that there exists no proof of claim as requested and that no lawful debt therefore exists. I fully intend to pay this debt on condition that the claim is substantiated as per the above.
Without malice or mischeif, in sincerity and honour,
[Your Name]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – WITHOUT PREJUDICE OR LIMITATION
NOTICE OF CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT
NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL
Dear [Recipient's name],
In reference to your letter dated [date], I wish to advise you that your letter has been accepted for value upon proof of claim, which may be substantiated by forwarding the following proof of claim and verification of debt details within 10 working days of receipt of this notice to the address above:
1) Proof of claim that there exists a valid legal/lawful contract in the actual flesh and blood name of [Your Name], duly signed by both parties;
2) Proof of claim that the aforementioned instrument was breached and precise details of how;
3) Proof of claim that you are the current holder of the aforementioned instrument, original and unaltered;
4) Validation of the debt – verified accounts and ledger showing the loss;
5) A verified invoice signed by the plaintiff/claimant.
If no written response is received from [debt collection company] within ten (10) working days from receipt of this Conditional Acceptance then it will be assumed that there exists no proof of claim as requested and that no lawful debt therefore exists. I fully intend to pay this debt on condition that the claim is substantiated as per the above.
Without malice or mischeif, in sincerity and honour,
[Your Name]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – WITHOUT PREJUDICE OR LIMITATION
OR
BIG LINE THROUGH LETTER,
WRITE IN BIG LETTERS 'NO CONTRACT - REFUSED FOR CAUSE - WITHOUT DISHONOUR, WITHOUT RECOURSE'
SEND IT BACK TO THEM
Chris
09-12-2010 | 11:40 AM
#26
Argh man!!
Get home from work to find a letter, open it and i owe Northumbria uni £200. Was 2 years ago aswell!! I got fined for setting the smoke alarm (several times) and coming in pissed one night and putting my fist through a window. This is in halls of residence by the way.
Fair enough fining me for the window (wouldn't dream of doing it these days) but for setting a smoke alarm off, come on!
Get home from work to find a letter, open it and i owe Northumbria uni £200. Was 2 years ago aswell!! I got fined for setting the smoke alarm (several times) and coming in pissed one night and putting my fist through a window. This is in halls of residence by the way.
Fair enough fining me for the window (wouldn't dream of doing it these days) but for setting a smoke alarm off, come on!
We even let off an air bomb in our brand new halls - only moved in two weeks prior to that
We were cunts at uni and people hated us as typical students were up at all hours and had music playing inconsiderately at stupid o clock in the morning
Done some bints car over in the car park as she was a right fucking bitch.
But then we did also catch a crackhead thief who had nicked someones microwave
09-12-2010 | 12:01 PM
#27
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Leicester le7
if you get a phone call from debt places refuse to prove your identity and they usualy fuck off after a week of that and sell the debt on to some other bunch of assholes
also ignore the crap letters
worked for me when i was in debt by 33k and never got a visit to my door for 2 years then i decided to file for bankrupcy
without them being able to confirm they are dealing with the right person they cant move forward and pisses them right off
also ignore the crap letters
worked for me when i was in debt by 33k and never got a visit to my door for 2 years then i decided to file for bankrupcy
without them being able to confirm they are dealing with the right person they cant move forward and pisses them right off
09-12-2010 | 12:47 PM
#29
Will it ever end !!!!!!!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: Colchester, Essex
The words: could and may : highlight the fact the letter is a threat rather than a guarantee of action and is purely designed to scare you
If you want more info this website is great to guide you along the lines of what cjwood555 has suggested above:-
www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk
Hope this helps
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