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Can a Debt Collection Agency Force me to set up a Direct Debit?
I've been paying off a debt to a debt collection agency for over a year. I've been paying £40 a month and it's actually been fairly painless considering some of the horror stories I've heard. However, I just got a letter from them saying that I need to pay £50 now and then I can continue paying £40 a month. The catch is that they insist it has to be by direct debit. I'd really rather not do this as from previous experience I fully expect the agency to increase the amount of the debit. Can the agency really insist that I pay via direct debit? Should I pay the £50 through my regular method? I'd rather not call them to talk about it as I've managed to get this far without them having my number...
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EMPLOYEE
I’m
going to hound people in the morning
Thanks for your question Larry, I think you are wise to be cautious but I'll be sure one of ClearDebt's advisors are on to this first thing in the morning and update the thread with a well thought out answer to your question.Comment -
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Hi Larry
You do not have to pay by Direct Debit if you do not want to. This cannot be forced upon you at all. Your creditors cannot refuse your payment so if you call them and offer to pay by debit card they would have to take your payment and credit it to your account.
Your point about Direct Debits is a valid one. You have no control over the amount being requested. It might be worth asking if you can set up a standing order. This means that you give the instruction on how much is being sent each month from your bank and the debt collection agency cannot alter this.
Carole -
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Hi Carole,
many thanks for this! The agency in question has a web form which I use monthly to make payments, I'll continue to use this and if I am pressured any further I'll suggest a standing order instead.
Larry -
EMPLOYEE
