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AMA
Original poster

I am a debt collector AMA

47 replies

PTW1234 · 10/07/2018 23:47

Well actually I don’t like to think I am. I work for a Global company who specialises in collecting debts of on behalf of creditors and also purchase some debts off creditors too.

I have worked in this field in various roles from IT to my current management position, and have also freelanced as a consultant.

I have experience in all aspects of unsecured debt collection. But specialise in more financially vulnerable customers. Such as those who are in informal or formal debt solutions.

I can’t give debt advice as a caveat (I am qualified but don’t have a license to do so) but willing to answer any questions you’ve may have about the process and sign post you to where you can get help for debts needed.

OP posts:
Happypenguin1 · 11/07/2018 17:33

Paul bohill is that you?

WaitrosePigeon · 11/07/2018 21:05

Do you sleep well?

MinesABabyGuiness · 11/07/2018 21:55

Do you ever feel like a bit of an asshole?

ColdCottage · 12/07/2018 01:31

What do you do if they claim things aren't theirs?

QuackPorridgeBacon · 12/07/2018 14:30

How do you go about getting money if they genuinely don’t have it to give?

formerbabe · 12/07/2018 21:20

Aren't you going to answer anything op? Confused

Iloveeating · 12/07/2018 21:26

Why did should the OP feel bad or have sleepless nights? Collecting something that is owed is hardly something to be ashamed of. Do you think everything should be free? That you can borrow money and not return it?

LEMtheoriginal · 12/07/2018 21:39

We took poor financial advice when i was unwell and got into debt. Was treated less than human by debt collectors. Told to borrow money from family ir take further lians. Harrangued and driven to a nervous breakdown from which I'll never recover. 10 years later and im suffering severe anxiety.

Its not about not wanting to pay for things. Its about change of circumstances and having to choose between feeding my family or paying bills.

Thsnkfully a debt management charity stepped in and fought our corner. We have nearly cleared our debts but the best thing is i dont have to live in fear of the telephone or letters through the doir.

These people dont give a shit about whether you can afford to pay. They threaten all sorts to intimidate you into paying. They dont have a conscience.

It got to the point where we couldnt pay our council tax and bailiffs came. They were a breath of fresh air compared to the people i had to deal with previously. Polite and respectful and worked with what we could affird to help us clear the debt. I even invited the guy in for a cup if tea. (Never do that though as they can levy your stuff)

So no - debt collectors will never be seen as anything other than vultures in my eyes. Picking over the ruins of peoples lives. Yes some are ok but the ones that have bought the debts rather than acting on clients behalf are bottom feeders in a pit of hell.

Not really sure what you were hoping for in this thread op. Im sure you have your reasons for doing what you do but its never a job i can respect. Sorry

Mumtothelittlefella · 12/07/2018 21:50

In my previous life I declared myself bankrupt. I had a huge amount of debt from graduating - banks were falling over themselves to give £10k loans etc. I took it. My responsibility. I signed the ‘dotted line’. Then my circumstances changed and could no longer pay so declared myself bankrupt. I paid back a nominal amount and could only deal in cash for many many years.

The debt collectors involved were just doing their jobs; the responsibility for my debt was mine. End of.

That was a long time ago and I learnt from it and still feel guilty to this day.

Moving on, it scares me now to see how easy it is to take out pay day loans and how they target the vulnerable (ie those with little chance of repaying). What percentage of the debt collection market is made up of pay day loans, and do you think the industry should do more to regulate the ease in which these loans are take out?

Iloveeating · 12/07/2018 21:54

@LEMtheoriginal I understand your point but at the same time when you were not in a position to pay what do you expect the people you owe money to do?

I genuinely don't understand the mentality of picking on debt collectors, traffic wardens, etc. These people are all out working hard so they can provide for their family.

I 100% don't condone them bullying you or intimidating you to pay them money that should be illegal and tough penalties for companies that do that

Nicebitofsquirrel · 12/07/2018 21:56

Is it right that some debts you have bought for literally pennies as a “job lot”?

ilovetomatoes · 12/07/2018 21:59

How do you find people that try to disappear?

NoNotheresnolyrics · 12/07/2018 22:00

You must get so frustrated with people trying give excuses! Good work OP

Fluffypinkpyjamas · 12/07/2018 22:05

I’m not surprised OP hasn’t been back with some of the posts

Do you sleep well?

Bore off WP Hmm

Amethystical · 12/07/2018 22:06

Do you sleep well?

I certainly wouldn't

GreenBrick · 12/07/2018 22:12

If you have a customer with significant SEN/ mental health issues what is the protocol?

I ask as someone who supports someone (debts from supported housing cock up with rent and HB being paid between places, not loans)

Iloveeating · 12/07/2018 22:12

@Amethystical well lucky you don't work as a debt collector then!

WaitrosePigeon · 12/07/2018 22:26

I shall not Fluffy Smile

MrsMoastyToasty · 12/07/2018 22:31

Have you ever worked as a bailiff?
Do you refer people to debt counseling like CAB?

ThatWasLulu · 12/07/2018 22:33

I once dated a debt collector by accident - he was a bouncer who collected debts on the side. He wasn't reputable and I only found out when he took me on a job. I sat in his car while he bullied an old man into handing over his pension. That was the end of that - I couldn't bear to have him near me after that. I was only 16, but it stopped any feelings I had for him like a bucket of cold sick. I hope OP is much nicer.

QuackPorridgeBacon · 12/07/2018 23:23

People need jobs and debt collecting is a job. I don’t blame the people unless they are intimidating bullies but they all aren’t. You get dicks in every job. I don’t think op should feel bad for doing a job. I don’t think I could, but if it’s all I could get then probably. I hate the tv shows because some of them are nasty people. I did watch one though where they stayed longer to help a woman eat somewhere to stay, they weren’t going to live her on the streets. They seemed stern to begin with but I guess were decent within their limits.

formerbabe · 13/07/2018 07:01

I genuinely don't understand the mentality of picking on debt collectors, traffic wardens, etc. These people are all out working hard so they can provide for their family

Depends on how you see it. This isn't directed at the op doesn't look like they're coming back anyway but I view people with jobs like that as class traitors doing the dirty work of the rich and powerful.

Iloveeating · 13/07/2018 07:43

@formerbabe and what is it you work at?

Wherismymind · 13/07/2018 07:50

How long have you been in the industry. I worked debt collection pre-crash and things were shockingly different to how they are since they brought in tcf and other legislation to protect the consumers.

Wherismymind · 13/07/2018 07:53

I view people with jobs like that as class traitors doing the dirty work of the rich and powerful.

How do you know what class they are?

I worked collection when I had dropped out of uni. I had no work experience and no one else would hire me. Most I worked with were in the same boat. I worked there a few years and then moved on to a decent carer in other areas of the finance industry.

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