I've been totally stupid

[ZoyaDestroyer]

I made an enquiry online today to Stepchange. Except it turns out it wasn't stepchange.
I gave them all my details, and sent copies of bank statements, tax credits award, everything.

What the fuck do I do?

Im not sure clearscore is the best one to use, I'm sure I've been told that they sell your date, best to avoid anymore of your information being circulated

Are you able to open a new bank account, cut all ties with the information they know about.

How did you end up speaking to the wrong people - was it an ad that came up at the top of a Google search?

How did you end up speaking to the wrong people - was it an ad that came up at the top of a Google search?

Googled stepchange- clicked the top link which turned out to be step INTO change

I have spoken to stepchange and they can't help me with an iva

Are there any other companies?

I'm in the process of seperating from my husband. I am so stressed right now this is all I need

Citizens Advice help with finding the right debt solution for you. www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/debt-solutions/individual-voluntary-arrangements/ is their info on IVAs but they have info on other solutions and you can ring up, webchat or book a f2f appointment for advice.

Ok, so what you could do is contact Payplan which are really good (free debt management) you need a new simple bank account so could open a new one and close the old one. I got one from the Coop- bank which has been really good. I can vouch for both of these, really helpful. Or the real Stepchange I hear is good, but Payplan has really helped me in the past.

Bank have said not to worry as they will be unable to take anything. Just be vigilant and not give anything over the phone as they now have enough details to pretend to be HMRC etc. Also to keep a check on credit karma. The only thing they could do is set up direct debit, but I would be notified and I would be covered anyway.

Try Martin Lewis Moneysaving Expert site.
Lots of very non judgemental, knowledgeable people there.

www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime

Also report it here and hopefully you can stop others being caught out by it. Sorry you've got more stress added to what sounds like an already stressful time

How do I know that payplan are genuine? I have gone from elation to more stress

I'm currently paying £155 each month to debts (in payment plans with most). I owe £10,000.

To be told I could pay £90 per month and be debt free in 5 years was such a lifeline

How would that work 90 X 60 is £5400. Those figures were never going to add up

Because the rest would be written off

It sounds like they were setting up a trust deed where the rest is wiped off. There are companies that do this and if it is legit then they will be contacting each company you owe money to. It is a legally binding contract though and I'm pretty sure it needs to be signed paperwork not just on the phone.

Have you looked into Christians against poverty?

It doesnt matter if you're religious either.

Payplan are genuine - I have had help with them over the years and they have got the interest frozen and been really helpful it is now nearly paid off and my credit rating is really good now! Really recommend them

Have a look here uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.payplan.com

It looks like they are a broker - have just had a welcome pack from credit fix? It's for an IVA

I would also recommend the Cashminder account at the Co-op bank for a great simple bank account with a debit card.

I'm with Monzo and find it great for budgeting

Payplan are free...anyway maybe best contact CAB if you are not convinced who would be able to help you

I'd also inform step change, so they can take action against them if necessary.
Also, never click those top links on Google, they are usually paid ads and aren't thoroughly checked, always scroll down to the actual results and click on those, I saw it on TV before about someone else falling for a similar scam because of those ad links.

Yes, stepchange have logged, and were already aware due to others making the same error!

I don’t want to scare you but it’s not as simple as they can’t take anything .. they have enough of your ID details to use your ID for all sorts of scams.

Have you thought of doing a DRO (Debt relief order)?

www.gov.uk/options-for-paying-off-your-debts/debt-relief-orders

Do you receive any benefits? This info could be used to sign you up for Universal Credit.

I would call 101.

I've asked this company to remove all my details

Not going to happen I'm afraid; if they are scammers they're hardly likely to remove info on your say-so, and there's every chance they'll sell it to other scammers too

Fortunately there's lots of info here on how to protect yourself and look out for any odd happenings which come your way