Formal Demand For Money From Debt Collectors

[Zacs-Master]

I have received a letter stating that I owe a fairly insubstantial amount in connection with a recently cancelled broadband service, which is possibly correct (probably part of a monthly bill). I just wanted to know whether you would advise paying by credit card rather than debit card, to avoid them having my bank account details. Reviews on line suggest they can keep taking money and are, as is always the case, very difficult to get hold of.

[mushroom25]

do they add a premium for CC payment?

[Zacs-Master]

Not sure Mushroom. Unless it's exhorbitant then it might be worth it

[woofgang]

I would pay money to ANY dubious receiver by credit card as you get more protection. Alternatively If you can pay through paypal, I'd do that, if you can pay by direct transfer to their bank from yours, I'd do that as you make a one off payment, you are giving rather than them taking and there is no authority, implied or otherwise, to take more. Its like an electronic cheque.

[Zacs-Master]

Thanks Woofgang.

[ToraToraTora]

this is one of the few things that a cheque is good for. They'll still have the SC/ac but that's all.

[woofgang]

TTT, if its in the hands of a collection agency, some won't accept cheques as the risk of bouncing and wasting their time is too high. They will only take cash or cash equivalents.

[ToraToraTora]

is there a payment slip? If so then you can use a cheque at the post office or bank, it'll clear before they bother chasing.

[Zacs-Master]

Do the people you owe the money to not chase you first, or is it all 'outsourced'?

[woofgang]

I think more than more, any service where the need for it is going to vary is outsourced.

[mushroom25]

the reputable agencies such as this one
http://www.marstongroup.co.uk/service/debt-recovery-solicitors/
have online payment options - best to have as little to do with them as possible (even the reputable ones) as they're all a bunch of bloodsucking sharks.