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ClearDebt thanked for exposing debt sale scam.

Marketing — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:40:37 +0000

Leading Debt solution expert, ClearDebt are delighted to have been thanked by the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) for alerting them to three of the companies who are now being investigated for promising consumers to buy off their credit card debt and relieving them of any legal obligations to payback their creditors.

OFT issues warning to consumers over debt agencies offering to buy or sell debt

• ClearDebt thanked by the OFT for identifying three debt scam companies

• OFT and local trading standards services prosecute several agencies for unlicensed trading

Andrew Smith, Marketing Director of ClearDebt comments:
“We are very aware of how vulnerable consumers can be when burdened by debt. Because of that we feel it’s our responsibility to ensure our company and any other which is providing a debt solution service, is acting in an honest manner. To do otherwise, is doing the unthinkable to people’s livelihoods.”

The OFT is warning consumers that the law does not allow the sale of debt without the lender’s permission and businesses suggesting otherwise are intentionally misleading them. The OFT go on to say that any consumers choosing to take their chances with one of these agencies, either directly or through a broker, will still be liable for their original repayment obligations as well as losing the money they paid for this false service, and any debt collection activity or negative credit scoring associated with the original debt.

Whilst investigating the number of companies involved in these “scams” the OFT has discovered many are working without a consumer credit licence and have started prosecution proceedings against them for unlicensed trading.

Ray Watson, OFT Director of Credit, said:
“’Like most scams, when something looks too good to be true, it usually is.” “The OFT will not hesitate to take swift action against businesses which deliberately mislead consumers”.

- Ends –

For advice on debt solutions, consumers can call ClearDebt FREEPHONE 0800 0192 095
For further information contact: Jacqueline Cohen on 07976 739 125, jacqueline.cohen@cleardebt.co.uk / Andrew Smith at andrew.smith@cleardebt.co.uk

Don’t they ever learn that in true superhero style, the goodie always wins?

David Mond — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:14:17 +0000

In the world of superheroes, Batman, Spidey and Superman always save the day. And even if we want to include the females in this sacred group – SuperGirl won her battles fair and square.

So it’s good to see that justice can win the day, even in the real world!

Loosing their latest battle, the bulging banks are throwing their toys out of their pram as they panic over the OFT decision, confirming millions of pounds in bank fees are to be returned to the consumer.

Calculators will be working overtime as banks panic about the effect on their industry this will have, and to counteract the situation, they’re already creating brand new accounts to dazzle us with, which on further investigation have hidden costs. If blinded by the freebies and missing the small print, it seems sign ups to these accounts may be the solution to all their problems – rather than paying us back out of their own pocket, they can use ours.

I suspect that in reaction (the words “knee” and “jerk” come to mind) to loosing the bank charges battle, these new accounts which offer daily overdraft charges and monthly maintenance fees will help us, help them, raise the monies needed to pay us back our bank charges. How kind of us, I know. ;)

BBC’s money reporter, Louise Greenwood, claims both Halifax Bank of Scotland and Alliance and Leicester have launched attractive current accounts offering cash bonuses of up to £100 for setting up or using the account – a very attractive carrot to dangle for those feeling more than the “pinch”.

But as the saying goes, what looks too good to be true…is too good to be true. Mistaking the consumer for Dumb and Dumber, the banks think they can dazzle us with cash rewards for signing up with them and then hammer us with daily overdraft charges without us even noticing! Or getting us to use pay monthly accounts which offer benefits we may never use! Is that the best they can come up with? Do they really think we won’t make the connection between the end of free banking and the newly introduced fees?

It seems, that as the banks loose one battle, they start another…never knowing when to stand down and make peace with the consumer so we can work together to create a stronger relationship with a win/win result.
Have they never watched the movies we all love to see? Do they not know what happens in each and everyone of them? The people always win over the corporates…the heroes always beat the villains and justice wins every time.

He who shouts the loudest…

David Mond — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:38:37 +0000

Chatter, chatter everywhere.

In the words of BT’s Bob Hoskins, It’s good to talk. And talk we do. On twitter, on facebook, on blogs and on forums.

Sometimes it’s talk for talking sake, but other times, it’s to fight for a cause…something we believe in.

And I’m pleased to say, that all our talking has finally made a difference.
The OFT (Office of Fair Trading) has taken action against 11 of these so called “charitable” organisations (and two of these were pointed out to them by me!)
With so many people’s livelihoods in the balance, it’s about time these companies are held accountable for their dishonesty and the worry they have caused so many people in debt as they tell them they’re in the wrong plan or paying too much money to their current IVA provider in order to get them to switch!
11 sites have now been ordered to cease using such trade names and if they continue to trade without obtaining a licence they will then face prosecution. I guess what goes around, comes around. About time too!