Phone calls Phone calls

[connie]

I'm such a coward. i've ignored the phone for days because i'm frightened of creditors being agressive. i have caller display so i can see the numbers that come up.
i'm such a wuss.
For the last week or so i've had calls from one number in particular at least 7 or 8 times a day. I haven't dared answer it because i was thinking there so determined its got to be bad. ie their sending the bailiffs in ande just letting me know.
Anyway, its just rang again and i'd had enough and was feeling brave so decided to answer it.
The call began
"Hello, this is ***** from petplan"
HAHA how stupid am i, what a mupppet. i've ignored them for days. mind you they were very persitent. Shame i'm already insured with tesco.

[angela18]

it'll get you in good practise

[connie]

i know, i hate the calls that come now. i dread to think what there going to be like whilst the IVA is getting sorted. i won't be able to rest till its over with. now i worry about it getting refused.
i don't know what i'll do when i'm (Fingers crossed)debt free with nothing to worry about.

[angela18]

me too, i'll worry because i've got nothing to worry about..

Do you think grey hair will revert back to brown if theres nothing to worry about[:o)]

[connie]

haha hopefully.

[emma_t]

Hi connie/angela

The calls and letter were one of the things I was most worried about, but after a good few I felt like a pro and just repeated the same speach - by the end I was like a parrot and could say it in my sleep[:I]

Please don't worry about creditors all being nasty, I think the nasty ones always seem to get the most posts as they are the problem but I had as many nice, helpful creditors as nasty ones. Would not really call them nasty either just more aggressive and forceful in the approach they took.

If I had enough I did ignore the phone for a day or so, no harm in that - very rarely do they leave messages anyway.

You will both cope ok, if I did anyone can[:D]

[angela18]

thanks emma

[Soulgrowth]

When I was waiting for my IVA to be agreed I answered one phone call, tried to be polite and explain as is the advice given ... and it ended up in a very distressing 'fight'. So I decided, never again, life's too short, on the morning it happened I was just about to leave my home to attend to the funeral service of a baby and so it really helped me to get my perspectives right. My attitude was that I am in the right and protected by the law as I am actively making concerted efforts to address my debt. And so for the period of formulating my IVA I diverted all my calls to my mobile which had 'caller display' and didn't answer any call where I didn't recognise the number. It was interesting to see the pattern of calls ... some were at exactly the same time each day ... like an automated system.

Don't be bullied Connie, you are doing everything right and should not have to be a victim of what is essentially harsassment.

Ironically I have just started receiving calls for a previous occupant of my house who is obviously having a few debt difficulties. Does anyone have any ideas how I might stop this, I have done the obvious of saying please take me off your list he doesn't live here.

Debbie

[angela18]

you could get the address and formally advise that this person has not lived at your house for ** years so kindly update your records

[louisa.s]

Angela - We get that as well - well not so much the phone calls just the postcard saying they called and their statements and chasing letters etc!!!

Connie - if it helps turns the ringer off on your phone for a bit but tell your family/friends that if they can't get you on the home phone to try your mobile!!! We did that when we couldn't be bothered to talk to Barclaycard 8 times a day.

Although to be honest we still get in trouble with that now coz we turn the ringer off to watch a film and forget to turn it back on - oops!!! Irate family members trying to get hold of you - not sure if thats better of worst than creditors!![:D]

[chris.g]

Connie, turn the phone off NOW!!!! You will grow to loathe the 'ring,ring' of it, silence is better, and it won't make any difference to the outcome, apart from you will be a little saner and less stressed.....

[angela18]

i've started to think if I don't know the number i won't answer, but then feel guilty!! GE money have started calling today whilst i was at work

[louisa.s]

Don't feel guilty - you have got nothing to feel guilty about!!!

If you do answer - find out who it is and who they want to speak to and if it is you - then say "I'm very sorry she is not here at the moment!" Works a treat!

Lou x

[angela18]

good advise!!!

[chris.g]

I hope I don't come across that I'm advising people to ignore their creditors. We, everyone in debt, are in this situation and we are trying to get it sorted out. We do not need anymore stress and upset than we already have by being drawn into arguments and being shamed into making a token payment! These people who work in collections are a special breed, they have very thick skin and little ability to empathise with anyone. I know they are just doing their job but we are trying our best to resolve our horrible situation and they do not help by ringing numerous times a day.....