I was terrified when bailiffs demanded £500 – how to keep them at bay
FAMILIES struggling with debt are being pushed to the brink by unscrupulous bailiffs who bully and intimidate at the door.
Debt collection agencies are putting pressure on people in financial need by not adhering to strict rules, consumer organizations warn.
4
Simon Trevethick, of debt advice charity StepChange, said: “We regularly receive reports of bailiffs misrepresenting their powers, using aggressive and intimidating tactics and treating vulnerable people unfairly.”
Here's Harriet Cooke's guide on how to deal with agents trying to recoup money. . .
If you have not paid a bill, municipalities can pass the debt on to bailiffs to recover the money.
Private companies can also call on bailiffs if they have issued a judgment against you.
Depending on the debt to be collected, different types of bailiffs exist.
But everyone must adhere to strict guidelines when trying to earn money back.
Before they come to your home, they must send an “enforcement order” and then wait seven days.
Seek free professional advice at this time from charities such as StepChange or Citizens Advice, which have trained debt advisers.
These organizations can help you reach an agreement with the person you owe money to.
If bailiffs collect a judgment from the County Court or High Court, you can complete a form to arrange payable payments with the court. This stops the bailiffs.
Advisors can help with this.
Don't wait too long to seek help, because bailiffs charge high costs on top of your debt, which can quickly add up.
You can expect to pay £75 for the enforcement notice, £235 if they come and £110 for the seizure and sale of your goods.
As well as fixed charges, they may also charge a percentage of your debts if you owe £1,500 or more.
Bailiffs knocking?
IF there is a knock on the door from someone claiming to be a bailiff or enforcement agent, ask for proof and why he is visiting, but lock the doors first as they are allowed in through unlocked doors.
Officers can knock and ask to come in, but some stick their foot in the door so they can force their way in.
Maxine McCreadie, personal finance expert at Creditfix, says: “Legitimate bailiffs must carry identification issued by the court or enforcement agency.
“This ID usually contains a photo, name and details about the court or agency they represent. You should always ask to see and verify this identification before allowing anyone into your home.”
The most common type of bailiff is a certified bailiff.
They chase unpaid rent, council tax, parking fines and child support.
If they have no proof that they are an authorized agent or bailiff, tell them to leave and call 999 if they refuse to go.
Check their powers
Bailiffs can force entry to your home if they collect certain types of debts, including subdistrict court fines, income tax or stamp duty.
They are not allowed to kick in the door.
If they try to break in, they take a locksmith with them, although this is rare.
Bailiffs must show you proof of what you owe, as well as a “warrant” or “warrant” from a court.
These documents must be signed, dated and include your correct name and address.
Bailiffs cannot penetrate other types of debts, such as unpaid council taxes, credit card or catalog balances, parking tickets or utility bills.
If you are disabled, seriously ill, have mental health problems, are pregnant, retired or the parent of small children, there are additional protection measures in place.
You should be given more time to make a payment offer and not just be visited.
Keep them outside
Once you have checked the bailiffs' ID, ask for a full overview of the debt they are collecting and who it is owed to.
You are not liable for anyone else's debts, even if they belong to your adult child or partner.
If it is your fault, tell the bailiff to leave and say you will speak to a debt charity and your creditor to make arrangements for payment.
Normally they will leave if you tell them to, and you will then have to make arrangements to repay your debt.
4
In your house
IF bailiffs enter your home and you cannot pay the debt, they will try to draw up a list of goods that you can auction to help you pay what you owe.
They're looking for valuable items like TVs and PS5s.
They cannot take essential items such as your stove or refrigerator, or items you use for work with a value of up to €1,350.
Hiding or selling assets after a bailiff has visited and properly inventoried them is a criminal offense.
But you may move them before they arrive.
Your car is usually a prime target for bailiffs, so it's a good idea to move it when you're expecting visitors, ideally to a locked garage belonging to a friend or relative.
Do not leave it on the public road, because bailiffs often drive around with license plate recognition equipment.
You will receive a written estimate of how much your items are worth and you can indicate whether you think anything is undervalued.
After the inventory, do your best to reach a repayment agreement with your creditor, otherwise the bailiffs will return to seize the goods.
They normally don't take items with them on the first visit, but they can force their way in when they return to collect the items.
If they don't sell your items, you can have them shipped back to you.
But you will still have to pay off your debt.
- For debt help, visit citizensadvice.org.uk (0800 240 4420) or stepchange.org (0800 138 1111).
- Or find other debt advice charities at moneyhelper.org.uk.
While the use of collection agencies by municipalities is increasing by 20%
DAD Tierz Andrews was confronted by bailiffs at his door at 7.30am on a Sunday three years ago.
He was at home in Oxted, Surrey, with his partner and their two toddlers.
4
He says: “I was woken by loud banging from a bailiff demanding I hand over £500.”
Four years earlier, Tierz had a mobile contract and switched to a new provider.
He had not realized that the telephone contract still had two months to run.
He had also not received any letters with this information, because he moved twice for his work as a chef.
The initial debt of £130 had risen to £500 due to bailiff costs.
Tierz, 36, said: “I really had no idea this was due.
“I had £200 at home for emergencies.
“I offered that but was told it wasn't enough and that he would walk in and take away furniture and my laptop. My children cried.
“I was so stressed that I threw up several times while on the way to get $200 from the ATM.”
The bailiff agreed to a payment plan for the remaining £100.
“There was no letter explaining that they were coming,” Tierz said.
“To this day, I tremble when someone knocks on the door.
“I felt like my family was going to get hurt.
“It was terrifying.”