The stress of being in debt can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s physical and mental health. Here at debtbuffer, we aim to help you regain control and enjoy your life again. We will help you understand your debt options in order to rebuild a life with you at the steering wheel. Life is too short to carry debt, so let’s get you on the path to living debt free.
Who are Arc Europe?
ARC Europe has been working in debt recovery for nearly twenty years. Specialising in working for the health and leisure, insurance, and financial sector, they are authorised by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) to conduct debt recovery and to purchase outstanding debts.
Are Arc Europe credible?
ARC is fully regulated by the FCA. This means that they are audited by the FCA on a regular basis. ARC must ensure that they make their accounts, their history, and their operating methods available to be checked according to government guidelines.
Why are you being contacted by Arc Europe Ltd Debt Collection?
ARC will have contacted you in relation to an outstanding debt that is either being pursued by one of their clients or by the company directly after buying out your debt. As ARC have been collecting and managing debt for nearly two decades, this suggests that their business model is found to be effective by the companies that choose to utilise their service.
Who do ARC (Europe) collect for?
ARC works for many different companies, primarily from the financial, insurance, health and leisure industries. Clients contact and work with ARC to manage their overdue and outstanding accounts. ARC also purchases debt and works to collect payment for themselves. As such, there is no single body that ARC collects for and each case is different.
Is ARC (Europe) a legitimate debt collector?
As ARC is regulated by the FCA, this means that the FCA recognises ARC as a legitimate debt collecting agency. Regulation ensures that ARC is held to the FCA standards for debt collectors and must comply with government guidelines.
Can I stop ARC (Europe) from contacting me?
As ARC works on the behalf of clients and they are the legal owners of some debt, they are under contractual obligation to initiate contact with you. Their responsibility is to the client who owns the debt. There is no way to prevent ARC from stopping contact with you as a result of this.
Should I ignore ARC (Europe)’s letters or calls?
As ARC and the clients they work for are the legal owners of the debt, they can use official channels to get your contact details. They can, for example, contact your bank and request your updated contact information. If a company such as ARC has a lack of contact from a debtor, they may move to engaging bailiffs, start legal procedures, or refer the case to the court system. Debtors should not ignore ARC letters or calls.
Should I pay ARC (Europe) the money I owe?
As ARC are either the legal owners of your debt or the appointed managing party for the debt, then you should pay them the money they owe if you are in position to do so.
If you believe that you do not owe the money, then you should contact ARC immediately. They will consider the dispute and refer the matter to the client if required. During this time, their collection activities will be on hold while your claim is fully investigated.
I can’t afford to pay ARC (Europe). What now?
Arc’s business model only works if you can continue to make payments. They will consider your personal and financial circumstances in order to seek a solution that is best for the interests of their clients. ARC will attempt to develop an affordable and sustainable instalment plan. As a debtor, you may have a range of options open to you, right the way through to voluntary bankruptcy; however, this can be more difficult or financially costly to manage. You should always seek impartial, professional advice.
What action can ARC (Europe) take?
ARC will work with a debtor to find ways to manage instalment plans and to keep creditors informed and appraised of the situation. They do not have enforcement authority, so they are not permitted to enter your property if you do not want them to. They are not allowed to confiscate any personal goods to take for payment. They are not allowed to threaten, intimidate, or lie to a debtor about what they are allowed to do.
However, ARC are allowed to contact bailiffs and move through the legal system to pursue payment. If this happens, a High Court Enforcement Officer may make a visit to your home. Should this happen, you will still have to pay the debt, additional charges depending on the size of the debt, and to cover the cost of the actions that the officers have taken to recover the debt.
Could my ARC (Europe) debts mean that I lose my home?
Unfortunately, in some cases, debt can potentially lead to you losing your home. If, for example, your debt leads to you declaring bankruptcy, then your home might be repossessed.
How do I make a complaint about ARC (Europe)?
ARC’s internal guidelines, alongside FCA guidelines, require staff to act professionally and ethically. However, if you are unhappy with their service, then call them on 01932 251 000 to make them aware and start the complaints process.
If you have any further concerns, then you can write to them at:
Customer Support Manager
ARC (Europe) Ltd
Kent House
Churchfield Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey
KT12 2TU
Furthermore, if you are unhappy with the way in which ARC have handled the complaint, you can contact the Credit Services Association on 0191 217 0775 or the Financial Ombudsman Service on 0800 023 4567.
