Who are Wescot Credit Services?
Wescot Credit Services is a debt collection agency that is an accredited member of the Credit Services Association. As such, it has passed the Collector Accreditation Initiative which ensures it operates fairly and in accordance with legal guidelines.
Why are Wescot Credit Services chasing me?
You might not recognise the Wescot Credit Services name because your original debt might originate with another creditor. Sometimes creditors choose to pass on accounts to debt collection agencies like Wescot Credit Services, who will chase customers for payment of the sum owed.
Is Wescot Credit Services a legitimate debt collector?
Yes. It is important not to ignore communications from Wescot Credit Services as they are a legitimate collector that works on behalf of businesses, organisations and individuals.
Who do Wescot Credit Services collect for?
Wescot Credit Services operate on behalf of a variety of well-known organisations and businesses, including Npower, 02 and EE. It also frequently collects parking tickets, utility bills and council tax, as well as tax credit overpayments and unpaid tax for HMRC. Wescot Credit Services also purchases debt bundles and if this is the case, it will become the owner of your debt.
Should I ignore Wescot Credit Services’ letters or calls?
No. Because Wescot Credit Services operates in compliance with a code of conduct, it is mandatory that they provide you with enough time to explore the debt management options that are available to you. If you don’t communicate your actions with them, however, they will have no way of knowing that you are taking active steps to manage your debt.
There are always proactive steps that you can take if you find yourself being chased by Wescot Credit Services, so doing nothing should never be an option. Not only will this not make your debt disappear, but Wescot Credit Services could also choose to take further action against you if you fail to engage with them.
Can I stop Wescot Credit Services from contacting me?
If it can be proven that the debt belongs to you, clearing your debt or exploring your debt management options are the only way to stop Wescot Credit Services from chasing you for payment.
Is my debt to Wescot Credit services debt statute-barred?
In accordance with the 1980 Limitation Act, some debts do have a time limit. In England this limit is usually six years, starting from the last time you acknowledged the debt via written communications or made a payment. To be eligible for this, the creditor must not have registered a CCJ against you. If you think the above criteria applies to your case, it is worth seeking further advice.
I owe the debt and I can afford to pay Wescot Credit Services. Should I?
If it has been determined that you are liable for the debt and you have the means to make repayments or clear your balance in full, it will likely be in your best interests to do this as soon as possible.
I can’t afford to pay Wescot Credit Services. What now?
If Wescot Credit Services has proven that you are responsible for the debt they are chasing but you can’t afford to pay it, there are several options available to you. You should seek out an experienced debt management company, many of whom have informative websites and/or a helpline or AI chatbot you can use to obtain accurate and up-to-date advice.
Can I write off my Wescot Credit Services debts?
It might be possible to write off the debt you have with Wescot Credit Services using an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). To be eligible, you must possess at least £5,000 of unsecured debts, but this sum doesn’t all need to be owed to Wescot Credit Services. Your unsecured debt may comprise of benefit overpayments, overdrafts, store cards, credit cards, or council tax debt. Additionally, you will need to be able to make monthly repayments of at least £90.
What action can Wescot Credit Services take?
The legal powers available to Wescot Credit Services are the same as those that were available to your original creditor. As a debt collection agency, they can continue to chase you for repayment of your debt however they are not permitted to contact you at unreasonable times or use methods that might constitute harassment.
If you fail to make repayments towards your debt, Wescot Credit Services do have the power to send agents to your property. As they are not bailiffs, however, these agents are not allowed to enter your property without your permission and they do not have the power to remove goods.
If Wescot Credit Services ultimately decide to take further action against you, they must first take you to court. Types of further action vary but can include: sending bailiffs to your property to seize goods to cover the cost of your debt, issuing a county court judgement (CCJ) against you, and applying for a charging order or an attachment of earnings order.
Could my Wescot Credit Services debts mean that I lose my home?
It is unlikely that unsecured debt will cause you to lose your home as there are several things that will need to happen first. Unsecured debts are not secured against an asset but should you fail to make repayments, Wescot Credit Services do have the power to apply for a charging order which will mean the debt is secured against your property.
How do I make a complaint about Wescot Credit Services?
If you believe Wescot Credit Services has mishandled your case, you can make an official complaint via the following channels:
Email: contactus@wescot.co.uk
Phone: 01482 484673
If the outcome of your complaint is not to your satisfaction, you can refer your case to the CSA or FCA.
Do Wescot Credit Services send bailiffs?
Although Wescot Credit Services are not bailiffs, if you fail to respond to any of their communications and/or refuse to make regular repayments, they can apply to the court to send bailiffs to your property.
