Advantis Credit Debt Collection – Should You Pay?

Are you holding a letter from Advantis Credit Debt Collection and feeling worried? You’re not alone. Each month, over 170,000 people visit this site for help with debt questions.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

•  Why Advantis Credit Ltd might be getting in touch with you.
•  Steps to take, such as asking Advantis for proof of your debt.
•  The laws that control how Advantis operate.
•  Ways to cope if Advantis are making things hard for you.

Research shows that 64% of people in the UK feel stressed when dealing with debt collectors,¹ and some of us have even been through it too.

We understand how you feel and we’re here to help you find the best way forward.

Why are They Contacting You?

Any communication from Advantis Debt Collection Agency means that their client claims you owe money to them.

They will be sending you a payment request and possibly threatening legal action.

Advantis Credit typically sends a letter, but they could contact you with a text message, email, or phone call as well. Whatever communication methods they use, do not put your head in the sand. It will only make things worse. 

Keep in mind that it’s possible that Advantis Credit made a mistake because of a similar name or the real debtor used to live at your property. They could also be chasing you on the off chance that you’ll pay without checking to see if the debt is enforceable.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Start by Requesting Proof!

A debt does not need to be paid until the company proves you owe the money. Debt verification is a very important step that, in our experience, too many people skip!

If Advantis Credit has asked you to pay a debt without showing proof that you owe it, the best thing to do is request it.

A copy of the original agreement is typically what is sent as proof that you owe the debt. You can use our free letter template to write to Advantis and ask for evidence.

This can be useful even if you know about the debt.

It can get you some extra thinking time, and of course, if they can’t provide proof there is no obligation to pay your debts.

Advantis scam

We’ve recently been made aware that Advantis customers are being targeted by a scam using the Advantis name.

It’s important to ignore any approaches made by these scammers.

If you receive an email from the domain name advantiscredit.org then be aware this is NOT Advantis. It is a scam email so do not respond to their emails.

Making a payment to Advantis

Fortunately, making a payment to Advantis is very straightforward.

The easiest way to do that is online. If you go to the Advantis website there’s a make a payment section. 

You will need your Advantis reference number which you can get from the letters they have sent to you.

How a Debt Collection Agency Can Make Life Difficult

Some debt collection agencies will bend the rules even when regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority because they think they will get away with it. 

In fact, StepChange found that two-thirds of people in debt have experienced some level of bad practice from a debt collector in the last two years².

Even if you took out credit that you have failed to pay back, you shouldn’t be treated wrongfully.

Research discovered that 50% of people in debt will have suicidal thoughts because of the methods used to chase them for payment. It is no surprise that people in debt suffer from mental health problems when they are being chased in such a threatening way by some companies. 

Writing Off Your Debt

There are a few different debt solutions that you may be able to use to write off some of your unsecured debts.

If you are considering a debt solution, we recommend that you speak to a debt charity for some financial advice.

Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA)

An IVA is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors. You make one monthly payment and this is distributed out amongst your creditors. An IVA typically lasts for 5 or 6 years and, at the end of your IVA, any outstanding debts are written off.

Your creditors are prohibited from contacting you for the duration of your IVA.

IVAs are a great option for people who owe several thousand pounds to two or more creditors. Keep in mind that these requirements and the fees associated with an IVA mean that it is not the best option for some people.

Trust Deed

If you live in Scotland, an IVA is unavailable and you will need to opt for a Trust Deed.

Trust deeds are pretty much identical to an IVA, the only key difference is geography!

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

If you have very little disposable income and own no assets of significant value, you may qualify for a DRO.

Once your DRO application is approved, your creditors can’t contact you for 12 months, your interest freezes, and you don’t make any payments towards your debts. After a year, your financial situation is assessed and if you are still in financial difficulty any outstanding debts are written off.

Bankruptcy

If you have no way of ever paying back your debts, you may need to declare bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy can have a negative image but it is often the only way that people with debts can get a financial head start.

That said, it is a serious financial situation that should not be taken lightly!

Sequestration

Those in Scotland will need to apply for sequestration rather than bankruptcy.

If you owe a little debt but have a low income, you may qualify for a minimal asset process (MAP). This is cheaper than full sequestration and is more straightforward. It only lasts for 6 months and then any remaining debt is wiped off.

What Can You Do If They’re Being Unreasonable?

Our financial expert, Janine, says on debt collectors: ‘It’s crucial that you stay calm and know your rights. They have no power to enter your home or take any of your possessions.’

Advantis are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means that they have to stick to the FCA guidelines and codes of conduct.

If you feel that they have not stuck to the rules, you should make a complaint.

First, make a complaint against Advantis directly. If you feel that they have not taken your complaint seriously enough, you can make a separate complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

By complaining to the FOS, your issue should be dealt with reasonably and you may even qualify for compensation if it is necessary. Advantis could also be fined if your complaint is upheld.

Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights when dealing with Advantis or any other debt collection agency is crucial.

That’s why we’ve prepared this table that explains what debt collectors are allowed to do. If you’d like to learn more about your rights, make sure to check out our detailed guide.

Debt Collectors Can	But They Can’t
Contact you by phone or mail.	Call you after 9pm or before 8am.
Conduct home visits (on rare occasions) and knock on your door.	Forbily enter your home, or stay if you ask them to leave.
Threaten to take you to court by suing you for payment on a debt.	Harrass you, including threats of violence, repeated calls and visits, or abusive language.
Negotiate a debt settlement. Tip: make sure to get this new arrangement in writing.	Visit your workplace.
Access your bank account, but only after a court judgment has been made.	Take anything from your home or threaten to do so.
Sell your debt.	Speak to other people about your debt without your permission.
Contact you frequently.	Keep doing so if you request that they reduce communications.

Advantis Credit Ltd Contact Details

Website:	https://www.advantiscredit.co.uk/
Phone number:	01782 401 100 (customer enquiries) 01782 400 400 (choose option 4) (client sales or media enquiries)
Mail:	Advantis Credit Ltd, Minton Hollins Building, Shelton Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, ST4 7RY
Email:	[email protected]
Numbers they call from:	01782401123 07891903076 08448241836

References

1. InDebted Debt Collectors Survey.
2. StepChange, Creditor and Debt Collector Conduct.

CONC 7.3 Treatment of customers in default or arrears (including repossessions): lenders, owners and debt collectors

CONC 7.9 Contact with customers