BPO Collections Debt – Should You Pay? 

Ever received a surprise letter from BPO Collections and wondered where it came from? Or if it’s real? Or if you need to pay it?

You’re not alone. Each month, over 170,000 people visit our website seeking advice on debt problems. 

In this guide, we’ll cover: 

• Understanding what BPO Collections Debt is.
• Who BPO Debt Collections are and who they collect for.
• If you can write off some BPO Collections debt.
• How to handle a BPO Collections Ltd Debt Letter.
• What other debt solutions exist.

Unfortunately, nearly half of the individuals who deal with debt collection agencies have experienced harassment or aggression¹. So, we know that getting a debt letter can be confusing and scary.

But, with the right help, you can work out your options. Our aim is to give you clear and easy-to-understand information.

Let’s get started!

Have You Received a BPO Collections Debt Letter?

BPO Debt Collections is likely to inform you about an outstanding debt in writing. They will send a letter to the address or person who they believe owes their client money.

These letters can come as a shock and cause severe anxiety. They will request payment to clear the debt on your account and may threaten court action if you do not pay or if you do not get back in touch to discuss repayment options. 

If you believe there is a mistake or that BPO has the wrong person (this can happen!), we have a trick you can use to make them realise the mistake for themselves. 

Read on to learn what it is!

Start by Requesting Proof of the Debt

Just because a debt collection agency states you owe their client money and they are writing to collect it doesn’t make them right. The onus to prove the debt is on them – not you! Most debt collection companies hope that debtors pay up quickly to avoid them putting in the hard yards.

But in fact, they must provide you with a copy of the agreement, which you did not stick to. In other words, they must provide proof of why you owe the debt, such as an unpaid utility agreement or an outstanding credit agreement.

Requesting proof is recommended even if you recognise the debt. If they can’t prove it there is no obligation for you to pay.

To request proof, send BPO Collections a letter asking for the full details of the debt and its origins (and keep the letter in case the case goes to court!). You can use our free template letter to help you do this!

From our experience, the most common reason why people don’t have to pay the debt is because it is too old.

After 6 years (5 years in Scotland) have passed since your last payment or written acknowledgement of the debt, it is statute-barred. This means that the statute of limitations on a debt has been met, and there is no legal way for BPO or any debt collection company to force you to pay.

Keep in mind that some debts take longer to become statute-barred – like HMRC debts – and any debt that has had a County Court Judgement (CCJ) tied to it will always be enforceable.

What Alternatives Debt Solutions Exist?

You may be able to use a debt solution to get BPO off your back.

There are lots of different types of debt solutions available so we recommend that you speak to one of the above organisations. Their advisers can help you choose the best solution for your finances.

Here is a quick snapshot of some solutions that might help you:

Debt Management Plan (DMP)

A DMP is an informal debt solution where you negotiate with your creditors and agree on a repayment plan that is more affordable. You may even be able to freeze interest on your debts as part of the negotiation process.

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

An IVA is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors.

Once approved, an IVA usually lasts 5 years, and you will make one monthly payment for this period. This payment is distributed amongst your creditors by your IP. Any remaining debt is wiped off at the end of your IVA, and your creditors can’t contact you in any way during or after it is finished.

Keep in mind that an IVA is not for everyone – you must owe several thousand pounds to more than one creditor to qualify, and you must have some disposable income every month.

Trust Deed

IVAs are not available in Scotland, but the equivalent would be a Trust Deed.

After your Trust Deed application is approved, your creditors can’t contact you and you make a single payment that is distributed out towards your debts. Once your Trust Deed is over, your remaining debts are written off.

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

If you have some debt but little income and no valuable assets, you may qualify for a DRO.

Once your DRO application is approved, your interest is frozen, and you stop making payments to your creditors. This lasts for 12 months, at which point your finances are evaluated.

If there has been no improvement in your situation, your remaining debt may be written off.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy has a negative stigma, but it is often your only way of getting a fresh financial start if you owe a lot of money.

Keep in mind that it is a serious financial situation that should not be taken lightly, but you may be able to write off some of your debts.

Sequestration

In Scotland, you will need to apply for sequestration rather than bankruptcy.

If you have few assets, a Minimal Asset Process (MAP) may be more appropriate for you. A MAP is cheaper, more straightforward, and doesn’t last as long as sequestration.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Can You Get BPO Collections to Wipe the Debt?

Wiping some of your debt is not straightforward – but it is possible. 

You can use a debt solution which could write off your remaining debts at the end of their term. These are:

• IVA
• Trust Deed
• DRO
• Bankruptcy.

If you are thinking about a debt solution, we recommend that you speak to a debt charity for some free advice and debt counselling.

Another way to pay off some of your debt and get the rest wiped off by BPO Debt Collections is to make them a settlement offer.

This is when you offer to pay most of the money if they agree to wipe off what is remaining.  You can use our free letter template to give you some guidance.

BPO Collections advertise settlement offers on their website, which is good news. But keep in mind that BPO doesn’t have to accept your debt settlement negotiation! They can request that you pay 100% of your debt.

The not-so-great news is that a settlement agreement will show on your credit file as a debt that wasn’t completely paid off.

This means your credit file score can go down, and it can be harder to get credit in the future, including mortgages.

How Can You Make A Complaint Against Them?

Janine, our financial expert, explained that while debt collectors can visit your home for payments, they cannot come to your workplace, act threateningly, force payment, or discuss your finances with others. If they violate these rules, you can complain.

You will first need to make your complaint to BPO to give them time to sort out your issues.

If you think that they have not dealt with your complaint properly or have ignored it, you can make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

They will investigate your issues and BPO’s response. If they decide that your complaint can be upheld, BPO may be fined, and you may be owed some compensation.

Your Rights With Debt Collectors

Dealing with BPO Debt Collections can be scary and challenging. That’s why understanding your rights is vital when managing debts.

The table below offers a breakdown of what debt collectors are permitted and not permitted to do. If you’d like to learn more about your rights, be sure to read 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.

Contact Info for BPO Debt Collections

Company Name:	BPO Collections Limited
Other Names:	BPO Collections
Phone number:	0141 375 0958
Fax:	0141 762 3672
Website:	www.bpocollections.co.uk
Email:	[email protected]
Operating hours:	Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Address:	Marina Quay, Dock Road, Ardrossan, Ayrshire, KA22 8DA
Numbers BPO call from:	01413 750 925 01413 750 928 01413 750 991 01413 750 900

References

1. Indebted Debt Collection Survey

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

CONC 7.9 Contact with customers