If you have received a letter from Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) threatening legal action due to unpaid debts, do not ignore their letters.
We have the best advice and a complete guide to help you deal with this debt collection agency.
If you would like assistance tackling PDCS, this debt help guide is for you.
It’s not your fault. Complaints to the Financial Ombudsman have risen this year from 830 to 2,006, so it’s safe to say that you’re not alone.
Deal with your debt today and feel better tomorrow.
Who are Past Due Credit Solutions?
PDCS (Past Due Credit Solutions) was established in 2005 and is among the UK’s fastest-growing debt recovery companies. They chase debt for their clients – including HMRC – by sending letters and may threaten to seize possessions using bailiffs. PDCS is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Past Due collects for the HMRC for self-assessment debt and is also known for collecting on behalf of companies like:
- BT
- Sky
- British Gas
UK Personal Debt 2021 Update:
On average, a UK household spends £4.20 a day on water, electricity and gas.
(Source: The Money Charity)
Don’t worry, here’s what to do
You could get rid of debt collectors by writing off your debt. I’ve put together a 4 question debt calculator which will tell you if you’re eligible:
Why are you being contacted by Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Debt Collectors?
Debt collection agencies like Past Due Credit Solutions can operate with different setups. There are independent debt collectors, collectors who are one arm of a larger creditor business (often hiding their identity), and some people work in the debt collection industry as sole traders.
They will purchase peoples’ debt for a small amount, sometimes as low as 20% of its worth. By chasing debt and receiving payment (in full or in part), the business can make huge profits.
Your personal circumstances are not their priority and don’t expect them to show empathy. The Office for Fair Trading has acknowledged this by stating these types of practices are “widespread” (OFT, 2010).
Check if you really owe the money
The first step in our debt collection guidance is to find out which creditors you owe and how much. This could be stated on your PDCS debt collection letter. Please note, what you owe may have increased with unfair interest and collection charges.
To get this information, it is time to send a letter to Past Due Credit Solutions requesting an authentic copy of the credit agreement that you supposedly did not stick to.
Our prove the debt letter post will guide you on what to do.
If the company does not supply you with this proof of the debt, or if they do not reply to the letter, you are not obligated to pay.
Can pay but won’t pay?
If proof that you owe them money is provided, the easiest way to get out of your debt situation is to pay your creditors.
But if you are unable to pay, or paying would create money problems, you can try to agree on a payment plan with Past Due Credit Solutions.
How debt collectors can ruin your life…
Debt collection finance companies use techniques that toe the line of the law, sometimes stepping over it. They might apply pressure with a phone call, bully you into paying or even harass you with repeated calls. Sometimes they even call you at work. This goes against debt collection rules.
If you are being chased by Past Due Credit Solutions, this could have serious consequences on your quality of life. It could lead to mental health issues, and some have taken their life because of debt collectors.
The Debt Support Trust states that nearly 50% of debtors consider suicide, which has even made coroners speak up about their concerns following debt-related suicides.
Brighton University researchers conducted their own investigation into the credit history and mental health, stating “Debt clients frequently feel humiliated, disconnected and entrapped, with the process of debt collection having a clear impact on people’s mental health” (Walker et al., 2012).
Consequently, they have tried to rally the UK Government to attack the issue and create more avenues of support and advice for debtors.
Find your best debt solution
Is all this information starting to feel overwhelming? Don’t panic! I’ve put together a 4 question debt calculator so you can quickly and easily find the best solution for you. Answer the four questions now.
Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Debt Collectors and the law
The Office for Fair Trading (OFT, 2012) published guidelines that every debt collection company must follow.
- Be fair and avoid using coercion, aggressive practices or be improper and deceitful in any way
- Provide clear information that debtors can understand.
- Be considerate of debtors’ circumstances and any difficulty they face in making payments. They must take into account the latter when discussing repayments.
If Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) has intimidated you through a text message, calls or letter by not sticking to the OFT guidelines, you may choose to report them. In serious cases, the OFT has the authority to revoke their debt collection license.
Just because you owe them money doesn’t give them the right to break the law. Register your complaint about Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Debt Collectors with this online complaint form.
Understanding how Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Debt Collectors operates
The key to defending yourself against Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) and other debt collection groups is knowing how the collection process works – and seeking advice!
They are on a bonus
Any appointed representative for Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) who calls you up to request payment is not a specialised debt collection professional.
They must meet targets each month, day and sometimes each hour. If they meet or exceed their targets, they may be in for a company bonus. Some will try every trick in the book to get a payment.
These are usually empty threats made by Past Due Credit Solutions’ debt collection agents who are seeking a commission. You can somewhat give a little back by keeping the person on the phone but refuse to pay today.
Automated call technology
If you take the other approach by ignoring Past Due Credit Solutions debt calls, agencies start to utilise technology to call you instead. They use automated calling to give you a ring at set times, or as much as every 30 minutes until you pick up. If you eventually answer and the call is silent, this is an illegal intimidation technique.
If you are experiencing automated and silent calls from Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS), start to record the frequency of these calls. Their behaviour is in breach of OFT regulations and you can report them.
The easiest way to get in touch with the Financial Ombudsman is on 0300 123 9123 or 0800 023 4567.
Bad cop, good cop
Another tactic that debt collectors will use is the bad-cop-good-cop routine. This is when you receive lots of calls by abusive and aggressive agents requesting payment, followed by one nice caller who is polite, friendly and empathetic.
However, if you reject payment to these seemingly friendlier callers, they can soon revert to their intimidating and aggressive selves. The whole purpose of this tactic is to gradually wear you down.
Standing up to this tactic is not easy, which is why debt agencies continue to use it.
Embarrassing you by talking to third parties
If it is not you that answers the debt call, agents may start to discuss your debt with whoever answers, causing you embarrassment and frustration.
They may talk about your situation with family or even a work colleague. This is completely illegal.
You should complain about any debt disclosure to third parties to the Financial Ombudsman.
Deceit and lies
If the debt collector is not getting their money, they may try additional tactics that are also illegal.
Some agencies are known to pretend they are the courts or even enforcement officers with the legal rights to visit you at home and remove your goods. Some will even threaten prosecution. Debt collection groups never have these legal rights.
Never provide Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) with permission to come to your property and never let them in. If you do, call the police the second you feel intimidated.
Don’t let them wear you down
As you are aware by now, debt collection agencies are relentless at chasing debts with letters, text messages and phone calls, making them responsible for mental illnesses and potential suicides.
But you can stand up to any debt collection agency, and further debt help is available. Get in touch with charities for additional support.
How to pay, what is the process?
Many people choose to pay Past Due on their website, but you will need your account reference number to do this, which will be on the letters they sent you. Their website provides further information.
Alternatively, you can call them to get your customer ID, however, if you’re already on the phone, you may as well make the payment on the phone. Once you’re entered your customer ID, you can then make a payment via credit card or debit card.
Getting help with debt
There is free debt advice available from non-profit groups that can provide comprehensive help to deal with debt collection companies, and you could find support from debt management commercial companies. Try searching for:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offers comprehensive help with your debt and may even be able to prevent debt collectors from contacting you as long as you can prove that you are already attempting to repay.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is not just for religious people and provides free help.
StepChange offers free online debt advice to help people take control of their debts.
Writing off your debt entirely
Writing off your debt is possible if you qualify and choose an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA).
These are a special type of repayment agreement where the debtor commits to paying monthly payments for five years. Once the period is over, all unpaid debt is 100% written off.
To qualify for an IVA on the government scheme, you must have multiple debts. To learn if you qualify for an IVA, use my virtual IVA assessment tool which will give you an answer in just five questions!
Finally
Despite professional bodies sending out warnings and government guidelines, the state of play in the debt collector industry remains appalling, leading to mental health concerns and suicide.
Yet, you can fight back, especially with the debt help charities and the information on Money Nerd. The situation is not as easy as just refusing to pay, but it is 100% possible to use the process to your advantage and spread repayments to avoid financial distress.
Lastly, always report harassment and bullying to the Financial Ombudsman; they may just remove their debt collection license as a result!
Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Contact Details:
Company Name: Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) Limited
Other Names: Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS), PDCS, Pastdue
Address:
1 Blair Court
North Avenue
Clydebank Business Park
G81 2LA
Contact Number: 0141 951 4077
Website: www.pastduecredit.co.uk
Email: info@pastduecredit.co.uk
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Numbers they call from
01415703200 08448113701 01419516447
FAQs
Pastdue Credit Solutions Limited is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Their registration number is 703411.
Pastdue Credit Solutions is one of many debt collection groups used by HMRC to collect unpaid tax and similar debts.
PastDue Credit Solutions will purchase debt from HMRC and companies that have had no success in collecting the debt from you.
Ignoring debt collectors could result in them turning up on your doorstep requesting money. You don’t have to pay them or let them inside, but if they get a CCJ for the debt, you would be forced to pay by enforcement agents – and it will appear on your credit file.
No – there is no jail sentence for owing a debt to a debt collection group.
Absolutely not! PastDue Credit Solutions are able to request a CCJ, and if they get it, they can send enforcement agents to collect valuable items to be sold at auction. They certainly cannot issue arrest warrants, or have you sent to jail.
PastDue Credit Solutions are not the same as bailiffs. They may request a CCJ, which means they can employ bailiffs to come to your property. You will have received lots of notification letters if they were going to do this.
PastDue Credit Solutions cannot force entry, they have zero powers over you in this regard. However, if you received a CCJ, the courts can instruct bailiffs (enforcement agents) to visit you at your home.
PastDue Credit Solutions can come to your home but you do not have to acknowledge their presence or welcome them inside. You only need to take action if bailiffs come knocking.
It is unlikely that PastDue Credit Solutions will give up on the debt It is unlikely that PastDue Credit Solutions will give up on the debt until they have exhausted every legal option they can use. This means you could be chased for a minimum of six years until the debt is no longer legally enforceable.
The Limitations Act states that debt collectors have six years to get The Limitations Act states that debt collectors have six years to get their money. This countdown begins the last time the debt was acknowledged by yourself in writing or your last payment. Therefore, it is possible for debt to be too old for collection.
Debt collectors like PDCS may write off a debt if the debt is no longer enforceable via the courts. This means your debt can be written off if six years have passed since you last acknowledged or paid some of the debt in question.
You can pay Pastdue Credit Solutions Limited online or over the phone via a 24-hour automated payment line..
You may be able to get advice to take on debt collection agencies for free. The best place for free debt advice is a debt advice charity.
References
CONC 7.9 Contact with customers
References
CONC 7.9 Contact with customers