STA International Debt Collection – Should You Pay?

If you’ve received a letter from STA International Debt Collection, it’s important to stay calm. We’re here to guide you through the process.

Every month, more than 170,000 people come to our website for help with debt issues, so you’re not alone.

In this article, we will explain:

• How to check if the debt is really yours.
• What to do if you can’t pay.
• How to stop STA International from contacting you too often.
• Ways to set up a payment plan.
• How you could even write off some of your debt.

Research shows that 64% of UK adults find interactions with current debt collectors stressful¹. So, we understand how you feel. You don’t need to worry – we’re here to help you.

Ready to learn more about dealing with STA International and how to take control of your debt? Let’s dive in!

Why is STA International sending you letters?

STA International may not be a company that you’ve ever done business with before. So, receiving a letter from them saying you owe money can be an unpleasant surprise. However, there are generally reasons why they have contacted you.

Like other debt collection agencies, STA International will have either been paid to collect your outstanding debts or purchased the debt themselves. Debt collection agencies buy billions of debt annually at rock bottom prices – at an average of 10p to £1!²

Usually, this happens when the original creditor has tried to recover the money owed and failed.

The reasons for your debt can vary, from unpaid bills and taxes to outstanding loans and credit card debt. However, once you’ve received one letter from them, it’s highly likely that you’ll receive further communication if you don’t respond.

Do you have to pay the money they’re asking for?

In most cases, the answer is yes.

We all have to pay our debts eventually, and if you genuinely owe money, the best way of dealing with it is to pay it. However, there are some courses of action you should take before you pay:

1. Get them to prove that you owe the money. The burden of proof is on STA International to prove that the debt is actually yours. You can write to them to ask for them to provide it, and per the FCA’s guidebook, they have to provide it.
2. Check whether your debt is statute barred. Some debts have a time limit on them, usually six years. However, for this to apply, the creditor must not have issued a CCJ, you must not have made a payment, and you must not have admitted in writing to having the debt.
3. Look at your payment options. You may not have to pay the full amount upfront. The debt agency may accept a payment plan, and there are other options too.

Can you just ignore them?

Technically yes, but ignoring debt collection agencies is never a good idea.

We always recommend responding to debt collectors – even just to question the debt’s validity. Remember, you have the right to request proof of the debt. They have to prove it or they can’t charge you.

If you ignore debt collectors, they won’t stop trying to contact you. If anything, ignoring them will make them try harder to reach you. Secondly, they may charge additional fees when trying to recover the debt.

Perhaps the most important reason for not ignoring them is the fact that they have the option of taking you to court to recover the money. This can mean that they can issue a CCJ or send the bailiffs round to take your property. Even if the debt isn’t actually yours, your best course of action is to contact STA International and explain the situation.

What powers does STA International have?

They’re limited.

As a debt collection agency, there are certain powers that the company has. However, these powers are no different from the original company the debt belonged to. So, they can chase you for repayment of the money you owe, but their powers are limited.

STA International is not an enforcement agency (or bailiff, as they’re commonly known). This means that, although they can visit your home with notice, they cannot take your possessions or car to pay off the debt.

If they claim that they have this power, they’re being untruthful, and you can ask them to leave.

Main Differences Between Debt Collectors and Bailliffs

Understanding the main differences between debt collectors and bailiffs is essential to prevent unfair treatment. That’s why we’ve created this simple table to help you differentiate between them. If you’d like to learn more about your rights when dealing with debt collectors, please read our detailed guide.

Keep in mind that while debt collectors can’t directly take your belongings or force their way onto your premises, they can take you to court over the debt.

This means they might be able to call in the actual bailiffs, secure a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you, or get an Attachment of Earnings order against you.

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Can STA International take your belongings?

Our financial expert, Janine, says on debt collectors: ‘I understand that having a debt collector at your door can be scary, especially when you are already under huge financial stress. 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.’

That being said, debt collectors can take court action against you to call in bailiffs, who would then have the power to seize your possessions. It’s, therefore, better to deal with STA International before it reaches that point.

If someone from STA International claims that they are a bailiff and tries to enter your property or take your belongings, you can ask them to leave and make a complaint.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

What if you don’t have the money?

Don’t panic if you don’t immediately have the funds available to pay. Debt collection agencies must give you sufficient time to explore your options for repayment.

As well as proposing a payment plan to STA International, you also have other options:

• IVAs and Protected Trust Deeds. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, you may be able to come to an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA). This allows you to combine all your debts into one and make lower payments over 60 months. Any outstanding debt at the end is written off. In Scotland, a Protected Trust Deed does similar.
• Debt management. You can get loans, debt arrangement schemes, and other plans to help you repay or write off some of your debt. You could also consider bankruptcy as a last resort.

You’ll want to carefully consider your options and get advice on this front. There are many intricacies to consider, and expert help can be hugely beneficial.

If you’re taking this route, make sure to let STA International know so that they stop hounding you.

Can you stop them from contacting you?

Sort of. You’ll find that debt collection agencies, in general, are quite persistent. They’ll continue to chase up the debts they’re collecting for, particularly if you ignore their calls and letters.

However, they cannot harass you by making an unnecessary number of calls or calling at unsociable times.

The best way to stop STA International from contacting you is to contact them first. You can then discuss ways of repaying the debt or provide evidence that the debt isn’t yours or your responsibility. Once they have their money, they will stop calling and writing to you about that debt.

How can you contact STA International?

You can reach STA International via several ways, as outlined on their contact page. This gives you options to call, use the contact form, or write to them in person. They also give you options here to pay online if you so choose.

When reaching out to them, make sure you have all of the details and letters they’ve already sent you, as this will make the process easier.

You should also have in mind what you’re going to say to them. If you’re going to contest the debt, you should have evidence of why it’s not your responsibility.

You can make a complaint directly to STA International, and they have a detailed complaints procedure. However, if you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can also contact the Financial Ombudsman Service, who will act as arbitrators for your case.  

STA International Contact Details

References

1. Indebted Debt Collection Survey
2. Jubilee Debt Campaign

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

CONC 7.9 Contact with customers