UK Search VT – What You Need To Know

If you’ve noticed UK Search VT on your bank statement, and it’s left you puzzled, then this article is here to help. It’s not always clear why a debt collector has contacted you, but we’re here to guide you through why this might have happened.

Each month, over 170,000 people visit our website for help with debt problems, so you’re not alone in this.

In this article, we’ll cover:

•  What UK Search VT means on your bank statement.
•  How to handle UK Search VT debt collectors.
•  Information about UK Search Limited and their clients.
•  Ways to possibly write off some UK Search VT debt.
•  What to do if you didn’t agree to pay UK Search Limited.

Research shows that 64% of UK adults find interactions with current debt collectors stressful¹. So we know how you feel.

Our team has also dealt with debt collectors. With our experience, we’ll help you understand and manage this situation.

What does it mean on a bank statement?

UK Search VT will appear as a debit on your bank statement when you have agreed on a payment plan with a company called UK Search Limited, also known as UKSL. 

I didn’t agree to pay them

A debt collection agency can only take payment from you if you have given them authorisation to do so, by providing them with your bank account details. UK Search Limited cannot just take money from your account because they believe you owe their client money. 

The only way money can be automatically taken from you to pay a debt is when the matter has gone to court and the case escalates further to an Attachment of Earnings Order (AEO).

So, if you have a transaction to UK Search Limited on your bank statement – i.e. UK Search VT – but didn’t agree to pay or didn’t agree to a payment plan, you can raise this as a suspicious translation with your bank. 

Your bank should refund you the money if you haven’t provided them with authorisation to take payments. They may also be able to put a stop to UK Search Limited taking further payments from you.

But to do this, they usually require the name of the company, the amount they plan to take, and the date it will be taken. This isn’t always easy, as they could plan to take a slightly different amount on a different day. It’s best to discuss this with your bank for specific details and processes. 

Do I have to pay?

You don’t have to pay UK Search Limited just because they send you a payment request. You can query their request by asking for proof you owe the debt, and if they don’t provide proof then you won’t be forced to pay.

Their client may still take you to court if you really do owe a debt, but then you can tell the judge that your request for proof went unanswered. This will work in your favour. 

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Are they an aggressive debt collector?

UK Search Limited have some shocking reviews on Trustpilot. Over 97% of reviewers have given the company one star out of five. And considering you can’t give 0 stars on Trustpilot, their average rating of 1.2 stars could be a lot worse.

Many reviewers have mentioned that the company uses aggressive and harassing tactics to recover debts. For example:

“Be aware, that this is a scam company. After I have read many reviews about them from many different people I have recognized the style that scammers use as intimidating calls, letters or emails, lack of empathy and diplomacy in phone conversations […]”

• Maroon G (Trustpilot review)

“Absolutely shocking company.. harassing me every single day.. the way they speak to people is appalling, leaving threatening voicemails demanding money from me. How in this day and age is this allowed.”

• Jessica (Trustpilot review)

Your Rights

As mentioned above, UK Search Limited is known for attempting to intimidate debtors in order to recover debts. While this is common with debt collectors, they are not allowed to harass you.

I’ve put together this table that explains what debt collectors can and can’t do. If you want to prevent unfair treatment and learn more about your rights, make sure to check out our detailed guide.

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I’d recommend this firm to anyone struggling with debt – my mind has been put to rest, all is getting sorted.

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Reviews shown are for The Debt Advice Service.

How to Report

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 can also complain about UK Search Limited taking money from you if you didn’t give them authorisation.

First, make your complaint directly to UK Search Limited. If they ignore your complaint or don’t respond satisfactorily, you can then direct the complaint (with evidence!) to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). 

The FOS will investigate impartially and could hit UK Search limited with a heavy fine, especially if a number of customers make similar complaints. 

Other Debt Collectors 

You should check for more outstanding debts that you may have with other companies or debt collectors. Here are four steps you could take: 

1. Check your credit report for other defaults 
2. Check your email and post for reminders or overdue notices
3. Check the court records for CCJs against you
4. Check your bank statements for the names of other debt collectors 

There are hundreds of debt collectors in the UK and each works with different companies to collect debts.

For example, Cabot Financial have been known to collect for the DVLA while Lowell Financial and PRA Group buy debts from various credit card companies like Barclaycard.

If you see a name on your bank statement that you don’t recognise then you can search MoneyNerd to see if they’re a debt collector. 

UK Search VT Contact Details

References

1. Indebted Debt Collection Survey