Distrustful tactics.
i had a debt, after some time they sent me a settlement offer 50% (£1917) of the original debt £3195.
i called them, their staff asked if i paid £1917 they will clear the debt, yet will still show record on my credit file that it was partially settled & they will close this debt case and not chase me anymore.
i told them i don't have £1917 now, she suggested an installment plan of £639 x 3 months (total £1917). I agreed and setup the direct debt.
nb. they had a very nice, caring tone.
Their email confirmed the direct debit for £1917.
However, they took four payments of £639 (total £2556) and they wanted a fifth £639. this fifth payment failed (i didn't have money in bank account), which they said i'm now in severe arrears as it failed several times, that will now affect my payment record and will trigger ccj action.
When i spoke with them today, they said installment is only for the full debt £3195.
They asked if i know whom i spoke with and do I have confirmation, well silly me i didn't. Points to them to confirm if i had evidence!
Basically they tricked me to setup a direct debit to pay off the full debt by installment. using the 50% settlement as Bait & Switch.
The final balance is now £639 of the original debt £3195.
I asked they ought to refund my 4th over payment, they just pretend the line was not clear. saying "I'm not able to hear you!"
I asked they escalate to their manager, whom i can escalate this. They put me on-hold for 2 mins, then manager is busy now & will call me back. been 1 hr, still no call.