 | BBC Radio 4's Money Box Wednesday, 01 June 2011 at 1502 BST on Radio 4 and Online |
Are you being chased for a debt that you can't afford to repay? Or a debt that isn't even yours? The debt collection industry is now worth an estimated £20 billion each year. As inflation continues to rise and wages stay static more people can't afford to repay their debts, which inevitably leads to phone calls, letters and home visits by debt collectors to demand payment. There has also been a rise in the number of people being chased for debt that they don't owe. Whether it be a similar name, a mistake with an address or even identity theft, being chased for a debt you know nothing about can be extremely stressful. The number of debt collection agencies has rise dramatically in the last decade as creditors sell on the debt for a fraction of the price. The Office of Fair Trading has issued guidance to the industry but are they sticking to rules? If you want to find out what your rights are, why not talk to the experts? Are you being chased for money you can't afford to repay? Have you been visited by debt collectors? Do you feel that you have been harassed for money? Have companies demanded you pay for a debt that isn't yours? Vincent Duggleby was joined by: Nick Lord, freelance debt consultant Lynne Jones, National Debtline, Sara de Tute, Credit Services Association, Presenter: Vincent Duggleby
Producer: Ben Carter
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