Debt Management Frustrations

Lack of liaison

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Why oh why are debt management so hopeless.

A client company has been chased for a debt that was supposed to be covered by a CIS set off. despite writing to all parties in March this was further chased by DMB in May.

I phoned and explained and was assured that this would be sorted and set off made and in the meantime no further debt collection procedures would follow and that if there were any problems I would be phoned first.

Next was an email last Monday from the client with a letter from Advantis chasing the debt.

Further phone call to DMB who said this should not have happened and the debt would be recalled immediatly and the set off sorted. My call would be escalated as a complaint.

I received an automated phone call from Advantis today asking to phone them back. A very strange conversation proceeded during which I guessed that they were after my client and not me and were chasing the debt. I explained that HMRC were arranging a set off and that the debt should have been recalled and suggested that they phone HMRc to confirm - simple!!

Oh no - I would need to get client to phone and speak to them. Why, says I. I am the authorised agent so why can you not take my word. cannot do so and would need to speak to the client. I again explained it was a HMRC c**k up but that did not seem to matter. I also asked why they were phoning for the client using my number?

I rang off and phoned DMB and although the compalint had been escalated the debt had not been recalled and person I spoke to did not know why.

I have demanded this be done immediately and that I am contacted to confirm.

Why do the debt collection agencies not deal with authorised accountants and why are DMB so hopeless at dealing with these matters which just provides added stress to both myself and the client?

Any further suggestions as to what to do?.       

Replies (4)

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By bernard michael
28th Jul 2016 10:49

Debt management companies prefer to speak to the clients because they can bully them easier than hard nosed accountants

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Replying to bernard michael:
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By bernard michael
28th Jul 2016 10:50

That should have said debt collection companies not managment

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By free-rider
28th Jul 2016 11:09

Had very similar conversation with Advantis few weeks ago.

Just sent them a strong worded letter explaining the fact that there is in fact no amounts outstanding and that HMRC are a bunch of *** who can`t process things quickly enough.

Surprisingly received a reply from Advantis a week later saying that this will be sorted between them and HMRC.

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By bernard michael
28th Jul 2016 11:34

It is illegal for debt collection companies to chase a disputed debt but that doesn't stop them having a punt.

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