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Debt collectors in the UK often pay a fraction of the original debt amount to purchase it from the original creditor. This can be as low as 3p in the pound, or 1/3 of the original debt.
The debt buying process is a complex system that can be confusing for those who owe money. The original creditor sells the debt to a debt buyer, who then tries to collect the debt from the debtor.
Debt buyers typically use a formula to determine how much they can afford to pay for debt. This formula considers the age of the debt, the amount owed, and the likelihood of collecting the debt.
Debt collectors often have to deal with debts that are old and difficult to collect. In such cases, they may pay even less than 3p in the pound.
Debt Collection Process
The debt collection process in the UK can be a complex and lengthy one. Debt collectors typically have 6 years to recover debts from the date of the last payment or acknowledgment of debt.
Debt collectors will often try to contact the debtor multiple times before taking further action. This can include sending letters, making phone calls, and even visiting the debtor's home or workplace.
The debt collector's fees are usually a percentage of the debt recovered, with a minimum fee of £25.
DSO Overview
Debt collectors buy debt for as little as 3p to 10p for every pound, purchasing it at somewhere between 3-10% of the actual debt value.
They then chase debtors for payment to make a profit.
For example, if a debt collector buys £10,000 worth of debt, it's fair to assume they purchased it for somewhere between £300 - £1,000.
Debt settlement offers, also known as DSOs, can be made to creditors or debt collection agencies after they've purchased the debt.
In a DSO, the creditor receives a lump sum payment, usually less than the full amount owed, and writes off the remaining debt for good.
Lowell Debt Collection is an example of a debt collection agency that also operates as a debt purchaser, buying debt for less than its value and chasing debtors for payment.
Default Consequences
Defaulting on debt can have serious consequences, and one of the most significant is the potential for your debt to be classified as 'bad debt' or a 'write-off'. This means the creditor views the debt as lost money and treats it differently in their financial accounting.
If your debt defaults, creditors often end up selling it to a debt collector at a reduced rate, which is why you may receive offers for significantly less than the original amount.
Unless you're in financial difficulty, debt collectors and creditors typically expect you to offer at least 70% of the debt as a lump sum, but this can vary based on individual circumstances.
Collector Settlement Percentage
Debt collectors are believed to buy debt somewhere between 3-10% of the actual debt value, so that's around 3p - 10p for every pound of debt. This means if you have £10,000 worth of debt with a debt collector, it's fair to assume that they purchased it somewhere between £300 - £1,000.
The only time a debt collector or creditor will accept a settlement offer of 20% of the debt is if you prove you cannot offer any more. They're not obligated to accept the debt settlement proposal, even then.
Debt collectors may request to see evidence of your financial situation, including a copy of your budget, income, and expenses, as well as other debts you have to pay. This is to ensure they're making a reasonable offer based on your financial situation.
You should provide a creditor or debt purchaser with a copy of your budget, highlighting income and expenses, including other debts you have to pay. This will help them understand your financial situation and make a more informed decision.
Why Debt Collection Agencies Acquire Debts
Debt collection agencies buy debts because there's more money to be made in buying debts from creditors than just chasing you for a payment on their behalf.
They can pay as little as 3p for every pound of debt, which is a fraction of its actual value. This is because creditors are often better at lending than collecting debts.
Debt collectors never buy debt for its true value because there's no money in doing that. They can pay 10p for every pound when they purchase a debt, depending on its value.
In short, creditors are good at lending but not so good at chasing debtors.
Debt Collection Payments
Debt collectors and creditors typically expect you to offer at least 70% of the debt as a lump sum if you're not in financial difficulty.
Debt collection agencies buy debts from creditors for a fraction of their actual value, often as low as 10p for every pound. They can then profit from successful debt collection.
Unless you're in financial difficulty, debt collectors won't settle for less than 70% of the debt. This is because creditors are better at lending than chasing debtors.
Debt collection agencies can pay a fraction of the debt's value when purchasing it, making it a lucrative business for them.
Will Collectors Settle?
Will collectors settle? The answer isn't always a straightforward yes or no. Unless you're in financial difficulty, debt collectors and creditors will expect you to offer at least 70% of the debt as a lump sum.
Debt collectors will not accept 20% of the debt unless you prove you cannot offer any more. Even then, they're not obligated to accept the debt settlement proposal.
It's essential to be realistic about what you can offer, as debt collectors will likely reject any proposal that's too low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a debt collector settle for 30%?
Yes, a debt collector may settle for 30% or less, but it requires convincing them of the hopelessness of collecting more. This can be achieved by presenting strong evidence and arguments in your favor.
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?
To stop debt collectors, use the 11-word phrase: "Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately
Sources
- https://thriftyfamily.co.uk/percentage-debt-collectors-settle-for/
- https://www.therealdebtguy.com/articles/why-do-debt-collectors-settle-for-less
- https://www.athenacollections.co.uk/pricing-debtcollectionfeesuk/
- https://thriftyfamily.co.uk/how-much-debt-collectors-buy-debt/
- https://www.redwoodcollections.com/blog/how-much-does-debt-collection-cost
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