Dealing with debt collectors can be a daunting and stressful experience for many individuals in the UK. One such company that may be causing stress and anxiety is Commercial Collection Services Limited, commonly known as CCS Collect Ltd.
Whether you owe a debt or have been contacted in error, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to deal with CCS Collect Ltd. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for managing your interactions with CCS Collect, and how to deal with your unpaid debt.
Who is Commercial Collection Services limited (CCS Collect)?
Commercial Collection Services Limited (CCS Collect) is a UK-based debt collection agency that specialises in commercial debt recovery. The company was established in 2003 and is registered in England and Wales.
CCS Collect operates nationwide, collecting debts on behalf of various creditors, including banks, utilities, and telecommunications companies.
The company’s primary focus is on commercial debts, but it also deals with consumer debts in some cases.
Where is CCS Collect based?
The main UK office for CCS collection is in Croydon, Surrey.
Their primary business address, according to the CCS Collect website, is as follows:
CCS Collect Debt CollectorsÂ
Norfolk House,Â
Wellesley Road,Â
Croydon,Â
Surrey,Â
CR0 1GR
CCS Collect may have branch offices or local agents in different parts of the country to carry out debt collection activities.
Are they a regulated debt collection agency?
Yes, Commercial Collection Services Limited (CCS Collect) is a regulated debt collection agency in the UK.
Credit Services Association
CCS Collect is a member of the Credit Services Association (CSA), which is the UK trade association for the debt collection industry.
As a member of the CSA, CCS Collect must comply with the association’s Code of Practice, which sets out the standards and guidelines for fair and ethical debt collection practices.
Financial ombudsman service
If you have a complaint against CCS Collect or CCS debt collection practices, you have a right as a consumer to escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which is an independent body that helps resolve disputes between financial firms and their customers.
Why would debt collection agencies like CCS be contacting me?
Debt collection agencies like CCS Collect may contact you if you owe money to a creditor and the creditor has sold the debt to the agency.
Once CCS Collect buy debt from the original creditor, they will take it upon themselves to attempt to recover the money owed.
In the case of council tax arrears, local councils may use debt collection agencies like CCS Collect to recover unpaid council tax. If you have outstanding council tax arrears, the local council may have sold the debt to CCS Collect rather than pursue the debt themselves.
It’s important to note that debt collection agencies must follow specific rules and regulations when contacting individuals to collect debts. If they fail to do so, you have every right to lodge a complaint against them.
What to do if you’ve been contacted by CCS debt collectors
If you’ve been contacted by CCS Collect Ltd, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation:
Ask for proof that you owe money
Before making any payment, you should contact CCS Collect and ask that they provide proof that you owe the debt they are trying to collect.
You have a legal right to receive this information, usually in the form of a debt letter, and it can help you confirm that the debt is valid before making any plans to repay the money.
Repay CCS debt collectors in full
If you agree that you owe the debt, it’s advisable to contact CCS Collect as soon as possible. You can discuss the debt with them and ask about the options for repayment, such as a lump sum payment or a repayment plan.
Arrange a repayment plan
If you can’t repay the full amount of the debt upfront, you can arrange a repayment plan with CCS Collect. This will allow you to make regular payments over a specified period until the debt is fully paid off.
Do you have debt with CCS Collect?
How much debt do you have?
What if I choose to ignore CCS Collect?
If you choose to ignore CCS Collect, it can lead to more serious consequences. Here are some of the potential outcomes:
Home visit by CCS Collect debt collectors
If you don’t respond to their letters or calls, CCS Collect may visit your home to try and recover the debt.
The debt collectors may try to discuss the debt with you and can take a closer look at your assets and income.
Damage to your credit file
If you ignore CCS Collect’s attempts to collect the debt, they can report the debt to the credit reference agencies. This can damage your credit score and make it harder to obtain credit in the future.
County Court Judgement (CCJ)
If you still don’t repay the debt, CCS Collect may apply for a CCJ against you. A CCJ is a legal order that requires you to pay the debt and can severely affect your credit score.
More serious legal consequences
If you continue to ignore the debt, CCS Collect may take legal action against you, such as applying for a charging order on your property, instructing bailiffs to seize your assets, or even applying for your enforced bankruptcy.
It’s essential to take debt collection notices seriously and respond to them as soon as possible. If you’re struggling to repay the debt, you should contact CCS Collect to discuss your options and seek professional advice from a debt advisor or a free debt charity.
What do I do if I can’t afford to repay my unsecured debt?
If you’re unable to repay your unsecured debts, there are steps you can take to manage the situation.
Seek free debt advice
The first step is to seek advice from a debt charity or a free debt advisor. They can provide you with guidance on how to manage your debts, negotiate with creditors, and explore your options for resolving your debts.
Negotiate with creditors
If you’re struggling to repay your debts, you may be able to negotiate with your creditors to agree on a more affordable repayment plan.
Creditors may be willing to accept reduced payments or freeze interest and charges if you can demonstrate that you’re experiencing financial hardship.
Consider formal debt solutions
If you’re unable to repay your debts, you may need to consider formal debt solutions such as a Trust Deed or Debt Relief Order (DRO).
These solutions can help you to write off some or all of your unsecured debts and get out from underneath unaffordable credit commitments.
Where can I get advice on how to protect myself from a debt collection company?
Dealing with unaffordable debt, or being paid a visit by a debt collector, can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. That’s why getting help from the experts can be so beneficial.
Carrington Dean is a debt management business that offers tailored debt solutions to help you get back on track. Our team of experienced advisors can assist you in determining the best course of action for your unique circumstances, and provide all the support you need.
For more information on debt solutions, and access to repayment plans that work for you, get in touch with Carrington Dean today.
