Hey everyone, so I’ve got this situation where a debt collection agency from NZ is chasing me for money. I’m a UK citizen now, and they’re hinting they could put a charge on my house here in the UK. My wife owns half of it, and it’s our family home with our kids living here too. I’ve tried negotiating with them—offered a lump sum and a payment plan—but they’re just not budging. Anyone dealt with something like this before? How should I respond to them?
I’ve had a similar issue! They can’t just slap a charge on your house without a court judgment in the UK. Have they got one?
Indra said:
I’ve had a similar issue! They can’t just slap a charge on your house without a court judgment in the UK. Have they got one?
No, not yet. They’re just threatening it for now. I thought they’d need to go through a UK court first?
Indra said:
I’ve had a similar issue! They can’t just slap a charge on your house without a court judgment in the UK. Have they got one?
Yeah, they’d need a New Zealand judgment first, then apply here to enforce it under the Foreign Judgments Act.
Indra said:
I’ve had a similar issue! They can’t just slap a charge on your house without a court judgment in the UK. Have they got one?
Exactly! That takes time and money. They might just be trying to scare you into paying more.
What did you offer them? Maybe try again with a slightly better payment plan?
Cael said:
What did you offer them? Maybe try again with a slightly better payment plan?
I offered 5% upfront, then 20% over six years. They didn’t even counter, just jumped to threats about my house.
Cael said:
What did you offer them? Maybe try again with a slightly better payment plan?
That’s rough. Sounds like they’re being unreasonable. Can you show them proof of your financial limits?
Cael said:
What did you offer them? Maybe try again with a slightly better payment plan?
Yeah, I was thinking of sending them a breakdown of my finances to show I’m being honest.
Isn’t debt collection in the UK regulated by the FCA? Can’t you report them if they’re being too aggressive?
Corey said:
Isn’t debt collection in the UK regulated by the FCA? Can’t you report them if they’re being too aggressive?
That’s what I was wondering. They’re from NZ, though. Do they even fall under the FCA?
Corey said:
Isn’t debt collection in the UK regulated by the FCA? Can’t you report them if they’re being too aggressive?
Not really, unless they start acting in the UK. But if they try to enforce it here, they’d need to follow UK rules.
Honestly, they might just be bluffing. Most debt collectors use scare tactics to get you to pay more.
Shan said:
Honestly, they might just be bluffing. Most debt collectors use scare tactics to get you to pay more.
Yeah, it feels like that. They didn’t even come back with a counteroffer, just threats.
Shan said:
Honestly, they might just be bluffing. Most debt collectors use scare tactics to get you to pay more.
Stand your ground. If they haven’t gone to court, you’ve got time to figure things out.
Maybe send them a formal letter reiterating your offer and pointing out your financial situation. Keep it professional.
Kiran said:
Maybe send them a formal letter reiterating your offer and pointing out your financial situation. Keep it professional.
Good idea. I’ll make sure to highlight what I can afford and stick to it.