I beg to differ, I have a charge on my property executed legally enough for them to be beating me with it like a stick for 6 years!!! whilst trying to extort more money on top of a paltry loan, but you're right on one point, they won't or can't take court action but not because they haven't done everything quite legally, they have done enough in some cases, but because they don't want to get found out for the vast majority of things they haven't quite dotted the i's on...Pandora's box, they're trying to bury it before it's prised open by the honest consumers who have been screwed over...they have bigger things to hide than each person on this forums issues with them..and they are obviously being massaged by other companies to hide this, in case they all fall down, they are hanging onto RBS's hems and RBS anren't about to let them pull their trousers down because where would our government be then? who exactly allowed this unholy mess of 'legalised' sub prime credit to happen!? That's why they are still here, just, they're being held up by bigger greedier hands with more to lose then bad accounts.

A small victory! After much letter writing and complaining to CRAs, Welcome about a default date on my credit files being blatantly changed from 2003 to 2008...in February this year!! and welcome sending a letter to myself and cras stating this was true and accurate even though no further defaults were issued since 2003, well not to me I contacted the ICO and finally, finally someone is protecting the consumer! An apologetic letter from Welcome (you could tell it was begrudged in tone) saying the complaint is upheld, now explanation why they changed the dates willy nilly but hopefully the ICO will slap them on the wrist for that. Also they have offered to cut my existing loan, which I have not made payment to for nearly two years now, and never been asked? they are apparently knocking a few grand off it as a gesture of goodwill, still to have a statement of account to that effect though, but definitely a change in attitude. so! not a great outcome but they can't keep tarnishing my credit files so WHOOP!!! I'll take that to start with! :grin::grin::grin::grin::grin:

Hi all I asked the site team to remove my thread due to legal reasons and if anyone is familiar they will know welcome trawl these threads and keep tabs on things, I unfortunately was identified through this trawling and assumed a new identity as they say. I had a great deal of help from many but in particular postggj who is fantastic. If I thought any experience I had with them would help then I post on the general welcome thread where everyone seems to go, but in all honestly welcome have a secured loan on my property and me over a barrel unless I sell at a loss, which in this market I will, then who knows, but the fact they haven't asked me for any payments and seem to be putting on dodgy info on my cra files tells me they are not confident about my loan. If anyone wants to know specifics or certain issues in particular happy to repost but as far as starting another thread I have exhausted every avenue of help and it would be inappropriate to be repetitive. I have not got anything different from the usual forged signatures, cooling off, ppi [problem], bullying, re-writes for profit that everyone else faces. Fos cant help, fsa ignored and hoping ico has some dignity and protects consumer rights. fingers crossed!!

Thank you for the advice bustthematrix I have had my own thread for some time and a lot of helpful advice about dealing with welcome. as far as the default issue it is now an official complaint with the ICO it is up to them now to deal with it, funnily enough everyone seems to be jumping to attention now especially the cras!! when they ignored my evidence of wrongdoing. hmmm

Hi Susiemac I have been in contact with Welcome and they have yet to ask for a payment, in fairness they are sitting waiting like vultures till I sell my property to get any equity, unfortunately for them the market value has dropped lower than my mortgage balance and they will get nothing from the sale. I have been badly missold and there are all kinds of issues with my account, they told me on the phone there was no point in taking me to court if I had no money. instead they choose to file incorrect default information, Its now with the ICO. Initially they phoned, sent threatening notes through my door the whole works but I deal with compliance and not a local branch now as I filed harrassment charges against their local office. Hope this helps in some way. I have a secured loan with them and the settlement is 3 times the balance I have already paid, effectively paying £15,000 on an £5000 loan. Pic

Hi there On the default issue, my default with this lot was supposed to drop off in december 09 and did...only to appear with a new default issue date on cra data of 29/3/08, the defaults I received where dated 31/12/03. /so effectively they have kept the same account no & details and changed the date the default was issued, and no I have no letters/default/sheriff officer notices from 2008, I was in dispute with Welcome Finance and selling property with secured loan at the time so was in constant communication with them...no default issued to me! Cras will do bugger all and take their word for it even though I have original default and cra reports for years with the same details. Trying to find out if they can do this but have contacted the ICO about data protection and will forward all documents to them. I actually had a letter from Welcome stating the default was pertaining to an unpaid amount in 2003 and therefore and I quote " Your credit file was set to default 29th March 2008" by way of explanation...well there is none!!???!!! default in 2003 so we will put that on your file consistently and em then officially start it in 2008!!! What the hell? ICO can deal with it, they are clearly at it and I have the documentation to prove it. Can I just add anyone feeling threatened with court action, Welcome won't act on it, they told me on the phone, I haven't paid anything in 2 years and they have not asked for one single penny, not even asked me to arrange a payment, nothing. Also it may be of interest to some...when Experian contacted me advising I write to the company to have default removed (Ha!) the address gives: Welcome Finance Ltd (Barclays assist) Anyone know why that is? Any advice on the legalities of issuing a default without issuing one etc much appreciated.

Many congratulations to Andie I had a previous incarnation on this site and have changed user name incase anyone thinks I'm a newby, I was being followed around the site I think! Anyway, advice needed, can Welcome register a default on your account if you have never received & they have never issued a default for that date? Mine should have dropped off but they have changed the date of the default to keep it on file for another 6 years!! Help and advice really needed about the legalities of this? Raised with the ICO and CRAS but no joy as yet. Ta in advance

Hi Being conned you can get copies of the registration documents at land registry and this should include a legal (and I use that term lightly) document penned by Welcome to enable them to secure the loan...this HAS to be signed by you and exist, they can't register without it. Under Scottish law and there are huge differences in land register Scot/Eng, the principal mortgage holder should be notified of the charge, there is a really grey area, apparently they have to authorise security to equity value, but when I questioned this they said it was a matter of curtesy to notify principal mortgage. As always everyone is covering everyone elses back. Under English law however you can challenge the security, I urge you to get all the documents and give them to your solicitor. Also if you have a partner and its a joint mortgage then both of you need to sign the security agreement I believe. Hope this helps. amjest

Hi All Need some advice re: default on credit files. Welcome in their own inimitable way have changed the date of my original default from 2003 to 2008 on my credit files! obviously to continue the damage. I have original sheriff officer letter and default with correct 2003 date on it. Before I go back to them can someone clarify my rights on this. In particular can a default be issued twice? (I have never received a 2008 default) is the 6 year rule an absolute? and if so how do I stop a company issuing a default on false information? I have sent copies of the actual default to the CRAs involved but they want to pass the buck to you know who! Any advice appreciated as always. thanks in advance amjest

Not the only one with a cautious word!! I must type quicker!!!!:grin:

Hi Voda I appreciate how stressed and despondent Welcome situations can make you feel but I urge that you keep a very close eye on your accounts and credit records. In my personal experience Welcome agreed to "freeze charges/interest" in my situation, only for me to then be defaulted behind the scenes and extra charges added to compensate the interest they froze. Bear in mind that they are under immense scrutiny at the moment and need to be seen to be playing by the rules, indeed they may become lawful and reasonable in their actions if they survive as a company? Who knows? But many people are, as has been said on this forum, not treated as fairly. I would be having a cautionary attitude and microscopic eye on your account, if you don't already have it, get it in writing the term the interest will be held and how much will be applied when that is up, and perhaps be prepared for harassment again for increasing payments after a period of time. I do wish you all the best and glad it has been resolved somewhat for you. am

This seems to read succinctly and with a great deal of unprejudiced common sense! I'm sure someone will clarify the finer legal points if necessary. good luck with all. Bump!

Hi All I haven't posted for a while as basically I am still trying to sell my property and Welcome have their claws well and truly embedded in the security on my house, regardless of forged signatures, copies of legal documents not being identical etc etc, you know the tactics. On the plus side I haven't paid them a penny for Oohhh well must be coming up on nearly 2 years?! and they haven't asked, they can sod off as far as I'm concerned and I would love them to take me to court but they have told me (yes, really) that it wouldn't be worth their while. The reason I'm posting is I keep an eye on my credit ref and my default should have dropped off in December, legally. having just got copies of my report to check this two agencies are still showing the default but Welcome who truly are a devious scummy bunch have changed the date of the original default (how can they? idiots!) to 2008 instead of 2003, so they can keep damaging my files!! Luckily I have ALL my original paperwork, every single threatening falsified scrap and I am on top of these reports. But just thought I would let people know that they may not go away when you expect them too so keep checking. Not sure as a consumer if we can barr certain companies who have supplied false information but I have asked the question. Hope everyone else's fight is faring better? I've lost any profit in my flat..but so have they! am xx

Everyone sometimes needs a little hope and a lot of common sense and knowledge, all of which Postggj provides as do many others on this site, I think the overall gem (other than Post) is the open and non patronising feeling of genuine warmth and willingness to share sometime difficult and personal information for everyone's benefit, and Post's unwavering resolve and attention leads the way. I wish I could help as much because there is no better gift than easing the despair you feel when companies like Welcome have you over a barrel. And I would vote for him as Prime Minister or King?! Just generally in charge. Thanks Post x

Hello all Having moved house (still not sold flat that secured welcome loan is attached too) I thought I would get copies of my credit report from experian/equifax the old fashioned way and see whats what....well welcome have disappeared from my experian report completely, am I wrong or would it show even though I have moved, they have listed my previous addresses? On my equifax however it is still there...but get this listed as being a mortgage for a joint account!! Obviously they are getting a letter....also found a court decree that I never knew I had, don't know what that is for, they will also get a letter for that!! bloody cra's. Still not paid a settlement and still welcome have not asked for any payment...hmmmm. 8-)

Hi Dipply75 haven't had a chance to check the link but should apply to secured lending as they deem it a remortgage on credit files et all if it's secured on property...I'll be having a peek, still haven't paid them anything as flat hasn't sold but then they still haven't asked for any payments other than settlement for over a year now....wonder why?

Ok Post I've uploaded the docs and put a link to my album rather than separate, hope it works and hope I've done all that I mentioned in my email rant that I found! Hope they are of some use... Pictures by amjestermoon - Photobucket

Hi Post I'll do my best to get them to you asap, might do a late night scanning job if I can find the pesky cable! glad they are of some use. am x

Hello All been a while since I visited but moved house into rental only to be told when i went to drop off keys to agent for new owner that he is no longer buying the property...after two months of paperwork and assurances..and no under Scottish blinking law nothing can be done...don't think he worked for welcome though but he seems of their caliber.. anyhoo, now I'm moved I've been looking through my little ole stash of welcome docs (the hoarder) found some interesting bits, don't know if it's too late for anyone but thought I would cast the line. Firstly I found leaflets explaining all the health benefits, ppi and other bumpf they charge for all underwriten by Norwich Union and on the PPI one administered by Direct Group plc also says details of 'you' ie me, you whomever has insurance will be held by the administrator and the insurers in their computer records blah blah Data protection act 1998, so they all would/should have records...Hmm I know Post and Andie are all over this but I can scan once I figure out where I packed the cable...it lists all the exclusions as well for accident illness or unemployment, oh and cattles plc are the agents for the insurers. I also found a leaflet explaining how they work out settlement figures which is different to how they work them out now although they quote the same laws, good for me as I'm gonna copy it all to them and ask them to guess the odd one out! or maybe teach them how to do it. i also found that I had 2 health benefit insurance forms for the same loan with different 'unit' numbers? and different dates? but admittedly I'm beyond surprise with these....things. Oh and I also have the leaflet explaining a secured loan and detailing the cooling off period which they state is 14 days, 7 days after advance copy, then sent agreement copy to sign with another 7 days to consider... I know I'm repeating all this but if at all anyone needs a copy of their logo printed statements/leaflets without any dates so presumably still valid as how they should operate then let me know! I love hoarding, I love that I have handwritten notes from welcome bullies, I love that I found my old initial account details and they defo don't tally with what was sent in sar and the line that says 'insurance premiums advanced £2052.87......which was never even partially refunded...oooh I'm gunning for them again, good to be back! Hope others are faring well with their fight. x

Hi Guys Welcome are at it again! Got a copy of letter they sent accepting my £5,462.61 for the discharge of security and they have had the audacity to add another letter saying it will cost me £110.13 for their solicitors to do this & that this payment will apply even if I use my own solicitor!!!??? Now my solicitor factored into my costs £30 for the discharge so why do I have to pay this? I've uploaded the document in photobucket if someone can take a look and tell me if they are allowed to do this please. God I thought I was getting rid of them http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/amjestermoon/welcomedischarge.jpg They are just evil.

Hi Dipply Glad you liked my idea, hope you caught my further post saying I actually got a reply from DirectGov & they are forwarding it onto OFT! Every little helps. If I get any response from OFT & anyone wants to join in then I'll pass on details, in the meantime DirectGov loanshark section have been directed here to have a wee read at what Welcome actually get up too....

Hey Guys :D If anyone read my post on my random whim of reporting Welcome to the government 'report a loan shark' website which was a longshot but as I pointed out they fit the criteria. I thought it would get lost and be dismissed as they are licensed....WELL they are passing it to OFT on my behalf, and have asked for my details & said if they find anything showing inappropriate behaviour (I have harassment letters from welcome, the handwritten ones they stick through your door) they may take action to remove their license!! Now obviously we can all complain and some have to OFT so it's not new, but it can't do any harm to have the government sending it on can it....I've made a serious allegation of intimidation and underhand tactics & I can prove it. Now they could be passing the buck, but the OFT won't ignore it at least. Here's hoping am x

Forsure I wholeheartedly agree with Andie on this but get some confirmation of the balance in writing before you put it in dispute, I too had a statement when it went into dispute so knew the balance but found out yesterday they were still adding on interest regardless! but I have the proof, the silly beggers. Hopefully you will get full account details in the SAR that will detail what you owed at which date, but i think we all know how welcome manipulate this, get your balance first, your bubs deserves it more than them so good luck.

Morning Felixfly So sorry to hear you've gone through the same thing, that's exactly what I did, slashed the price, I always knew they would take the balance but buggered if they were getting anything decent, it's easier to take a £5000 hit than potentially £15,000 they could have got if I sold last year - go recession! Had they ever defaulted before on the loan? if so they can't do it twice, Post confirmed this and also my solicitor confirmed it so I would check out the legalities. I know what you mean about giving up. I stopped paying them a year ago as I would rather take my chances in court but they have insisted they will never take me to court, blood out of stone reasoning, it wouldn't be worth their while (actually they don't have a case) Also I will be checking out the legalities of like you say a secured loan now being unsecured, surely they would have to issue it seperately? basically a rewrite? I would also defo be checking what they put the default under, as the loan isn't secured they can't put it on as a mortgage so get your credit report. In my case they are saying that they accept the net balance for discharge which I have accepted. then when it is done they will get a letter from my solicitor stating that I accept that as full and final settlement of the account. They took the money, they haven't said it is payment towards reducing the balance (they don't do this) therefore by accepting the cash for discharge of security they are effectively discharging the loan, goes hand in hand up to them to prove otherwise. I wish you luck with whatever shark takes over when they go belly up but I would still be fighting this, your CCA says secured loan, surely it is invalid as there is no security? They accepted payment. up to them to prove any legitimate outstanding balance & surely they would have to rewrite the loan terms and interest? meaning you would sign for an unsecured loan? Hmmm I wouldn't be letting this go but I think the main thing is too check what they are defaulting you on, loan or mortgage and go from there. am

Hi Postggj Thank you again, for all your hard work, experience and graciously always finding time to help everyone...how do you do it!? you haven't cloned yourself have you, because it's a thought! Your right and it was on my mind to drop the fight for the time being till the default goes, then go from there. Also they won't know where I'm moving to so I think I take the hit and cut my losses for sanity if nothing else. Thanks for clarifying the default issue, I thought they couldn't default twice and I will never sign anything with this company again...ever. I think it's the injustice and anger at what they get away with that hangs around, but that will go eventually. Andie, thanks for the contact at DG, once the house sale is tied up I will send copies of my policy with all their names on it and ask where the money went & what was refunded. I never expect to get a word of truth from them so never believed it anyway, it's just good to confirm that they don't have a clue...But like they say it will all come out in the wash. I might still hang about for my daily fix of this thread tho even if my fight is on hold am x