Hi Jamie, I do not mind you asking Yes, I used them in the past and they were actually very helpful. They were nice on the phone to me, they actually helped me negotiating with other lenders, starting my way out of this PDL hell. They even allowed me a few months ago to pay back my last loan with them in two installments without any additional charges or interest, which actually contributed pretty much to where I am now today. So I am actually thankful to them (and believe me this is the only PDL company where I think this ). And I totally agree with you that open negotiations is the best way to resolve these things. So why do I advise meepfest to report them anyway? Simply because there is a fine line what you can and cannot do as a PDL company. And secretly recording debit card details is definitely the latter The reasons why the interest rates for PDL are so high are in my opinion that first there are higher administrative costs and secondly there is a huge default rate. The reasons why the charges are so high is probably to reduce the default rate by scaring people So while I understand that for a small company like Microlend cash-flow is very important, they still have to factor in the default rates. I understand them sending emails, letters, doing phone calls or taking people to court, why not. But they still have to be professional. I read some threads where they do not act very professional over the phone or in emails, trying tactics like either scaring the debtors or making them feel guilty. In my opinion this is not okay. Now this thread they have taken things further by breaching data protection. This is more than not okay. So I think they have to learn to change their business procedures a bit...

Hi meepfest, It is unlikely they will take you to court for the oustanding "charges". Yes, they are known for taking people to court, but in most cases where the whole amount is outstanding. They have (for the moment) the loan repaid. Their reaction shows that they have an issue, because they have used debit card details they should not have on file at all (the ones from summer 2012 which they were not allowed to store as they were for a one-off payment). They are a very small company on the edge of legality (the David you spoke to is actually one of two "directors", but David is not his first name but his last name . There is no "Greenspan"...his first name is Daniel). Anyway, I would in your case take this case to both OFT and fos simply because of the breach of data protection. I would not communicate with Microlend at the moment, but would copy them in the emails to OFT and fos. The emails should focus on the breach of data protection. I would then sit back and wait what Microlend comes back with, as it is their issue at the moment...

Maybe to illustrate: I once wanted to pay my car insurance over the phone. Their computer system was down so the other person wrote down my card details on a notepad on their desk. A year later someone found that notepad it seems because the insurance company wrote me a letter apologising for the breach of data protection and sent me vouchers as compensation. A few weeks later they called and offered me to pay a year of the insurance premium. All without me complaining. On another note Speedcredit is in trouble not because of their fees and charges but because of data protection. Basically your case shows clearly that Microlend is unfit to hold a license, and this is what might bring them down...

They have in theirt terms to use card details, but only the ones provided either at application or changed later on. However they are not allowed to store the card details provided over the phone for the one-off payment.

Hi catemm1, Their bank details are: Sort code: 20-19-90 Account number: 13434028 When making payments to this account state your 6-digit agreement numbers They did the same to me, but do not worry. Just pay monthly the agreed amount. Contact them one month before the final payment is due and they will agree to close the account after that payment. I think their computer system is not really up to speed to handle repayment plans.

Hi meepfest, Apart from getting the money back via your bank there is also the legal perspective: MicroLend has breached the data protection act and the data privacy law as they have kept your card details received over the phone. I would advise MicroLend of this in writing and inform them that you might take this further. I would also send a complaint to the FOS.

Hi, I agree with MEM that this debt is enforceable. The electronic signature you gave is valid. They "only" want original loan amount plus one month interest. FYI, they do repayment plans up to 12-18 months, so if you cannot afford the 6-month plan they have offered, try to contact them asking for a 12-month plan or even a 18-month plan (if you can afford this). Personally I think MEM is one of the better PDL companies and I would rather pay MEM than e.g. Speedcredit

Hi strutter1, First do not panic and ignore their threatening phone calls and automated emails. Block their numbers/email addresses if necessary and send them the "do not harrass me"-letters. The next steps depend very much on how much you can realistically afford to repay and in what time. My advise would be: 1) If you can afford e.g. 150 GBP in one go right now, make them a full and final settlement offer to this amount. This would be basically the loan amount of 100 GBP, the interest of roughly 25 GBP and their first default fee of 25 GBP (which is known from other cases I have seen to be enforceable). 2) If you cannot afford this much, but can afford e.g. 15 GBP per month, make them an offer to repay 15 GBP over 12 months, which totals 180 GBP. This is a reasonable offer. 3) If you cannot afford 15 GBP per month, sit back and relax and wait for any court letter (which will take up to 2-3 years anyway), then send the court a defense (keeping your 3 emails you sent in the beginning) stating that you tried to contact them for a repayment plan but had no response, and send the court your income/outgoings. The court will probably order you to repay in the region of 180 GBP and in monthly instalments suiting your income/outgoings

Hi Joannebrown1982, Don't waste money on a stamp, no letter needed Here are some of their email addresses: info@lendingstream.co.uk loans@lendingstream.co.uk payments@lendingstream.co.uk Their bank account details are: Sort code: 20-19-90 Account number: 13434028 When making payments to this account state your 6-digit agreement numbers They do repayment plans over 12-18 months

Hi misc89, In theory they can go to court, but it is unlikely that they will do this. Even if they do this you have a good chance to put a defense in and it is unlikely they will get their legal acceptance fees of 350 GBP through, let alone the interest. They have some flaws in their agreements and they are not watertight. What will continue is their automated email system from Toothfairy, Marshall Hoares, "Solicitors", etc. My advice would be to pay the 72 GBP and to block their email-addresses from your inbox (or to change your email address), so you are not hassled. Anything important will come with letter anyway.

Hi Favbeb, There is a high probability that the 80.50 GBP you received into your bank account are the 100 GBP loan from Minicredit, as they have a 19.50 GBP transfer charge.

Very good advice. I like 2.

Hi painful, MrLender always try to get the full interest before setting up a repayment plan. Once you paid this they will state this was a 'rollover' and then ask for the whole amount one month later. They will try this three times. Do not fall for that and insist on a repayment plan. Continue to communicate in writing. They do repayment plans of 12 - 18 months. If you pay by bank transfer use their Barclays account as their HSBC account seems to have issues on their side.

Hi middy70, First - do not panic. They cannot repossess your car. The loan you took with minicredit is an unsecured loan. This means they cannot take anything (car, house, furniture, etc.). 1) Do not phone them, communicate with them by email only. 2) Send them an email and ask how much is outstanding 3) They will have added a lot of fees/charges to the loan, do not pay all of these. 4) Get back here when you know how much you owe them for more advice.

Hi ohh, This email is one of their automated threatening emails, so no different to the ones you received before. You should cancel your card (lost) and get a new one (in addition to the request to the bank to not honor CPAs to them). I understand your incoming money was today, so let us know how you got on and if anything happened or if you need more advice.

Hi moneymatters2012, It depends which company and - if it goes to court - how good your defense is. Toothfairy for example has some flaws in their agreements which theoretically could make it unenforceable, but that really depends very much on your defense.

Hi, I assume the 90 GBP they are trying to charge are for a 'roll over' before setting up a repayment plan. They tried this with me to state I have to roll-over three times before they can set up a repayment plan. This is obviously against OFT guidelines. I would write them again stating that you are unable to roll over due to financial difficulties and that you are aware of the OFT guidelines and your rights and offer them again a repayment plan over 12 months for the original loan amount plus 1 month interest. Also state that you are refusing the default charges as you have informed them before default about your situation.

Hi rippedoff15, They can call your employer but are not allowed to give out any details to them or the fact that you have a loan. Although 5 times a day is near to harrassment. They will setup repayment plans, I have one with them over 12 months.

Hi SuperDaz, I would start offering them 40% of what they want, this is IMO a reasonable offer. So if they want 600 GBP, offer them 40% = 240 GBP in full and final settlement. Make clear in your offer that you : 1) Have been a long-term customer who always paid back on time 2) Are unexpectedly in financial difficulties which will not change in the foreseeable future There is a good chance they will agree as it will be much cheaper for them to take the 240 GBP and write off the rest, than chasing you for the rest of their life...

Hi Oceanic83, Yes, stay away from that button. I would not even log in to the page, just keep paying them your rate of the repayment plan. Lending Stream tend to change the amounts you have outstanding, even if you are on a repayment plan, from time to time, so ignore your account status on their side and just keep paying the agreed repayment rate, and keep the email confirmation of the repayment plan! Regarding 24/7 moneybox I was only able to agree a 2-month repayment plan (which is the shortest one I negotiated with all my lenders), but that was back in February this year, so things might have changed in the meantime...

Hi Parisone, I would write to the PDLs, explain them the situation as best as you can and ask them for a complete write-off of the debt in order to not further distress you. I have seen cases where some agreed to this. Please do not worry, these are unsecured debts! Which PDL companies do you owe which amounts?

Hi Press, What PoundsToPocket usually agrees to is 1) move one rate to the end of the agreement (which gives you 30 days breathing space) 2) if you come towards the end of the agreement pay the last rate in up to 6 instalments Both can be agreed over the live chat or per email (if live chat keep a copy of the conversation) If you already foresee that neither of the above will help you, as you have financial difficulties, then I would go down the following route: 1) First secure your money, i.e. you might "lose" your debit card so you get a new one and also write to your bank that you do not agree to any CPA from PoundsToPocket or CashEuroNet. Cancel also any direct debits PoundsToPocket might have setup. Also monitor your account as they might setup the direct debit again 2) Inform them in writing that you are unexpectedly in financial difficulties which are long-term and that you therefore will be unable to keep up with the monthly repayments. State that you are willing to repay your debt and therefore offer them a repayment plan for the outstanding today's balance over 12 months under the condition that they freeze further charges and interest.

Hi baggybreeches, Yes, this email is enough. Reply to them that you accept and then make this payment by bank transfer. See, that was easy...

Quid market are only lenders since 2011 (when Vaughan took over and set it up on behalf of the US parent company), they were brokers before. I am assuming they will actually go through court.

... and what I forgot... They are not bailiffs (even if it is in their company name), so they cannot send bailiffs, only a court can do this, so do not worry about this for now.