Hi, last year I took out a payday loan with the company named "MyMate", unfortunately I got into a viscous payday cycle, and could not pay back. Since then, they changed names to "Different Money" and have tried contacting me, but only through either phone or email. Not physical letter what so ever. The phones I never answered, as it was numbers I did not recognize, and any txt they sent me would have come to my "spam" box on my phone. The same with my email. However, going through my email I noticed that different money had sent an email sending a "final warning" before sending it to their solicitors which they named "Alph Legal", I responded to that email saying it had appeared in my junk folder and did not notice it, but it was already too late, and I would have to talk to "Alph Legal". A few days later, I did get a letter, but not from Alph Legal, but from Douglas Wemyss Solictiors, they claimed an amount with the usual charges added, a nd said I should pay in full to avoid further charges or contact them within 14 days for reasons of non-payment. Which I did, it even provided me with a specific email address and not a phone number. However, I heard nothing in return. And now, I got a county court claim form from them. I talked to different money, and they happily set up a payment plan, but said they have accepted the payment plan, but it has to go through court most likely as it is with the solicitors now , and I would have to pay their fee..?? They are going to contact them tomorrow to clarify this, but surely this can be disputed right? First of all: They (Mymate/Different Money) never sent me a physical letter, only either email or phone. Surely you would send me letter if unsuccessful? Which means, I did not really have a chance to discuss this matter with them, I was not even aware that they had changed name! Second, the solictors did not get back to me, and I even sent a further email to them. Heard nothing. Different Money said they would check up on why this was, but still. Since they never responded, I assume my right and avoiding court could be within my rights here? They also have some really funny address on me, postcode is right, but wrong county and number on the road I'll be waiting to hear back from different money tomorrow, but if they say I HAVE to go through their solicitors, how do I proceed with this claim form? I don't want to pay their £60 court fee and £70 solcitors cost, and I also want to avoid a CCJ. Any advice please, I have 14 days left to respond to the court.

Is it legal to take a mate along with you and get him to bid against some one who is buying your property at auction ? Just a question ? Also if this happens on a regular basis ?