Paying Fredrickson International Debt Collectors might not be on your to-do list, but dismissing them isn’t wise either—things could take a serious turn. What if there’s another way? Stay with me as we navigate through your alternatives with Fredrickson International…
What will your next move be?
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You Might Not Have to Pay Fredrickson International Debt Collectors!
If you’re feeling cornered by Fredrickson International’s demands, don’t worry. You might not owe them at all. In fact, the Financial Ombudsman is flooded with complaints, over 1,000 more this year! Some were even able to completely write off their debts.
- Don’t Panic: Fredpay is known for alarming debt letters. But panicking won’t help.
- Seek Advice: If you doubt the debt or can’t pay, advice is at hand. We guide you on everything you need to know about this debt collection company.
What is Fredpay?
Fredrickson International Ltd, or Fredpay, is part of the Lowell Group, chasing debts in the UK’s southern parts. They are known to be one of the most successful debt purchase and debt collection companies in the UK.
While they are focused on collecting debts in the southern region, Lowell Group is more focused on the northern region. Some companies that they work on behalf of include:
- Utility Warehouse
- Capital One
- O2
- Littlewoods
So, if you owe money to one of these companies, there’s a chance that Fredrickson debt collectors might reach out to you through letter or phone.
Why is Fredrickson International Debt Collection contacting me?
Fredrickson International snatches up unpaid debts for one-fifth of what they are worth and chases you for the full amount. So once you pay the debt, they earn a profit. So, if you receive a letter from Fredpay, it’s probably because they purchased your debt from a creditor.
Thus, this is why you might not have heard about Fredpay before.
Is FredPay Legit?
Yes. Fredrickson International is a legitimate company. They are registered under the Credit Services Association (CSA) and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Although not the largest, they’ve got clout with an impressive client list, including big banks and even government departments such as the HMRC.
With over 30,000 clients using their online services, the company is successful as they have a turnover exceeding £10 million.
What Does it Mean for Fredrickson International Ltd to “Buy” a Debt?
Most creditors specialise in lending money. But they are not experts in chasing debtors who fail to pay. So, chasing unpaid debtors is something that they might find difficult to do. Thus, they might prefer to sell it to a debt collection company instead.
Debt collectors buy the debt for a fraction of its original value. The lenders prefer to do this than get back no money at all. This will help them to save a lot of time and money as well.
So, simply said, buying debts is where, instead of chasing repayments themselves, lenders sell the debt to debt collectors like Fredrickson International. When Fredpay buys your debt, a change in ownership takes place. So now they’re the ones you owe.
Do I Really Owe Money to Fredrickson International Ltd?
Once you get a debt letter from Fredrickson International, it’s crucial that you request them for proof before you pay. But before this, gather information on who your original creditor is and which debt they are talking about.
Once you have this information, request them for proof by sending a ‘Prove the Debt’ letter. This will help you confirm if you actually owe them money. They will then provide you with proof of your agreement with your original creditor.
If they fail to provide proof, you’re not obligated to pay.
Also, if the amount on the debt letter is higher than the original debt, it is most likely because the debt collection company has added interest and fees to the total amount. This is why it’s crucial that you don’t ignore debt collectors, as it will keep increasing the amount you should pay.
Is My Debt Statute-Barred?
According to the Statute of Limitations Act, if you haven’t paid or acknowledged your debt in 6 years (5 years in Scotland), it may be statute-barred, which means Fredpay can’t legally force you to pay. Your debt still exists, but it cannot be enforced if you don’t pay.
However, not all debts become statute-barred. This includes:
- HMRC debts: enforceable for a very long times
- Debts with a County Court Judgement (CCJ): during the 5 to 6-year period, debts with CCJs are enforceable.
Reaching out to a debt charity will help you to identify if your debt is statute-barred. They will look into your debt and confirm its status. They will also guide you on the next steps you should take.
What If My Debt Isn’t Statute-Barred?
If they provide proof of the debt and if the debt isn’t statute-barred, settling the debt before it escalates is wise. If you want them to stop contacting you, settling the debt in full is crucial.
Reaching out to Fredrickson International and asking them for a repayment plan is wise if you’re unable to pay. The repayment plan will allow you to pay a portion of the debt each month without a hassle.
Could FredPay Debt Collection Really Ruin My Life?
Dealing with Fredrickson International can be tough. Pressure and stress might get you. This is because even though debt collection companies should follow certain rules, some of them don’t abide by them. Thus, they end up pressuring, harassing, and even bullying debtors into paying.
Some debtors state that Fredrickson International does not always follow the laws. Thus, debtors who have to deal with them complain about the following:
- Having trouble sleeping
- Fear of answering the phone, assuming that they might apply pressure
According to statistics, 50% of individuals who deal with debt contemplate suicide. Debt collection companies that use unprofessional tactics only make this worse.
Will Fredrickson International Affect My Credit Score?
Yes, Fredrickson International can affect your credit score as they are debt collectors. Skip a few payments, and Fredrickson’s involvement could leave a dent in your credit report. Once your original creditor sells your debt to a debt collector, the initial entry will be marked as ‘sold,’ which is a red flag for lenders.
But if they don’t add a second entry to your credit report, the original debt entry can be altered to add the information of the debt collection company. These blemishes stick around for six long years, making lenders reluctant to give you credit.
This is because creditors will consider you as a high-risk customer. This is someone who might have difficulty paying off debts on time.
Also, if you have received a County Court judgment (CCJ) in the past, this indicates that you were unable to make a payment in the past, and someone had to go to court against you for it. This will also make lenders reluctant to offer you credit.
But after six years, this will clear out from your credit file, and you will once again find it easier to borrow money. Also, note that debt solutions that you take up will also appear on your credit file for a six-year period. This will also impact your credit score.
But after six years, it will clear out and will not be visible, making it easier for you to get credit again.
Fredrickson International’s Compliance Checklist
As mentioned before, debt collection companies should always follow certain laws and guidelines. But not every debt collection company does this. The FCA outlines a list of rules and guidelines. Thus, According to these rules, Fredrickson International should adhere to the following:
- Clear Communication: They must be clear and not mislead you with the information they provide.
- Fair Play: No unfair pressure or deceitful tactics allowed.
- Considerate: they should always consider the situation and circumstances of the debtor when discussing payments.
If they use any unfair tactics or break any rules, feel free to file a complaint. Also, having evidence of this will be very beneficial.
What Will Fredrickson International Do?
Knowing how Fredrickson International operates is crucial if you want to be prepared to face them. Let us explain this in detail…
Usually, debt collectors are working for a minimum wage. They are responsible for getting you to agree to a payment plan so that they can get a return on the debt acquired by Fredrickson International.
But note that these agents are, most of the time, on an incentive scheme. So if you say okay to a payment plan, they get access to a bonus. Due to this, they will rarely give up trying to convince you.
Since many debtors ignore calls from debtors, most of them use automated call systems. They will set the automatic call to ring you at specific times. Once you answer the phone, the line will most of the time be an automated voice, or it might be silent. The call then transfers to an actual agent.
If you notice that they are using automated calls to contact you, keeping a list of the times they call will be beneficial. This is because, in a case where the calls start coming at a rate in order to intimidate or pressure you into paying, you can use the evidence to file a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
This is a tactic that debt collectors use to intimidate you into paying. During your initial interaction with them, they will seem extremely nice and friendly. And let’s say you fail to agree to their requests during this interaction.
In the next interaction you have with them, they might be rude and aggressive, which might catch you off-guard. They use this tactic to somehow get you to agree.
In a case where you don’t cooperate with them or avoid them, there’s a possibility that Fredrickson International might try to discuss your debt with outsiders.
This usually happens if your spouse or a family member picks up the phone when they call. If they call you at your workplace and an employer or a colleague answers the phone, they might discuss it with them, too. Note that even though this might seem normal, it is called third-party disclosure. This is illegal and goes against the FCA rules.
Some debt collectors might use certain tactics to get you to pay even though it’s against the guidelines. They might even pretend that they are bailiffs or claim that they have similar powers. In a case like this, make a complaint or reach out to the police.
How to Handle Fredrickson International’s Tactics
- Document: Keep a log of all communication. This diary of calls and letters will be your shield.
- Exercise Your Rights: If they play dirty, know that you can hit back with a complaint.
- Taking a Stand: If they cross into deceit, it’s your right to call the authorities.
If you find Fredrickson stepping out of bounds, wielding the power of your rights could be your best countermove.
How do I make a complaint against Fredpay?
If Fredrickson International breaks any of the FCA rules or treats you in an unfair way, feel free to file a complaint. First, directly reach out to the company and inform them of the issue. This will allow them the chance to handle the situation themselves.
But if they don’t respond to you or look into your complaint, you can escalate it. In this case, make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). They will look into the issue, and if your complaint is upheld, Fredrickson will be fined.
Sometimes, they might even owe you a compensation.
How Can I Get My Debt Written Off?
If you’re struggling to pay off your debt, there are many options available, and one of them is getting your debt written off. There are many debt solutions available in the UK, and some of them help you to write off a portion or even your whole debt.
Note that while taking up the right debt solution will help you to write off debt, choosing the wrong one might be expensive and even worsen your situation. In this case, take some advice from a debt charity. They will guide you on which option is suitable for you.
Some debt charities you can reach out to include:
- Citizens Advice
- National Debtline
- StepChange
- Debt Advice Foundation
Alternatively, feel free to fill out our online form, and our Money Advisor team will guide you on the best course of action.
Real Debt Solutions
Here are some options that could offer a lifeline:
- Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): An IVA is a formal pact between you and your creditors. Pay an agreed amount every month, and your creditors agree not to contact you. An IVA lasts for a period of 5 to 6 years. Once this period ends, the debt that remains will be written off.Note that this debt solution is not suitable for everyone. In order to be eligible, you should owe several thousand pounds to multiple creditors. You should also prove that you have a disposable income each month.
- Trust Deed: Like an IVA, but Scottish-style.
- Debt Relief Order (DRO): If you have no assets and little income, a DRO is a good option. A DRO means a year without payments, freezing interest. If your finances don’t improve within this time, you might be able to get your debt written off.
- Bankruptcy: If you have no possibility of ever paying off your debts, you might be able to declare bankruptcy. But note that it’s a serious financial situation and should not be taken lightly.
- Sequestration: this is an equivalent to bankruptcy in Scotland. If you have no valuable assets and little income, you can apply for a Minimal Asset Process Bankruptcy (MAP). This is a cheaper and quicker version of Sequestration.
- Debt Management Plan (DMP): An informal arrangement to consolidate payments. It is an informal agreement, so you’re not tied to a minimum number of payments.
More about Fredpay
Fredrickson International are a registered company, and they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Because of this, they should follow strict guidelines. So you can say that you are a legitimate company. But note that they might use various tactics to get you to pay.
If they find it difficult to contact you, they might get you to pay over the phone once they do. They might even request you to make an online payment. But before you pay, checking if you can actually afford it is crucial.
Then, go through their payment options page and enter your Fredrickson reference number. You can find this in one of the letters they sent you, or you can get it over the phone. Note down the payment reference number after paying so that you can inform them that you’ve completed the payment.
Fredrickson International Debt Recovery Contact Details
Reaching out to Fredrickson doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are the essential details you need to get in touch with Fredpay. Phone number? Check. Address? Got it. But remember, knowledge is power – and you’re accumulating lots of it.
| Company Name: | Fredrickson International Ltd |
| Other Names: | Fredpay, Fredrickson International Debt Recovery, Lowell Group |
| Address: | PO Box 260, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0YH |
| Contact Number: | 0345 839 6261 |
| Email: | enquiries@lowellgroup.co.uk |
| Website: | www.fredpay.com |
| Opening hours: | Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Keep Up To Date With Your Debts
Losing track of your debts is easier than you think. And with collectors possibly passing your debt, staying informed is critical.
If a debt collector decides that it’s not worth chasing you for the debt, they might sell your debt to another collection company. Two of the largest debt collection companies in the UK include Cabot Finance and Lowell UK. So always stay aware of these names on your credit report.
Professional Advice
Debt advice charities can offer a lifeline if you’re dealing with Fredrickson International. There are many debt charities in the UK, and they all provide free advice and guidance on how you should handle the situation. A few debt charities that you can reach out to include:
- Citizens Advice
- National Debtline
- StepChange
- Debt Advice Foundation
Key Points
- Fredrickson International, also known under the name Fredpay, is an accredited debt collection firm in the UK and a member of the Lowell Group specialising in private debt.
- It’s possible for UK residents to legally discharge certain debts, potentially reducing their financial burden.
- Fredrickson International must supply evidence of the debt they claim you owe. If they fail to do so, you may not be required to pay.
- If repayment in full is out of reach, negotiating a manageable payment plan with Fredrickson International is a viable alternative. Additionally, debt solutions such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) might be explored.
- There have been customer reports of Fredpay employing coercive tactics. Such activities should be reported to the proper authorities.
