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Evading Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors may not be your only option. And ignoring them could trigger grave consequences. Do not panic just yet. In this article, we have covered all the key things you need to know when dealing with them. Therefore Let us guide you through to find out your options.

Jane Rohan
Last updated on 01 September 2023
Fact Checked

Table of Contents

1. Who are Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?
2. Why do MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors keep calling you?
3. Verifying your debt with Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors
4. Don’t want to pay Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?
5. Is your life being impacted by Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?
6. MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors and the legalities you need to Know
7. MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors: What you really need to know
8. Understand the truth about Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors
9. Stay strong, don’t let Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors win!
10. How to get out of debt
11. You can write off your debt
12. Received any letters from PO Box 8743 Bellshill? Here’s what you should know
13. Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors Contact Details
14. Other Debt Collectors to look for on your Credit Report
15. Key Points
16. FAQ

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Does any of the below Questions ring a bell in you?

1. Did one of the debt collection agents of Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors get in touch with you asking to pay a debt?
2. Are you currently experiencing difficulties in repaying the amount you owe?
3. Did you receive threats of legal action related to your debt?

We encourage you to keep reading if you experienced any of the scenarios or similar ones particularly. It’s because you might discover the solutions you’re seeking in here. In certain instances, you might even be eligible for writing off your debt without even needing to make a repayment. Therefore let us walk through your options…

Who are Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors is one of the renowned debt-collecting agencies in the UK. They specialised in acquiring and managing defaulted consumer debts on behalf of other major credit companies like Banks, including NatWest and HSBC. 

But this Mackenzie Hall company was acquired by one of the other major debt collection companies named PRA Group in 2012.

Sometimes receiving a call from a company like Mackenzie Hall can be intimidating. But It’s important to remember that their goal is to collect debt, not harassment.

Why do MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors keep calling you?

One of the below three reasons may be the main cause for Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors to get in touch with you.

1. Your Original Creditor has hired Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors to chase after you on behalf of them to recover their debt.
2. Your Original Creditor has sold your debts to Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors as they are tired of chasing after you to recover their debt themselves.
3. Simply, it’s a mistake. Mistakes can happen due to various reasons. Including system errors, the last creditor has not updated the systems yet after you have settled the debt and etc.

Debt-collecting companies mainly generate their revenue through recovering debts for their clients or theme selves if they own the debt. 

What if your original creditor hired MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

They will get a fixed amount or a portion of the total debt as payment if the original creditor has hired them to chase after you to collect their debt. Thus they will keep contacting you to ask to settle the debt.

What if your original creditor sold your debts to MacKenzie’s Hall Debt Collectors?

On the other hand, Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors will make a huge profit if they own your debts for themselves. It’s because they purchase debts from your original creditor for a fraction of the total debt amount. 

This fractioned discount can become low as 5% to higher as 70% of the total debt. Then they will chase after you to recover the total debt. This gives them a huge margin of profit. 

Let’s say you owe your original creditor 1000£ to your original creditor. And Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors manages to purchase the debt for 200£. They will chase after you to recover the total debt amount of 1000£, giving them a profit margin of 800£. This means they just need to recover at least 201£ to make a profit out of your debt.

Therefore, addressing these calls from Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors company is critical to prevent escalation and protect your credit score. Ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear.

Verifying your debt with Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors

There are mainly two steps you need to follow before trying to contact Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors to verify your debt.

1. You need to collect all your credit history documents and verify whether you owe the Original Creditor that the Debt Collection company is referencing to.
2. Next, you need to check whether your debts sort under the Statute-Barred debts category and are too old to be enforced in court if the debts are true.
Statute-Barred debts

You need to fulfil the following conditions at the same time in order to get a Statute-barred excuse.

1. Your debt should be older than 6 years since your last payment.
2. You did not have any provable communication with Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors or the original creditor within that time period.
3. You did not receive any court order regard to this debt within that 6 years period.

Your debts will not be enforceable in court if it sorts under the Statute-barred category. But this does not mean your credit history will be cleared as well. Receiving a Statute-barred excuse will impact your credit history negatively. As a result, you may find difficulties in getting new loans and credit cards in the future.

What if your debts are true and do not sort under the Statute-Barred category?

You need to contact Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors and request them to verify the debt. For that, write a letter titled “Prove the Debt” to them requesting to send you a written document of proof that shows you really owe them. And remember to keep a copy of the letter. It comes in handy if they go to court without giving you a proper reply.

Their reply should at least include 

1. A copy of the original creditor’s name,
2. The amount owed,
3. Breakdown of additional costs,
4. And when the debt was incurred.

They are obligated to provide this upon request as it helps you identify the claim’s legitimacy. And you’re not required by law to settle the debt if they were unable to give you a proper reply with proof that shows you really owe them.

Don’t want to pay Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

It’s a matter of time before you end up paying Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors if the debts are true. It’s because getting you into settling the debt is the only way for them to generate revenue. Thus they will keep trying to get in touch with you to convince you to pay the debt. 

Below are some of the general steps that Mackenzie’s Hall Debt Collectors will use in order to make you settle the debt.
1. They will send you an initial letter to notify you about the transition of debt from the original creditor to them and all other information you need to know regarding to your debt. 
2. Next, they will send you a proof document that shows you really owe them as a reply to your “Prove the debt” letter request.
3. They will send you one last letter titled Letter Before Action (LBA) notifying you that they are going to take legal action against you if you do not contact them to discuss a solution to your debt before the due date mentioned in the letter.
4. Next, they will surely go to court to take Count Court Judgement (CCJ) against you if you ignore the LBA letter.
i. The court will surely give CCJ against you if the debts are true.
ii. The CCJ will make you legally responsible for the debt.
iii. And it will last 6 years in your credit history if not settled before passing 30 days of receiving the court order.
iv. As a result, you may find difficulties in getting new loans and credit cards in the future.
5. Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors will urge their client to go back to court to take a warrant or a writ of conduct against you to use bailiffs to visit your home and seize your belongings if you ignore the CCJ.
6. The bailiffs will store your goods in a warehouse and eventually sell them in an auction to recover the total debt and all bailiffs’ charges.

As you can see, deciding not to pay Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors is not a good decision to make in the long run. You have plenty of time in between these procedures. Therefore we urge you to contact them and find a reliable solution to your debt issue.

What are your options if decided to pay Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors

You got mainly 2 options if thought of settling the debt with Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors company.

1. You can settle the debt in one go and get done with it.
2. You can reach out to them and discuss requesting a payment plan if you are struggling financially to settle the debt in one go. They will surely grant you a payment plan to stick to if your story is convincing enough and provable.

But what if you simply can’t afford to pay? The good news is there are options available to you. We have discussed those options in a different subheading below. Therefore keep reading to find them.

Is your life being impacted by Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

It’s not surprising that Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors like debt collectors can bring about serious negative effects on the lives of individuals like you grappling with debt challenges. You can be certain of it if you analyse the methods employed by some debt collectors. 

Instances have been reported where debtors have been coerced and even subjected to threats by certain debt collectors.

You’re not the only one who found the distressing behaviour of MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors for the first time. Their actions might be causing you significant distress, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and even thoughts of suicide

A startling statistic from the debt support trust revealed that up to 50% of debtors have contemplated suicide due to not abling to manage their debt problems.

A study focusing on mental health unveiled that many debtors were encountering emotions of shame and a sense of disconnection. The situation escalated to an alarming extent where prompting the government to intervene. As a result, they have enacted new legislation aimed at safeguarding borrowers from such unjust practices. 

Yes, the situation hasn’t been entirely transformed while steps were taken against debt collectors and brought about some change. Numerous debt collectors still flout the regulations in some way. But it’s possible to file a complaint if they engage in such behaviour provably!

For many people, dealing with debt collectors can feel overwhelming and cause significant stress. In those situations, You have the right to request them to communicate with you only in writing. They are bound by law to honour your request. And it provides you with control over when and how you handle the situation.

MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors and the legalities you need to Know

It’s crucial to understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors. Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors must abide by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)‘s regulations. Below are some of the general guidelines that they need to follow when dealing with debtors like you.

  • Providing clear and non-misleading information, ensuring transparency.
  • Acting with fairness and avoiding aggression towards debtors.
  • Displaying consideration for debtors undergoing financial difficulties.
  • Taking into account debtors’ individual circumstances and responding proportionately.
  • Avoid unfairness, oppression, coercion, or deceit when dealings with debtors.
What if they break any of these guidelines when conducting debt collection operations?

The first thing you should do is to make a complaint to the head office of Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors with proof in hand. And it will give them a chance to solve the issue internally.

As a secondary option, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and FCA with proof in hand. They will surely end up paying large fines or a compensation to you if the accusations are serious and proven. 

MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors: What you really need to know

It’s important to familiarise yourself with certain aspects when contacted by debt collectors like MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors. This understanding will empower you to take a more effective stance in response.

Bad attitude

Numerous debt collectors exhibit negative behaviour, initially appearing friendly but turning hostile if payment can’t be made. 

1. Their tactics include
2. abusive contact,
3. intimidating letters,
4. and persistent calls to compel payment.

Such behaviours are unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated. Regardless of your debt level, you have the right to fair treatment. Through challenging, knowing your rights and standing firm empowers you to address and alter this situation. 

Reporting to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) through the online complaint form is also an option.

Call technology is commonplace

You might be curious about the continuous calls from MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors. Don’t be surprised by it. They employ automated call technology for frequent, intimidating calls. Answering their calls might not even connect you to them. 

We urge you to document the calls and timings as proof to show to legal authorities if they become excessive and unbearably annoying. this goes against FCA guidelines. You’re entitled to report such behaviour to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

The agents will usually get bonuses

You might be wondering about the persistent contact from MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors. They seek payment to meet targets and earn bonuses. 

Therefore,

  • Don’t let their threats intimidate you. Often, they’re baseless. 
  • Engage with them, but refrain from immediate payment if unaffordable. 
  • Prioritise your financial stability rather than leaving yourself without funds due to debt repayment. 
  • Stand up for your rights against such collectors.
Speaking to third parties about your debt

All debt collectors in the UK, including MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors, do not have the authority to discuss your debt with family or anyone else. Your finances are private and off-limits. 

Just because they can’t reach you doesn’t mean they are allowed to discuss your debts with others. Additionally, it breaches FCA guidelines and privacy laws. 

It’s better to report this conduct with proof to the Financial Ombudsman at 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123.

Understand the truth about Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors

In certain instances, 

  • The debt collectors might pretend like they have more legal powers than they usually have. 
  • They could falsely claim to be bailiffs with the authority to seize your belongings for payment. 
  • They might even mention being in court and threatening legal action. 

Therefore it’s important to recognise that these statements are false. And you’re not obligated to tolerate such deceit.

The debt collection agents of Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors Company are not bailiffs. Thus they do not have the legal power to enter your home or possess your belongings. In those situations, you have the right to ask them to leave your premises unless they are bailiffs with a warrant in hand. 

You can call the police on them if they refuse to honour the request and leave your premises. The police will handle the situation on your behalf.

Plus, you don’t even need to open the door if they are just debt-collecting agents. 

Likewise, many misconceptions exist about debt collectors that cause unnecessary fear among debtors. According to the law, Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors should also operate within strict regulatory boundaries while aiming to find an amicable solution to overdue debts.

Stay strong, don’t let Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors win!

Debt is a burden, but it shouldn’t rule your life. 

Therefore:

  • Stand your ground, 
  • know your rights, 
  • and seek help if you need it. 

Remember, Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors are supposed to urge you to settle the debt. But not to destroy your life instead.

How to get out of debt

Sometimes you may find hardships in dealing with these Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors alone. On those occasions, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. There are a number of charity debt organisations where they provide professional debt help free of charge. 

Among them, below are some of the famous institutes that operate in the UK for free.

  • StepChange
  • Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
  • Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

You can write off your debt

There are a number of other debt solutions available in the UK if you find hardship in agreeing to the payment plan suggested by Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors. But you need to fulfil certain unique conditions in order to get approval for one of each. 

One of the famous debt solutions chosen by UK residents more often is the Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). It allows you to pay a single monthly instalment which divides among all your creditors through an insolvency practitioner. After around 5 years of sticking to this process, the rest of the debt will be written off.

Remember, It’s crucial to seek professional advice before choosing this route since it has significant financial implications.

Received any letters from PO Box 8743 Bellshill? Here’s what you should know

PO Box 8743 Bellshill is a mailing address that is used by Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors on some occasions to trick their debtors end up opening the letter. Any correspondence from this PO Box should be taken seriously and responded to promptly. 

Remember, you have the right to request all communication in writing for your 

Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors Contact Details

You can reach out to Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors using the contact details provided in the below table. It’s advisable to keep records of all communication for future reference.

Company Name:  Mackenzie Hall Limited
Website:  www.pragroup.co.uk 
Other Names:  PRA Group, Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors
Address: Unit 1A, 58 Portland Street

Kilmarnock, Ayrshire KA1 1JG

Phone:  01563 556429
Fax: 0845 280 1512
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Other Debt Collectors to look for on your Credit Report

Mackenzie Hall is just one of many debt collection agencies. Regularly reviewing your credit report can help you identify any potential debts before you’re contacted by collectors. Keep an eye on your credit report at least once a month to be alert if some debt collection company purchases your debt. 

Below are the 3 main tycoons in purchasing debt that you need to keep an eye on.

1. Lowell,
2. Cabot,
3. PRA Group.

Key Points

  • Ensure debt validity by asking for a copy of the credit agreement. Lack of ability to send you proof means that you’re not obligated to pay.
  • Many individuals in the UK could potentially legally eliminate a portion of their debt.
  • Free assistance is accessible from organisations like Citizens Advice Bureau, Christians Against Poverty, and StepChange if you are struggling with debt.
  • MacKenzie Hall Debt Collectors might reach out about overdue debts. But there are strategies that you could execute to manage them and enhance your financial situation.
  • Debt collectors are bound by Office for Fair Trading (OFT) guidelines, including fair treatment, clear information provision, and consideration of debtors’ situations.
  • Options include potentially wiping off debt through an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or setting up a repayment plan if immediate payment isn’t feasible.

FAQ

How can I verify the debt claimed by Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

You can send a “Proof of Debt” letter to Mackenzie Hall, requesting them to provide detailed evidence of the debt they claim you owe. They are legally required to send you this proof. If they can’t, they must stop contacting you.

What if I can’t afford to pay back my debt to Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

It’s essential to communicate this to Mackenzie Hall if you’re unable to pay back your debt. You may be able to negotiate a reduced payment plan based on your financial situation.

Can Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors take legal action against me?

Yes, they can. They can take legal action if you fail to respond to their attempts to contact you or don’t pay the debt. However, it’s always best to seek advice from a debt adviser or solicitor before it reaches this stage.

What should I do if I believe Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors are contacting me by mistake?

If you believe Mackenzie Hall is contacting you by mistake, you should inform them immediately. Request proof of the debt. They must stop contacting you if they can’t provide it or if it doesn’t belong to you.

What rights do I have when dealing with Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors?

You have several rights when dealing with debt collectors, including the right to fair treatment, the right to privacy, and the right to challenge the debt. You also have the right to seek debt advice and to set up a repayment plan that suits your circumstances.


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