It’s rare I’m ever lost for words but after watching the Dispatches programme on Marlin, I was both shocked and dismayed that companies like this are still getting away with harassing and bullying people with debt worries.  http://tinyurl.com/kkbs28

In the words of my daughter….OMG!!!!!

I’ve worked in this industry for over 30 years and know that with the work of companies like my own, and the Debt Resolution Forum, we are able to speak up for ethics and protocol within this industry, and that we will eventually see a passing of companies who prey on the weak in times of need.  I’m guessing…this is not so.  At least, not yet.

It’s amazing to even think, the people who work in these companies can sleep at night – soundly! I was appalled at how they laughed each time they finished speaking to a debtor to imply they were taking court action against them, moving forward with legal proceedings to take their home away, or making them bankrupt.  The manipulation was just disgusting as I listened to them justify how they played around with words such as “may” and “might” to ensure they were “legally covered” .  I couldn’t believe the constant foul language and hand gestures and the total dis-regard for real people who have real lives and are doing what they can to pay back the debt they owe.

As I indicated at the beginning of this blog, our industry has often been tarnished with a bad reputation, and to fight back and make sure there is a clear divide between the good, bad and just plain ugly, myself and other respectable contemporaries have worked hard to prove to debtors that some organisations can help.  Some companies do care and will do their best to make a difference to your life in a positive way.

In the last 2 years alone, there has been a visible surge of activity within my own organisation to not just offer debt solutions to our clients but to also provide other tools which will help you to help yourself.  We provide guides and money management tools such as ClearCash to help you build towards a more stable future – one with no debt. A future where worries of a certain nature are left where they belong – in the past.

It’s one thing hearing about the underhand tactics of debt collection agencies – but hearing and seeing it first hand on last night’s programme is completely different.  Shocking on a whole new level.  If you didn’t catch it, you can see it on http://tinyurl.com/kkbs28 – Channel 4 offer a tool called 4oD which is similar to BBC’s iplayer so you can watch the episode online.

In the light of day, at least 12 hours after watching the documentary on Marlin, I’m still a little lost for words and deeply saddened that companies like this, are still surviving in our industry.  So, whilst I try and collate my thoughts together – please share yours on this very worrying topic.