Who is Elderbridge re: HCA Direct Debit and Should I Cancel?

Have you received a message from Elderbridge about HCA debt? Maybe you’re feeling worried about how to deal with them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every month, I guide over 12,000 people who are seeking advice on topics about debt.

In this article, we’ll help you understand:

• Who Elderbridge is and if you have to pay them.
• How you can lower your repayments to Elderbridge.
• What to do when Elderbridge is chasing you for a debt.
• How to deal with complaints about debt collectors.
• What happens when a debt is proven and how to stop debt collectors from contacting you.

We understand that dealing with debt collectors can be difficult. We know what it feels like to be in your shoes and we’re here to help you understand your rights and how to deal with this situation effectively. Let’s dive in and find out more about dealing with Elderbridge and HCA debt.

Who is Elderbridge?

Elderbridge is a company that purchases credit agreements and loans from other businesses and financial institutions. In short, the company is a debt recovery business that earns its keep by chasing older debts.

The reference re: HCA direct debit refers to their option to settle a debt. The debt collector encourages you to set up this DD in order to settle an outstanding debt owed them.

Is Elderbridge a legitimate debt collection agency?

Yes. Elderbridge is a legitimate debt recovery business that’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

They are also Credit Association Services (CSA) members which means they not only have to abide by the laws of the land but also the CSA Code of Practice.

That said, many debt collection companies don’t always abide by the rules. They have a tendency to use unethical tactics to get you to settle! So when you fail to keep up with payments to an account, they’ll send you threatening letters.

Why is Elderbridge chasing you?

As mentioned, Elderbridge is probably chasing you because they purchased a debt with your name and details on it. That said, mistakes happen and a clerical error leads to a debt collector chasing the wrong debtor!

It happens more than most people think!

This is why it’s important to check all the details on the correspondence you receive from Elderbridge before forking out any money. After all, the loan might not be yours and it might be statute barred!

Should you admit the debt?

No. You should never admit, agree, or sign anything until the debt collection company provides you with solid proof the debt is yours. It’s up to the debt collector to prove things not you!

Should you pay the debt straight away?

No. Not before establishing the debt isn’t too old to enforce and that it is yours! In short, write back to the debt collector asking them to ‘prove’ the debt.

It’s not your responsibility to provide proof to a debt collector that you don’t owe the money. It’s the debt collector’s obligation to provide hard proof the debt is yours.

What proof does Elderbridge have to provide?

This might be in the form of a Credit Agreement or signed contract. All copies must be authenticated otherwise they are not worth the paper they’re written on!

You should never accept their ‘word’ for it!

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What happens when Elderbridge can’t prove the debt?

When a debt collection company can’t prove you owe the money, you can’t be held liable and therefore, you can’t be made to pay!

In this instance, Elderbridge should stop chasing you for payment. But they might do more research and may come back later with proof you owe the money.

What happens when a debt is proven?

You should seek advice from one of the debt charities if Elderbridge provides written proof you owe the money. Don’t admit, sign, agree or pay any money to the debt collector before you’ve spoken to a debt adviser.

Getting free debt advice from one of the UK’s leading charities could make the whole situation less stressful. Their advice could be invaluable in the following ways:

• Finding out which debt solution would be best for you
• Establishing how much you could afford to pay to the debt collector
• Calculating a debt settlement solution to put forward to Elderbridge

Should you reach out to an independent debt expert?

You could also reach out to a specialist adviser but you’d have to pay which might not be an option when you’re already struggling with your finances!

How do you pay Elderbridge?

You can pay an Elderbridge debt via their HCA direct debit option. There’s no online payment option available and the company’s website is offline!

As such, you can only call or email the debt collection agency when you need to contact them. Although you could also write to them at their Newport address.

What happens when you don’t pay Elderbridge?

Things get messy, complicated and expensive when you don’t pay Elderbridge when the debt is proven! You could face:

• Court proceedings and getting a County Court Judgement (CCJ) on your credit file
• Having enforcement officers (bailiffs) visit you at home and seizing some of your possessions
• Dealing with an attachment on your bank account or weekly earnings

That said, Elderbridge must prove the debt and send you a Letter Before Action (LBA) before taking legal action against you!

What tactics could Elderbridge use?

As mentioned, too many debt recovery companies use specific and often suspect tactics to frighten you into paying them quickly. It’s earned the industry a lot of bad press!

One tactic is to be extra nice when they first contact you. But this soon changes over time. More especially when an agent realises you can’t pay! Another unlawful tactic commonly used by debt collectors is to send you threatening letters.

Again, it’s unlawful to harass and bully you into paying a debt that may not be even proven!

Debt collectors use these tactics because they believe it will get you to pay even when you can’t afford just to get rid of them!

How do I stop debt collectors from contacting me?

You can write to Elderbridge asking them to stop harassing you with constant phone calls, texts or emails. However, you can’t stop them from contacting you altogether! You can ask them to only reach out to you in writing which they must respect.

Keep records of all your correspondence

Make sure you send the letter to the debt collection agency by registered post so you know they received it! Plus, keep a copy for your own records and account.

Can you complain about Elderbridge?

You should complain to a debt collector’s head office about the conduct. Then, report them to the Office for Fair Trading and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Can Elderbridge repossess my house?

No. Not unless a debt they hold happens to be secured against your property. That’s the only time your home may be at risk over an Elderbridge debt.

How do you contact Elderbridge?

You should stay in touch with Elderbridge when they contact you. Don’t ignore things because the problem just gets worse when you do.

I’ve listed how to contact Elderbridge here: EDIT