Working in the debt industry for a number for years it is no surprise to see the odd scam company like BadDebtor rock up now and again, preying on vulnerable people.
Sickening as it is, these companies target people who have gone to hell and back with debt problems, making promises they have no intention of fulfilling.
I was alerted to these particular rogue traders by fellow UK Personal Finance blogger Debt Camel.
One of her readers who had been declared bankrupt received a suspicious looking letter from ‘The Register of Bad Debtors’.
(If the whole farce wasn’t so despicable I think I may be giggling about that name right now, super inventive guys – NOT!)
The letter is an offer to remove her name from their records if – wait for it – she pays them a fee of £49.95.
What a bargain eh?
Luckily she had Sara to call upon and guide her.
There are reports that IVA customers are being targeted too.
To help clear it up, I’ve taken their claims, put it through my Bullshizzle Filtration System and left you with the translated version.
What the letter really means
What BadLiar, sorry, BadDebtor says:
“The Court Order will remain on the credit reference file for six years from the date of the order even if it has been discharged and you have told the credit reference agencies.”
What DJT says:
If you have gone through bankruptcy, or have entered into an IVA or DRO it remains on the credit reference agency (CRA) records for six years.
There is no shifting the date to suit, it remains visible on your credit file for six years and paying these jokers won’t alter that.
What BadDebtor says:
“You now have the option to voluntarily elect to remove details off BadDebtor platforms immediately.”
What DJT says:
Although this is cleverly worded (or so they think) into making it sound that you may actually be getting something for your money, you’re not.
Anybody can delete you from a list they created themselves.
I could charge you to take you off a list I’d just created right now if you were willing to part with a cool fifty for doing so!
What BadDebtor says:
“If you wish to have your details removed from all associated portals please log in online to remove BadDebtor publishing to the following sectors:”
What DJT says:
Let’s break these platforms down individually so we can decipher the utter tosh they’ve been spouting:
- BadDebtor Platform
Ever heard of the BadDebtor Platform before? No, me neither! Chances are nobody else has ever until they received this letter.
So with that in mind, and the likelihood nobody sees this website, who gives a flying flip flop?
- Local Newspapers
Sara, of Debt Camel, is a thorough investigator and she cannot find a shred of evidence to support this.
After spending a few hours mooching about for evidence myself, I came away empty handed too.
BadDebtor has two Facebook pages, neither containing any details of personal insolvencies.
They do not know your Facebook identity and are unable to post to your timeline.
If you’re still worried, you can change your Facebook settings to ensure nobody can tag you in anything until you have accepted it.
BadDebtor don’t even have a LinkedIn page. Further investigation by Sara found that Paul Petticrew, who signed the letter, has two profiles.
LinkedIn is a professional network. What sort of professional body would publish details of personal insolvency on social media?
Exactly, NONE!
- Supplier Database
Which supplier database? And why would a supplier database have any interest in BadDebtor information?
If you can pay to take your name off the list it’s pretty useless anyway! It’s just more nonsense.
- Local Banks
Yes, believe it or not, the banks do not use information from clown outfits such as BadDebtor.
They source their information from three credible credit reference agencies so you have nothing to worry about.
- Credit Agencies
The Insolvency Service provides information to the credit reference agencies, nobody else.
Paying a company such as BadDebtor isn’t going to stop the Insolvency Service reporting your credit history to them.
- Social Portals
This one almost sent the bullshizzle filtration system into meltdown. Neither myself, nor Sara, are sure exactly what this means.
However, we’re both more than confident that you’re fine to ignore it along with the previous rubbish above.
Final word
Plain and simple – KEEP YOUR CASH IN YOUR POCKET!
These scam artists cannot improve your credit file or credit score in anyway, they are just looking for the quickest route to your fifty quid.
There is no cheat sheet to rebuilding a damaged credit history, there are many things you can do to improve it in the related articles below.
If you should be contacted by this company, or you have already handed over money to them, report them to Trading Standards or speak with your local Citizens Advice. to see if there is anyway of recouping your money!
Have you ever been contacted by a company seeking payment to improve your credit score?
Related Articles:
20 No Fuss Ways To Build Your Credit Rating
Creditbuilder Could Help A Poor Credit History
Rental Exchange: The News Generation Rent Has Been Waiting For!
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