I'll keep my name as *Unknown* because I use to work for Wescot Credit Services, I'm reading what some of you guys are typing, and some of you I totally agree with, but my god some of you just have no idea what your talking about. Wescot are a Debt Collection Company who handle "other companies" accounts, Wescot don't have the relevant information to hand, they're just passed a name/address/tel number and total amount debt owing !

If they want more info on your account they have to contact the lender. Remember guys Wescot employ very skilled people, people who are there to help you, but they get too many people calling them acting cocky because they're read stupid sites like this, taking people's advise who are in debt upto there eye ball's.

End of the day Wescot appreciate that debt is mostly caused by accident, but there are people *including some of you* who take credit, then can't be arsed to pay it back - - show a bit of respect for the employees at wescot.
Unknown ... 3 January 2004
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I am also having exactly the same problems with the same companies. I have contacted trading standards and also watchdog via the internet. I suggest all who have same problems do the same!o2 are a nightmare. I am still awaiting replies from them and we arethreatened with court action.
Vincent Sheehan ... 6 January 2004
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I complained yesterday about being blocked on my o2 mobile chat for 48 hours. it has gone 48 hours and i am still blocked i will change my network if no action is taken i must stress that i did not do any thing wrong in the first place and i feel that my rights as an o2 customer are being abused and im not very happy. Laura Darby ... 15 January 2004
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Despite agreeing a settlement for a debt in Oct 02 and Wescot saying settled in full, now received a demand from another company for remainder of payment. Numerous phone calls to ask for a settlement statement, still to receive one, keep saying they have sent one and will send another. Have contacted Hull Trading Standard after delivery of recorded del. letter failed!!
SIMON LOWE ... 2 February 2004
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I am in much the same position regarding a debt to Britannia Music that I dispute. My understanding is that Britannia are not really supposed to pass on the debt if it is in dispute, is this correct? My grievance is more with Britannia than Wescott, does anyone have any advice on how to actually speak with someone with some authority at Britannia?
Dan Smith ... 18 February 2004
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Why am I not surprised to see the name Wescot mentioned in the same breath as O2. See an email I sent to my local CAB. Stick with it, if you're confident you don't owe the money let them take you to court.

I had the pleasure of dealing with Wescot's Glasgow office. I had the old woman ring me up pleading for me to pay to save myself a lot of trouble. Then there was the man who sounded like he owned the company and was in some way legally qualified. He thanked me when I told him to "get lost" (not quite those words) and take me to court and assured me that he would get me to court quicker than quick.

I had the younger sounding woman that you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, unbridled aggression from her, incapable of listening, obviously loved the sound of her own voice. I believe I've been added to the national register of debtors what ever that is, at least it gave me an excuse to go to the pub and celebrate. It couldn't have damaged my credit that badly, I switched to Vodafone and changed my mortgage with no problem at all.

I can't remember how many final chances I was given and how many times 7 days before court was mentioned. Wescot are fond of numbers that divide by seven! Then it went quiet before Frederickson International had a go. At least they did me the courtesy of telling me that my account had for some reason been set to zero and that my file had been closed. No explanation as to why, no apology from themselves, O2 or Wescot. Tony Pitchford ... 9 October 2003
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I could send the same letter to Wescot word for word. My 'debt' that I dispute is for 15:50p to Sky TV for a service I never recieved. Try proving it to these parasites who don't want to hear anything but their till ringing.
C.Bailey ... 23 October 2003
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Same problem with me. My saga has been going on for over a year now and I found Westcoat particular offensinve in their dealing with the matter. Thank you for your public complaint which reinforces my opinion of O2
Marco Bruzzone ... 5 November 2003
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I may well be speaking out of turn here but I feel the need to point out that many companies turn to the likes of Wescot Credit Services in order to have their accounts paid. Companies like this are being employed to do a job and they do what they can to prevent your individual cases ending up in court - thus providing you with the dreaded blacklisted credit rating. You may well have had an unpleasant experience but I am more than sure each individual case can be rectified and resolved using this wonderful thing known to man as communication. Shouting down telephone lines wont help anyone. One final thought, bear in mind that these people you phone are doing a job..., how would you feel if someone was to publically criticise you for how you do your job?? Think before you speak and show a bit of respect.
Financial Advisor ... 19 November 2003
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Wescot Credit Services, now there is a bunch! I am on my third demand now from them for 40.00 reguarding books i purchased from Grolier books. The bill has been payed back in June, but it was through another debt enforcment firm called Roxburghe International- another mystery company that no other debt firm seems to know, especially the Glasgow heavy team.

I still have my receipt to prove that i have payed, which i sent a copy to the Wescot but suprise suprise they have no record of it, so after talking as calmly as possible to the wicked witch of the West (Cot) she said that i was still liable , that they would have to take me to court. So we will see but it is good to read other people are having the same problem with this company.
Paul Murphy ... 19 November 2003
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It seems the OFT are now willing or able to commence investigations into this company's tactics (Wescot). They won't involve themselves with individual complaints, however. They have supplied the following contact details for individual complaints:

Kingston upon Hull City Council
Trading Standards Service
Consumer Law Advice Centre
Unit 2
Bond Street
Kingston upon Hull
Yorkshire
HU1 3EN

Tel 01482 300300
Fax 01482 612138
Email consumerlawadvicecentre@hullcc.gov.uk

The more complaints (genuine and preferably with proof) the deeper the investigation. You will be asked whether you agree to your details being used in any action or investigation. That part is up to you. Remember; the truth can never be defamatory Antony Bellington ... 25 November 2003
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I would just like to add that a month ago, I received a demand from Wescot on an outstanding debt. I rang straight away, explained my circumstances, offered them 50 per month which they accepted which I then paid. I rang up yesterday to inform them of a change of address and make the next payment.

They were rude, offensive and bullying all of a sudden. They told me that the offer was now unacceptable for some reason and that I had to pay up. When I tried to point out that this offer had been accepted, they said it had been an error and wouldn't listen to me. Three times I had the phone put down on me and they wouldn't let me pay. The phone number is an 0870 number by the way, and each time I rang, I was in a queue for 10 minutes. I do owe the money, that is not disputed but I am trying to sort it out and they seem more intent on taking me to court. Inga van den Broek ... 17 December 2003
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