Nice to see a CELEB with Principles

Hi all
We see so many instances of celebs really not being very good examples to younger people in particular but when I read this story I had to read it again to make sure I actually understood what it was saying.

It restores my faith in Human Beings again -- to turn down a decent size Gig in a difficult market just before Xmas definitely was a great show by a great actor.

Comic Michael McIntyre refuses to perform for debt collectors and loses £28k fee - mirror.co.uk

Cheers
jimbo

The nerve of those folks - trying to collect debts...... No comedy for YOU! That's the way to stick it to The Man. :sarc:

I think he is an idiot, losing 28k as a protest against people who are just doing their job keeping the economy running

He should have done the gig, collect the money and donate it to people that needed it ... if he were really serious, other than that I agree with John... a very empty gesture..

Tews said:

He should have done the gig, collect the money and donate it to people that needed it ... if he were really serious, other than that I agree with John... a very empty gesture..

Click to expand...

Hi there

Without degenerating this thread into a political discussion these things are much more fairly - even if at times a bit more brutally executed in the USA. The legal process is usually clear and followed even if some might not agree with it.

In the UK there's no regulation (or almost none) on the activities of these types of businesses and a lot of them are run by people who have had almost every other business license revoked by trading standards legislation.

Techniques like "Home" Visits, incessant nuisance phone calls, threatening behaviour more akin to the "traditional mafia" and almost every other scam you can think of are common place - and these companies in the current market climate get even more desperate to go about their business - often far outside legal processes.

People have a right to collect money owed but this must be done in a fair and LEGAL manner via the COURTS - that's what they are there for - - and unfortunately in todays environment there are people who through no fault of their own simply CAN'T pay up the often ludicrous amounts demanded by these sort of organisations and their extortionate fees.

The Celeb in question himself has first hand experience at the hand of these sorts of organisations which is why I APPLAUD him for his action.

He wasn't saying DON'T pay debts -- just drawing attention that this was a business model he wouldn't support.

After all would you as a Cancer charity for example purchase shares in Gallaghers / Imperial Tobacco/ Philip Morris etc etc.

(I'm not advocating Banning Smoking or whatever - BTW).

Cheers
jimbo

Never heard of him, but everyone has to stand up for their principles now and then, no matter how seemingly irrational it appears to others.

A selfish move at self-promotion.

I agree with Tews here 110%

Good for him. I wouldnt have done it either. Between the banks lending to people who shouldnt have gotten loans and finance companies like Cabot charging huge amounts on those debts its no wonder our economy is c***

Hi all
This post was basically about a Celeb - not politics
however I've been looking at the issue further - and it seems there's REAL Horror stories going on with people who are in the grasp of these "businesses".

Just warning people - whatever country you come from try NEVER to get into this kind of debt where these companies can come after you.

We can't all turn down 28,000 GBP for a Gig.

anyway have a read - and that's my LAST word on this subject since this could start a whole set of issues not appropriate on a Computer Forum --even in a Chill out out area.

Debt Collection Industry - The Consumer Forums

cheers
jimbo

z3r010 said:

I think he is an idiot, losing 28k as a protest against people who are just doing their job keeping the economy running

Click to expand...

Very true...

While in the Navy I had to deal with this problem a number of times; young and even seasoned sailors would get into debt with no way out. These were usually the ones who would get married right out of boot camp or college NROTC, then go on a spending spree to buy furniture, a car, and whatever else they thought they needed to get along. Next thing that happens is they find out they really don't make enough to afford all the stuff they bought along with having to fork out the usual living expensives.

Then the collection agencies come into play, they would send to me a letter outlining the problems an individual was having along with the amount of debt. The Navy's policy was you paid your bills, so the individuals would have to make out an allotment to the collection agency that was determined to be fair.

If you get into trouble you need to find help, and pay for what you bought.

Bailiffs = Lowest of the low, had dealings with these bottom feeders a few years ago after a relationship breakdown left me in serious debt...resulting in one bailiff getting the sack and a company losing their contract to the local council.

Rubbish!! these people are only doing a job that wouldn't be nessesary is people were not so reckless with their spending.

If you aint got it, dont spend it! - simples.

SGT Oddball said:

Rubbish!! these people are only doing a job that wouldn't be nessesary is people were not so reckless with their spending.

If you aint got it, dont spend it! - simples.

Click to expand...

I wasn't reckless with my spending the ex was, unbeknown to me. And as for them "only doing their job", I suppose this means they are allowed to use illegal methods and intimidation does it?

I had an uncertified bailiff offer to use a complete strangers car as 'collateral' against an agreement to pay off the loan.

I had another try to add £285 charges to my debt illegally as his head office had 'forgotten' to process a payment I had made 4 months previously and then tell me if I did not have it when he returned the following day he was going to strip my house of all it's goods.

No, these people are not scum at all...

MrMephitis said:

SGT Oddball said:

Rubbish!! these people are only doing a job that wouldn't be nessesary is people were not so reckless with their spending.

If you aint got it, dont spend it! - simples.

Click to expand...

I wasn't reckless with my spending the ex was, unbeknown to me. And as for them "only doing their job", I suppose this means they are allowed to use illegal methods and intimidation does it?

I had an uncertified bailiff offer to use a complete strangers car as 'collateral' against an agreement to pay off the loan.

I had another try to add £285 charges to my debt illegally as his head office had 'forgotten' to process a payment I had made 4 months previously and then tell me if I did not have it when he returned the following day he was going to strip my house of all it's goods.

No, these people are not scum at all...

Click to expand...

Hi all

Although I was not going to add any more to this thread I just HAVE to add one more item seeing how someone in the UK has been threatened UNLAWFULLY with exhorbitant fees.

Of course people should pay money they owe - but sometimes people THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN can lose their jobs / get made redundant, get divorced, become ill etc etc.

For Heavens sake in the I.T Industry particularly we should know about jobs being "Off shored" etc etc. Financial commitments in these circumstances need to be changed and it is the intransience of the financial institutions themselves which bent over backwards to lend money in the first place which causes the problem.

Most people who actually get into debt are not reckless spendthrifts --some are but in fact the majority are not - believe me I've been around a long time in all sorts of places.

Anyway to the UK person who said he got charged GBP 285 -- Bailiff's in the UK CANNOT force their way in to your property for "Civil" -- Includes Council Tax" Debt.

--you can "Repel Boarders" with "reasonable force" --i.e eject them from your property with Baseball Bats etc unless they have a proper Court authorisation WITH POLICE in attendance -- which they NEVER have and you don't have to pay ONE PENNY to them

You still have to pay your council tax of course however or make an arrangement with the council. (This does not apply for Parking, Magistrate court fines - HMCS, and Income tax / VAT arrears) -- Administration and Enforcement Regulations Act 1992.

If they don't leave they are TRESPASSING and you can have them on that score alone.

Also these "People" are only allowed to charge 24.50 GBP for a "First visit" and 18 GBP for a subsequent visit if they turn up. "Van charges" etc are 100% ILLEGAL.
You actually don't EVER have to pay these vermin for council tax etc etc - so DO NOT EVER LET THESE GUYS IN.

Once you have admitted these people into your home then unfortunately - all bets are off so NEVER EVER LET THEM IN - even if a guy tries to use an underhand trick like sayin - Can I use your "bog / loo / restroom" - a coomon ploy to catch out the unwary - but I'm too wise for that piece of Bovine Scatology.

The law will only protect you if you HAVEN'T let these guys in. You don't by law have to pay these people one single penny for civil debt - although its your choice if you just want to get rid of the problem --then you have to pay the 24.50 or 18.00 GBP fee plus the back tax --NOTHING EXTRA.

As someone who works in the UK but is also away a lot I almost got stung by this - I was renting a flat in the UK but got behind with the council tax -- and being away at the time the wretched business esaclated up through the court system until I returned back into the UK -- I had a Bailiff's letter wanting 780 GBP for a 523 GBP bill for back Council Tax plus a "Threatogram" of 222 GBP for "Van fees". Told them to go and make a Sexual move with a Duck.

I made an arrangement with the council -- paid off the arrears but am initiating 2 Court actions myself -- One against the council for employing people they KNOWINGLY know who have broken the law (unlawful fees) and one against the bailiff company itself -- Extortion --threatening demands for money (excessive "unlawful charges" - Van fees etc which are NOT provided for by UK law) .

Incidentally also in the UK if you can "Repel" these obnoxious vermin for 90 days (again only for "Civil Debt - not parking etc fees) then the "NULLO BONO" provision comes into play -- the ENTIRE debt must be returned to the local council etc - so the council cannot say "This account is now in the hands of the Bailiff's).

Anyway good luck all and happy holidays (preferably without a visit from the Bailiff's).

Cheers
jimbo

Nice post.

Hello again Sybill. :shock: