Just because you receive a debt letter from Hilton-Baird Debt Collection doesn’t mean you may end up paying them. But in the meantime, it’s not a wise thing to ignore their debt letters as well. It’s because ignoring their reachouts can escalate to a situation where you might not be able to escape easily.
You might be wondering what might happen. Let us walk you through…
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Surely, you might be surprised if you receive a debt letter from a Hilton-Baird Debt Collection Agency for the first time. After reading their letter, the first thing that comes to your mind might be to what to do now.
Don’t worry. With this article, you will learn all the things that you need to know about the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection and what steps you could take to find a reliable solution to your debt issue.
Therefore, keep reading…
Who is Hilton-Baird Collection Service?
Hilton-Baird Collection is a company that provides debt collection services in the UK since 2001. They collect debt on behalf of the other businesses. They do not have a specifically preferred sector when it comes to debt collection. Thus, they have kept providing debt collection services for a wide range of clientele who have small and large businesses.
Their broad clientele includes
- Banks,
- Lenders,
- Insolvency practitioners,
- business loan providers.
Hilton-Baird Collection company is a member of the Hilton-Baird Group. Their operations are not limited to just the UK but also across Europe as well.
Why have you received a letter from Hilton-Baird Debt Collection?
There can be mainly three reasons for a debt collection agency, like Hilton-Baird Debt Collection, to get in touch with you.
Whatever the reason, you need to get in touch with Hilton-Baird Debt Collection and explore further about their debt letter. But before you get in touch with them, there are some things you need to be aware of first.
Keep reading. You will find out about them eventually within this article.
Is the Hilton-Baird Collection legitimate?
Yes, Hilton-Baird Debt Collection is a legitimate company that has been giving debt collection services in the UK.
Below are some of the facts that will help you to verify their legitimacy.
A swift glance at the reviews for Hilton-Baird indicates they provide a fairly positive service. Additionally, certain publications place them among the top debt collection agencies in the country.
Debt collection agency vs bailiffs
Many people think Debt Collection agents and Bailiffs agents have equal legal powers. But it’s a faulty belief. The way both these debt-collecting parties approach debt collection is far different. Even their legal powers to collect debt collection are significantly different as well.
Any debt collection agencies that provide debt collection services in the UK, including Hilton-Baird Collection, only have legal powers the same as your original creditor had. Therefore, they can only ask you to settle the debt the same way your original creditor asked from you before but with more persistent methods.
On the other hand, the bailiffs get involved in a debt issue only when it is taken to court to solve through legal proceedings.
A bailiff is typically someone appointed by the court or a designated company authorised to take action to reclaim the debt you owe. This may involve seizing and selling your possessions to cover the debt or, in certain situations, forcibly entering your home.
But Hilton-Baird Collection can ask your original credit owner to take your debt issue to court to solve it legally if you ignore all their communication.
Then, your creditor will go to court and take a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you. Surely, they will go again to the court to get permission to use bailiffs to visit your home and seize your belongings if you ignore the first court order (CCJ).
Therefore, It’s important to note that Hilton-Baird does not function as a bailiff. But in the meantime, it’s not a good idea to ignore them as well. This is because ignoring them could escalate to a court issue that involves bailiffs.
Should I ignore Hilton-Baird letters and calls?
Ignoring Hilton-Baird due to their limited powers might seem tempting, but it’s unlikely they’ll simply disappear. These companies are persistent and skilled in debt recovery, often working on a success-based payment model.
Additionally, ignoring their communication can lead to escalating consequences, including increased debt due to added interest and charges. Therefore, persistent avoidance may result in legal actions involving bailiffs, County Court Judgements, or even bankruptcy.
Can They Visit Me at Home?
In certain situations, debt collection agencies may visit individuals’ homes, but they are required to provide at least seven days’ written notice.
Most likely, their agents will visit you only if you ignore all other normal communication like letters, phone calls, and emails.
Despite their visit, their authority is restricted. While they can approach your door to request or persuade repayment. You have the right to refuse entry, and they must leave upon your request.
Forceful entry into your property or threats to seize possessions are not within their capabilities. You can call the police on them if they do not honour your request and do not leave your premises.
Who Do They Collect For?
According to the Hilton-Baird Collection website and as We mentioned before, the Hilton-Baird Collection has a wide range of clientele. Their client list ranges from notable big brands to several other small businesses.
Below are some of the business brands that take debt collection services from the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection.
As you’ll notice, Hilton-Baird not only collects debts for major high-street banks but also works with businesses and other credit companies. If you owe money to any of these entities, you might receive a letter from Hilton-Baird.
How Can I Stop Them from Contacting/Visiting Me?
You cannot completely avoid communication from the Hilton-Baird Collection. But, you can control the way you wish to communicate with them in order to reduce their non-stop reachouts.
For that, what you have to do is simply write a letter to the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection stating that you prefer to communicate with them only through your preferred communication method.
We strongly suggest you tell them that you prefer only written communication to get in touch with them. By doing so, they are bound by law to completely stop making a number of phone calls per day to you or home visits and start communicating through letters.
By doing so, you will have enough time to do research to find a reliable solution to your debt issue with them. It’s because it takes considerable time for letters to be sent and receive.
Likewise, if you’re challenging the debt or requesting proof, they can’t persistently contact you during the review.
it’s best to get in touch with them if you get a letter about a home visit. Let them know you’re disputing the debt or working on a payment arrangement. Typically, this will halt any plans for a visit.
Received a Hilton-Baird Collection Letter? Here’s What to Do.
Receiving a letter from the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection in the UK can be a serious matter, particularly if it pertains to debt collection or enforcement action. Here are steps to consider taking after receiving such a letter:
As the initial advice in the text you provided, don’t ignore the letter. You might think of throwing the letter away, hoping they will forget about you. But it’s the other way around. Ignoring it can lead to further legal actions against you.
Carefully read the letter to understand the details of the claim, the amount owed, and the reasons for their involvement.
Collect relevant documentation regarding the debt, including letters from the original creditor, credit agreements, bank statements, and any evidence of payments made.
Your debt becomes unenforceable in the court if they are sorted under the Statute barred debts category. There are three conditions you need to fulfil simultaneously in order to get acceptance for this option.
Meeting all these conditions at the same time makes your debts legally unenforceable.
However, this doesn’t erase them from your credit history. Instead, receiving a Statute Barred excuse impacts negatively on your credit reports. This may pose challenges in obtaining new loans and credit cards in the future.
For example, HMRC debts and student loans can remain enforceable for many years. Any debt with a County Court Judgment (CCJ) attached to it within the 5 or 6 year old window will also remain enforceable for the duration of the CCJ.
Understanding the concept of statute-barred debts in the UK can be intricate. If you’re uncertain about your debt’s status, consider seeking guidance from a debt charity. Their advisors can assess your specific debt, determine its status, and provide recommendations for your next actions.
You can find links to some charitable organisations offering advisory services for debt collection in the UK at the bottom of this article for your reference.
You can proceed by contacting either The Hilton-Baird Debt Collection or reaching out to the original creditor to discuss finding a reliable solution once you have a clear understanding of whether you believe you are liable for the debt but not eligible to take statute barred excuse.
They may be able to provide additional information and clarify the situation. Be prepared to ask questions and seek clarification on any points you don’t understand.
For that, you can simply write a request letter under the title “Prove the debt”, asking to send you written proofs that show you really owe them. Make sure not to include your signature in the letter to avoid the risk of forging your signature. They are bound by law to reply to you with written proof.
Remember to keep a copy of the request letter and to send it via a traceable mail service. These proof documents come in handy if things escalate to a court issue without you getting a reply from them.
Their reply should at least include a copy of the initial credit agreement you had with your original creditor. You are not required by law to settle the debt until they provide evidence to prove you owe them.
Consider seeking legal advice if you’re unsure about how to proceed or if you believe the debt is not valid. A solicitor or a debt advisor can provide guidance on your rights and options.
We have mentioned some of the organisations where you could gain help for free by the end of this article.
The easiest way to stop communication with them is by settling the debt in one go if the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection proves you really owe them.
Or you can discuss with them to get acceptance for a payment plan if you are facing hardships financially. You need to discuss with them in a manner they get convinced enough that your financial situation is not strong enough to settle the debt in one go.
Surely, they will grant you a payment plan after considering all the facts. Their decision can become strict depending on the current stage of the proceedings. After all, they want to recover the debt.
Therefore, you will surely find a common ground to agree to a mutually agreeable arrangement.
What will happen if you ignore Hilton-Baird debt agent’s communication until they take you to court:
Let us walk you through how any debt collection agency in the UK, like Hilton-Baird Collection, will practice their debt collection procedures in general. This explanation will help you understand what will happen to you if you ignore them.
For that, they will send you an initial notice letter noticing their involvement and requesting for you to settle the debt. After the initial letter, they will use all normal communication methods such as letters, emails, and phone calls to get in touch with you and convince you to pay.
Then, they sent you one last letter titled Letter Before Action (LBA). With this LBA letter, they inform you that they will take your debt issue to court if you do not get in touch with them or settle the debt before the due date mentioned in the letter.
Surely, they will take your debt issue to the court to solve it. And the judge will issue a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you if the debts are proven true.
A CCJ makes you legally responsible for the debt. It will be recorded in your credit history and in the public registry for 6 years if you do not settle the debt before passing 30 days of receiving the court order.
Otherwise, the status of the CCJ will be updated to “satisfied” if you manage to settle the debt passing the initial 30-day window.
Receiving a CCJ will negatively affect your credit history. As a result, you may find hardship in getting new loans and credit cards in the future.
The Hilton-Baird Debt Collection agents will go to court to take a warrant or a writ of conduct to use bailiffs to visit your home and seize belongings if you ignore the initial CCJ conjugation.
Initially, the bailiffs will send you an enforcement notice notifying you that they will visit your home in 7 days. With the warrant in hand, the bailiffs will visit your home and seize your belongings if you do not settle the debt.
Then, the seized goods will be stored in a warehouse and eventually sold in an auction to cover their expenses and total debt.
As you can see, it is not wise to wait till things escalate to this extent. There is plenty of time in between these procedures. We strongly recommend for you to use that time to find a reliable solution.
What if you cannot afford the payment plan suggested by the Hilton-Baird Collection?
In the UK, there are various alternative debt solutions to consider. Sometimes, you may encounter difficulties in agreeing to the proposed payment plans from the Hilton-Baird Debt Collection Agency, especially if they are financially burdensome.
In such situations, it is advisable to explore alternative debt solutions that can effectively address your debt-related concerns.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that each of these debt solutions has specific eligibility criteria. Selecting the right one can lead to debt resolution while choosing the wrong one could worsen your financial circumstances.
Hence, seeking guidance from a professional debt advisor is a prudent step to take if you find it challenging to determine the most suitable debt solution on your own.
6. Sequestration: Essentially, the Scottish equivalent of bankruptcy.
- Additionally, you may be eligible for Minimal Asset Process bankruptcy (MAP) if you have limited income and few valuable assets.
- This MAP option is known for its speed, cost-effectiveness, and simplified process, making it a practical choice to explore.
if you need personalised assistance based on your current financial situation, please feel free to complete our online form by clicking here to receive help from our Advice Team.
What guidelines does Hilton-Baird Collection need to follow when dealing with debtors like me?
Since Hilton-Baird Debt Collection is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), there are certain FCA guidelines that they need to follow when conducting debt collection practices.
Below are some of the guidelines they need to follow when dealing with their debtors.
How can I make a complaint about Hilton-Baird Collection?
You can follow the below steps to make a complaint about the Hilton-Baird Collection in the UK:
2. As your secondary option, you can contact relevant regulatory bodies in the financial industry if your complaint remains unresolved. In the UK, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is an independent organisation that helps resolve disputes between consumers and financial firms.
- The Hilton-Baird Collection may end up paying huge fines and compensation if they are proven guilty of your accusations regarding unethical debt collection practices.
Keep in mind always to provide provable proof in order to make your complaint case strong. Otherwise, it will become a waste of time since there is no proof to prove your issue. For that, make sure to document and record every communication you had with them.
Addressing Other Outstanding Debts
You need to be aware of other unsettled debts you have with other companies or debt collectors. Here is a summarised breakthrough for you to follow and track your debts.
Ensure you’re not overlooking any debts. Here’s how:
- Credit Report: Examine it for any defaults.
- Communications: Peruse emails and postal reminders or overdue notices.
- Legal Stand: Look up court records for CCJs you might have.
- Bank Statements: Search for unfamiliar names that might be debt collectors.
Hundreds operate in the UK, each associated with diverse companies.
- Cabot Financial: Often associated with the DVLA.
- Lowell Financial & PRA Group: Famously acquire debts from credit card giants like Barclaycard.
Hilton-Baird Collections: At a Glance
Below are some of the contact details of the Hilton-Baird Collection.
| Website: | https://www.hiltonbairdcollections.co.uk/ |
| Email: | collections@hiltonbaird.co.uk |
| Phone: | 0800 9774848 |
| Fax: | 023 8070 7393 |
Seeking Free Financial Advice?
There are a number of debt charity organisations that you could use to get professional debt and financial advice free of charge. Their advisors will inquire deeply about your debt issue and will help you in finding a reliable solution to your debt issue.
Below is a list of charity debt organisations where you could get free debt help:
Key Points
- Don’t Panic just because you’ve received a debt letter from Hilton-Baird Debt Collection Service. Instead, stay calm and research for reliable solutions to solve your debt issue.
- Hilton-Baird’s Role: Hilton-Baird specialises in collecting debt for third parties, including prominent banks, lenders, and businesses.
- Verify Your Debt: Ensure the details in the letter align with your records. Request Hilton-Baird to provide evidence of the claimed debt. Remember, certain debts like credit card or utility bills could become statute-barred after six years.
- Debt Collector Visit: Hilton-Baird may visit your home under specific conditions. However, their powers at your doorstep are limited. You have the right to ask them to leave.
- Limiting Contact: You can ask them to prove the debt, set contact preferences, or even arrange for a payment method to halt their visits if you feel overwhelmed by Hilton-Baird’s attempts to contact you.
- Repayment Options: If the debt is legitimate, consider payment strategies. These could range from full payments to monthly plans.
- An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) allows you to make reduced payments over 60 months with the possibility of writing off any remaining debt.
- Seek Guidance: You are allowed to seek debt advice if you have doubts or you are under financial strain. Organisations like Citizens Advice can offer valuable guidance in navigating debts and your rights as a debtor.