Everything you need to know about the PRA Group

Can the PRA Group enter your home?

Debt collection agencies like PRA can make collection calls and enter your home, but only if you allow them entry. There are many ways in which debt collectors can collect their money - one way is to pay a visit to your home. However, you can refuse them entry and, unlike bailiffs (who are appointed by the courts), the PRA Group doesn’t have to provide a warning for visiting your home.

However, debt collectors will usually contact you in advance of a home visit, so the likelihood is that you will have received some communication from them beforehand, usually by mail or phone. It's quite rare for debt collectors to visit your property, but it does occasionally happen. If you ask them to leave, they have to legally oblige the request.

Debt collectors have no legal power to collect debt from you or take legal action, and they are not allowed to take your possessions as payment towards your debt (something only bailiffs can do). If they arrive at your home, you don't have to deal with them. If you’ve asked to be contacted via mail, they're not allowed to come to your property.

They also can't act in a threatening or aggressive manner. If they break these rules, consider reporting them.

What Should I Do If an Employee of the PRA Group Comes to My Home or Workplace?

The first thing to do is make sure the debt collector is who they say they are. All debt collectors will carry some form of ID, so it is important to check and confirm their identity before letting them in your home.

Once you have determined who they are, it is up to you if you want to let them into your home. You have the right to refuse them entry and discuss the matter at the door. You can also choose to speak over the phone or email.

If you speak to them, be clear about what you can afford. If you have evidence like a budget plan, show it to them.

Debt collectors aren't allowed to come to your workplace. Doing so is harassment under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act 2008.

Other unacceptable behaviours include visiting overnight, contacting friends/family/coworkers, and threatening you with bailiffs. If this happens, report them or contact Citizens Advice.

If a debt collector visits, you don't have to let them in or resolve the debt then and there. They're not allowed to lie, but they may stretch the truth.

They should not visit if you or someone in your household is vulnerable or ill, and they must show proper ID and paperwork.

Can the PRA Group Take Goods to Clear My Debt?

No. Debt collectors can only take money, not goods. If they do try, they are breaking the law.

People sometimes get bailiffs and debt collectors confused — bailiffs are allowed to take goods, but debt collectors are not.

If a debt collector tries to take your belongings, report them. They may accept a lump sum or set up a payment plan, but cannot seize items.

What Powers Do the PRA Group Have?

Before dealing with a debt collection agency, it's important to know what they can and can't do - as previously stated, they don't really have any legal powers as such, but there are still some controls that an organisation like the PRA Group has.

Whilst there are things they can do in terms of your debt, they're quite limited, and you don't have to clear your debt with a debt collection agency if you don't want to - instead, you could choose another payment option, such as taking out an IVA with NDH Financial. Essentially, debt collectors don't have any additional powers over your original creditors - they also don't have the powers that a court-ordered bailiff has.

As stated above, debt collectors can attend your property without prior notice (unless they use unacceptable behaviour such as turning up at night time), but you don't have to let them in or deal with them and they have to leave if you ask them to.

The debt collector may ask for payment; however, you don't have to pay them and can decide to pay off your debt elsewhere instead, such as via an IVA. If you do decide to pay a debt collector, they have to show proof of their identity and it’s important that you get a receipt as proof of payment.

Debt collectors aren't allowed to lie or mislead you, and they are also subject to the rules set out by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). They can't speak to anyone else about your debt without your permission or chase them up for it, and they can't harass you or add excessive interest charges to your debt.

Whilst being contacted by debt collectors might seem scary at first, they have very little power over you in terms of collecting payment for your debts, so this information should hopefully help to put your mind at ease.

For more financial advice about debt, contact NDH Financial and we'll see if we can help!

What happens if PRA Group wants to take you to court?

Debt collectors like the PRA Group cannot just take you to court. They must first justify their reason for doing so.

Before initiating court action, the PRA Group will have to give you sufficient warning and allow you an adequate length of time to make your repayments.

They will first issue a letter, known as a default notice, which will alert you that the debt collector has been instructed to deal with your account and seek payment from you.

If the PRA Group takes you to court and no agreement is made or you fail to attend court, they will issue a County Court Judgement. This is a court-mandated order outlining a payment plan – whereby you repay your debt in full or in instalments.

You have 14 days in which to respond before further action is taken.

If you are unable to make the court-mandated payments, you can request the payment plan be reviewed. In order to do this, you will have to give information regarding your financial circumstances.

You can also dispute it if there is a mistake with the amount they claim you owe.

What to do if you receive a default notice?

If you have received a default notice, it is important to address it as soon as possible.

You can contact your creditor to discuss your situation. Be frank and honest about your situation during this discussion and see if they can work with you to come up with a repayment plan you can afford.

How do you make a complaint about the PRA Group?

If you feel you have been threatened or harassed by the PRA Group, it is within your rights to make a formal complaint. When making a complaint, it is important to provide as much information as possible. This includes your reference number which can be found on your correspondence with the PRA Group, so they can find your file as well as any evidence you may have of misconduct.

Make sure you have a copy of the complaint, including the date you sent the complaint. As the PRA Group is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, this means if you do not hear back from them or you are unhappy with how they have dealt with your complaint, you can report them to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You can find contact details for the Financial Ombudsman here.

Is the PRA Group able to take your vehicle?

Unlike bailiffs, it is very hard for the PRA Group to be able to seize your assets on unsecured debts where there is no collateral which includes your vehicle.

What happens if I am dealing with a personal situation?

Everyone has their own unique situation. From having to deal with mental health issues to grieving the loss of a loved one. You may find dealing with the PRA Group or creditors a traumatic experience.

These situations can implicate your capabilities to deal with your debts. In this situation, the best thing you can do is contact the PRA Group directly. (You can do this via email if making the call is too intimidating). They should take this into consideration and provide you with additional support.

Can an Individual Voluntary Arrangement help me deal with the PRA Group?

If you are unable to make the payments as requested by the PRA Group, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may help you deal with them.

Firstly, an IVA will enable you to consolidate all your debts into one monthly affordable payment. Not only will this help you deal with one debt but all of your debts. That one payment will then be distributed by your insolvency practitioner to all your creditors on your behalf. This means you won’t have to deal with the PRA Group directly.