Advantis Debt Collection – All you need to know

Being contacted by a debt collection agency can be a very unpleasant and unsettling experience, so it’s important to know who you are dealing with and how to respond.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled this debt collector directory as a resource for those who have been left reeling by debt collector contact.

This page includes information about Advantis Debt Collection to help you understand why they might be getting in contact with you, which companies they work for, and what action they can take against you.

Who are Advantis Debt Collection?

Advantis Debt Collection, also known as Advantis Credit and Advantis Credit Limited, are a debt collection agency that is part of the CDER Group and headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

They work with a range of UK household names and specialise in debt collection, debt purchase and credit management. On their website, they pledge to “establish affordable and realistic repayment plans for debt”.

As well as being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Advantis Debt Collection are compliant with the principles of Treating Customers Fairly and are a member of the Credit Services Association (CSA). This means that they must stick to a strict code of conduct when pursuing debts.

Why am I being contacted by Advantis Debt Collection?

If you’ve had any form of communication from Advantis Debt Collection, it’s likely that they’re now representing a person or business that you owe money to.

When they initially contact you, they should provide evidence of the debt they’re getting in touch about, as well as how much you need to pay to clear it and the deadline for repaying it.

Although you may look at any unknown mail you receive with dread – especially if you’re struggling with debt – it’s important to read any communication that you receive from a debt collector promptly.

Then, as soon as you can, make contact with them and show that you’re willing to set up a plan to repay the debt. Remember: debt collectors are legally obliged to make sure any agreement you reach with them is affordable for you.

What companies use Advantis Debt Collection?

Advantis Debt Collection represents some well-known businesses in the UK public sector, including high street retailers, energy suppliers, government bodies, phone companies, and HMRC. They could be making contact with you about:

• An unpaid store card you took out
• A water bill or other unpaid utility bill
• A self-assessment debt or tax credit overpayment

Can Advantis Debt Collection take me to court?

A debt collection agency can take you to court, but not straight away. They should do everything they can to set up an arrangement with you first to pay back your debts.

If they have attempted this, and it’s been unsuccessful, they should notify you in writing that they plan to escalate the debt and take you to court by sending you a ‘default notice’. You should never ignore a default notice; it can have a very negative and long-lasting effect on your credit rating.

After this, they may be able to have a County Court Judgement (CCJ) made against you. CCJs are very serious and will remain on your credit file for six years, damaging your chances of getting a mortgage or negotiating strong rates on future credit.

It’s much better to intervene before it gets to this stage and speak to your creditors directly. They don’t want the hassle or the expense of taking you to court, so as long as you demonstrate you’re willing to pay, you should be able to stop the process.

What action can Advantis Debt Collection take against me?

A debt collection agency doesn’t have the same level of power as a bailiff (or a sheriff officer if you live in Scotland). They may contact you a reasonable amount of times in an attempt to recover the money you owe. They can also:

• Write to you, phone you or send you emails about how much you owe
• Apply for a CCJ (which could result in bailiffs visiting you)
• Visit your house

However, they can’t:

• Enter your property
• Repossess any of your belongings
• Issue a warrant for your arrest or have you sent to prison

You should never be threatened, physically or otherwise, by a debt collection company and they’re not permitted to harass or intimidate you in any way.

You’re also entitled to complain about a debt collection agency if they’ve not treated you fairly. There’s more information about how to get in touch with Advantis Debt Collection at the end of this article if you need to make a complaint about them.

What should I do if I don’t think I owe Advantis Debt Collection any money?

If Advantis have contacted you and you are certain you don’t owe money to any company, it’s still important to understand why this has happened.

Many people find themselves in a position where old debts or debts they didn’t realise they had catch up with them. It could be that you’ve moved house and missed a final bill, or that you had a joint debt that wasn’t fully paid.

Anyone can get into debt. It’s always the best move to reach out to a debt collection agency so you’re absolutely certain you aren’t being pursued for a legitimate debt. Even if you don’t recognise the company, they could well have bought the debt from another company or just recently started to represent them.

What should I do if Advantis Debt Collection contacts me?

If Advantis or any other debt collection agency contacts you, it’s important you open the letters, pick up the phone, and demonstrate to them that you’re willing to deal with the debt at hand.

If, for any reason, you feel that you can’t afford the debt, or that you have so many debts the situation has become unmanageable, pick up the phone and call Creditfix.

Our experienced debt professionals can find you a path out of debt. We’ll chat through your current income and expenditure, as well as any debts you have, to help you find the right solution for your circumstances.

How do I contact Advantis Debt Collection?

Advantis Debt Collection also go by the company names Advantis Debt Collection, Advantis Debt Collectors, and Advantis Credit. Whether you have a complaint or need to get in touch with their management team, it’s important to familiarise yourself with their contact details.

Their address is:

Minton Hollins Building
Shelton Old Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST4 7RY

Their main contact number is: 01782 401100. They may also contact you from 01782 401123, 07891 903076 or 0844 824 1836.

Website: www.advantiscredit.com

Email: [email protected]

If you’re unsatisfied with the way your complaint was dealt with, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is the body that deals with complaints about companies within the enforcement sector.