Debt Doctor gone bust

I have had a letter in the post from Jeremy Hockley saying he is dealing with the OFT and trying to find a new debt counselling service to help his clients; he gives a reference number for my file. I printed out Brian's long post from lastnight before it was deleted : it was a godsend as I had had no idea who Hockley was and why this may have happened.

Hi Rubypix,

Wow, interesting you received something. I haven't.

I am wondering: Did you have any money tied up in one of their client's account?

Does it make any mention of money refunds at all?

Vinny

Vinny,
Yes I had funds in thier client account. It was my recent Critical Illness payout for my cancer. That is what makes this so additionally awful and painful.

I'm really sorry to hear.

You could do without that stress.

Does the letter mention anything regarding getting our money back?

No -- he just says he is trying to get another debt company lined up to handle client issues and that he is in touch with the OFT. Nothing about refunding our moneys. I am distraught. The stress of battling cancer is hard enough but now having to deal with this nightmare is truly grotesque.

This is so bad. I am annoyed at my situation, but compare to yours, it really puts it into perspective.

We need to keep each other up to date on situation and see how we proceed from then.

have you contacted the OFT and the police?

I understand it is not on your priority list. If you can, do it though. In those situations, it is often the ones who make the most noise that end up getting satisfaction.

I keep you posted on my actions / findings.

All the best

I went to the OFT website but I found it impossible to navigate. Do you know how I can get back onto this this thread? I see my comments are not appearing on the main page of this story and I would like to share with everybody.
My loss was in five figures. Friends are now scramoblign to help me even with 10 pound notes for groceries etc.
Debt Dr has wrecked my life. I am a single woman with no rich family and have cancer to deal with. Hope Mr Hockley is reading this but I doubt it..

It's really awful. I hope you get a resolve very soon.

Our comments I believe are still on the main thread, but we have moved to page 2 now as the number of posts grows.

I have been doing quite a bit of investigating, and here is the action I recommend you take.

1/ The most important thing is to register a complaint with the Insolvancy service:
I've tried to post the link, but this forum doesn't let me because I have less than 10 posts! really silly. anyway find that website online, click on contact us and then hotline.

I have already done so and received a confirmation letter.

2/ Call the Offfice of fair traiding consumer branch and register a complaint: 08456061234

3/ Debt management companies are not regulated by the FSA but by the Ministry of Justice and a complaint can be made there (I am waiting for them to call me back as they weren't avaialble when I called)

4/ When you hear back from the insolvency service, if they say there is some kind of wrongdoing or it requeire more investigation, then you need to let "Action Fraud" know: 0300123 2040. This is a branch of the police collecting fraud data and directing the police to investigate.


So, this is what needs to be done short term.

It takes a bit of time, but worth doing and will help towards getting situation investigated properly.

I have also received "the letter".

It is just a generic letter, it is of no relevance as far as I can see and certainly doesnt mention the money deposited into clients accounts.

I hope this helps.

Debt dr was not regulated by the Ministry of Justice but by to OFT under the Consumer Credit Act.

You must make a report to the OFT 08454 04 05 06 is the number to report on and make sure they take the details. The OFT and your local Trading Standards are interested.

The police around the office localtion of debt DR which I think will be either Taunton or Yeovil are receiving reports and the more they get the more they will look.

At present and to my knowledge, no proposal or communication from the directors of this business has been received to explain how customers can get their money back. It is 2 weeks today that the business closed and having writtern to you it seems odd they have not yet made arrangements to repay your money.

Hey Brian,

Thanks.

you seem well informed..

I called Taunton police.

As you said, they have many complaints already.

If you have further news / insights, please do keep sharing.

Thanks a lot