Receiving calls from an unfamiliar number can be stressful, especially when they’re persistent and you’re unsure of the caller’s intent. If you’ve been contacted by 08081965550, it’s essential to understand who is behind the number, why they’re calling, and whether you need to take action. This blog will uncover the identity behind 08081965550 and guide you through what steps to take to protect yourself.
What Is 08081965550?
The number 08081965550 is linked to PRA Group (UK) Limited, a debt collection agency that operates throughout the UK. PRA Group is well-known for purchasing unpaid debts from lenders and attempting to recover these amounts from consumers. These debts could range from credit card balances to personal loans and even unpaid utility bills.
PRA Group has a history of buying “bad debts” or older debts that creditors have been unable to collect. These debts might be several years old, which can make it surprising when you receive a call seemingly out of the blue. It’s worth noting that PRA Group operates under various names, so you may have encountered them previously without realising it.
Here are some names associated with PRA Group:
- PRA Group (UK) Ltd
- PRA UK Ltd
- Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd
These names might appear on letters, emails, or calls you receive, but they all point back to the same organisation: PRA Group.
PRA Group Collection Contact Details
If you’ve been contacted by 08081965550, knowing how to directly reach PRA Group can help you clarify any confusion.
Here are the key contact details for the company:
- Company Name: PRA Group (UK) Limited
- Other Names: PRA UK Ltd, PRA Group, Aktiv Kapital, Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd
- Address:
HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre,
Hill St,
Kilmarnock, Scotland,
KA3 1HA - Phone: 0800 877 2772
- Fax: 0845 280 1776
- Website: www.pragroup.co.uk
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Having these details is essential if you need to verify the legitimacy of the call or want to discuss your debt directly with PRA Group.
Why Are They Calling?
If you’ve been receiving calls from 08081965550, it’s likely because PRA Group is attempting to recover an unpaid debt that they’ve acquired. PRA Group typically buys old debts from creditors like banks, credit card companies, and utility providers.
When you fail to repay a debt to these original creditors, the debt might be sold to PRA Group, which then takes over the responsibility of collecting the money.
PRA Group may contact you to:
- Recover outstanding debt from loans, credit cards, or services.
- Set up a repayment plan if you are unable to pay the full amount.
- Discuss settlement options, where you may be able to pay a reduced amount to clear the debt.
It’s important to remember that PRA Group is legally allowed to contact you regarding debts, but they are bound by regulations that prohibit harassment or unethical practices.
Is 08081965550 a Scam or Legitimate Debt Collector?
One of the biggest concerns when receiving an unexpected call is whether it’s legitimate or a scam. In the case of 08081965550, PRA Group is a legitimate debt collection agency, and they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate in the UK.
However, scammers often impersonate reputable companies, so it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of any call you receive before providing sensitive information.
To ensure the call is legitimate:
- Ask for Details: Request the caller to provide specific information about the debt, such as the original creditor, the amount owed, and any relevant dates.
- Contact PRA Group Directly: If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the call, hang up and contact PRA Group through their official contact details (see above). This will help you verify if the call was genuine.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid giving out sensitive information like your National Insurance number or bank account details unless you’ve verified the caller’s identity.
How to Handle Calls From 08081965550?
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and take control of the situation.
Here’s how to handle calls from PRA Group or any other debt collector:
- Stay Calm and Gather Information: Ask the caller for their full name, the company they’re calling from, and specific details about the debt. Record this information for future reference.
- Request Written Proof: You have the legal right to request that PRA Group sends written proof of the debt, including details about the original creditor, the amount owed, and any agreements that may have been made.
- Check Your Records: Before making any payments or commitments, check your financial records to confirm whether the debt is legitimate. Compare the details provided with your credit report and any old financial statements.
- Know Your Rights: Under FCA regulations, PRA Group must follow strict rules. They cannot harass you, call at unreasonable hours, or use threats. If you feel that PRA Group is not following these rules, you can report them to the FCA.
What Happens If You Don’t Answer the Phone to PRA Debt Collectors?
You are not legally required to answer calls from debt collectors, including those from 08081965550. However, ignoring their calls might not be the best approach, especially if you owe the debt. By answering the phone, you can gain clarity on why they are calling and how to resolve the issue.
If you owe the debt and continue to ignore their calls:
- Statute-barred debt: In some cases, if you ignore the debt for six years, it may become unenforceable due to the statute of limitations. However, PRA Group may still attempt to collect the debt through letters or calls, and ignoring them could lead to further complications.
- County Court Judgments (CCJs): If PRA Group is unable to recover the debt through communication, they may take legal action and file for a CCJ. A CCJ could severely impact your credit score and may lead to wage garnishment or a charging order on your property.
It’s often better to engage with PRA Group, even if it’s just to dispute the debt or set up a manageable repayment plan.
Will PRA Debt Collectors Take You to Court?
Yes, PRA Group may take you to court if you do not respond to their communications or refuse to pay the debt. The legal process usually begins with a Letter Before Action (LBA). This letter is a formal notification that PRA Group intends to take legal action if the debt is not settled by a specific date.
If you continue to ignore their attempts to contact you:
- Claim Form Pack: You will receive a claim form from the County Court. This form must be filled out and returned within a set time period.
- County Court Judgment (CCJ): If the court rules in PRA Group’s favour, a CCJ will be issued against you, which could lead to further legal actions.
Potential consequences of a CCJ include:
- Wage Garnishment: The court could order that money be taken directly from your wages or pension.
- Charging Order: A charging order could be placed on your property, and if the debt remains unpaid, you may be forced to sell your home to pay off the debt.
- Bankruptcy: In severe cases, PRA Group could petition for your bankruptcy.
Engaging with PRA Group early can help avoid these serious legal repercussions.
Can 08081965550 Affect My Credit Score?
Yes, if the call from 08081965550 is related to unpaid debt, it can have a significant impact on your credit score. If PRA Group reports the debt to credit reference agencies, this could lower your credit score and remain on your report for up to six years.
- Missed Payments: If you miss payments on the debt, PRA Group may report it to the credit bureaus, which will negatively affect your credit rating.
- Debt Settlements: If you settle the debt, either by paying in full or through a repayment plan, it could improve your credit score over time.
It’s important to address the debt before it escalates to legal action, which could result in a CCJ and further damage to your credit.
How to Stop Unsolicited Calls From 08081965550?
If you’re receiving unwanted or harassing calls from PRA Group, here are a few ways to stop or reduce these calls:
- Telephone Preference Service (TPS): Register your phone number with the TPS to reduce unsolicited marketing calls. While this won’t stop debt collection calls, it can reduce the number of unrelated spam calls you receive.
- Call Blocking: Most smartphones and landline providers allow you to block specific numbers. Blocking 08081965550 will prevent PRA Group from reaching you by phone, but they may continue to contact you through letters or other means.
- Report Harassment: If you feel that PRA Group is violating FCA guidelines by calling too frequently or using threatening language, you can report them to the FCA or the Financial Ombudsman Service.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Owe Any Debt?
If you are certain that you don’t owe any debt or have already cleared any outstanding balances, it’s important to take action to dispute the claim. Sometimes, debt collection agencies like PRA Group contact individuals by mistake due to outdated information, mistaken identity, or errors in the debt records.
Here’s what you should do if PRA Group contacts you but you don’t owe any debt:
- Ask for Written Proof: You are entitled to ask PRA Group for written proof of the debt. This should include details about the original creditor, the amount owed, and the date of the debt. If they cannot provide this, it’s a strong indication that the debt claim is invalid.
- Contact the Original Creditor: Get in touch with the original creditor to verify whether they sold your debt to PRA Group. Sometimes debts are incorrectly transferred, or the information might be out of date.
- Dispute in Writing: If the debt is not yours, write a formal letter to PRA Group disputing the debt. Include any relevant documentation that supports your claim, such as bank statements or previous correspondence showing that the debt has already been paid.
- Keep Detailed Records: Ensure that you keep a copy of all correspondence between yourself and PRA Group. This can help if the issue escalates or if you need to provide evidence to regulatory authorities.
Ignoring the situation might lead to further complications, including damage to your credit score or legal proceedings, so it’s important to address the issue directly and promptly.
Key Signs of a Debt Collection Scam
While PRA Group is a legitimate company, it’s essential to remain cautious and protect yourself from potential debt collection scams. Scammers often impersonate reputable companies like PRA Group to trick individuals into making payments for debts they don’t owe.
Here are some key signs that you might be dealing with a scammer instead of a genuine debt collector:
- High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers typically use aggressive or threatening language, demanding that you pay immediately. Legitimate debt collectors like PRA Group are required to follow strict guidelines and cannot harass you.
- Threats of Arrest or Legal Action: If the caller threatens to have you arrested or says legal action will be taken immediately unless you pay, it’s a red flag. Genuine debt collectors will follow a legal process and must give you adequate time to respond.
- Requests for Sensitive Information: Be cautious if the caller asks for personal details like your bank account number, credit card information, or National Insurance number. Legitimate debt collectors should already have your financial information and won’t ask for it over the phone.
- No Written Communication: Scammers often rely on phone calls because they don’t want to provide a paper trail. A legitimate debt collector is required by law to provide written proof of the debt upon request.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a scam, hang up the phone and contact PRA Group directly using the official contact details provided earlier in this article. You can also report the scam to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Action Fraud.
Trustpilot Reviews of PRA Group
PRA Group has received a range of feedback from customers on Trustpilot, with some expressing dissatisfaction with their practices.
Here are a couple of reviews that highlight customer experiences:
- Carlisle Ryton: “The deceptive tactics employed by PRA, such as harassment and intimidation, inflict considerable harm and distress upon families. Their misconduct includes fraudulent claims and daily harassment.”
- Kirsty Smith: “If I could rate 0 stars, I would! This company will constantly harass you, sending letters for debts that cannot be proved despite multiple requests for documentation. Also, they tried to sell the ‘debt’ onto another collection agency. Complete cowboys.”
These reviews point to issues with customer service and the company’s approach to debt collection, with some individuals feeling harassed or unfairly targeted.
Telguarder User Reports on 08081965550
According to Telguarder, the phone number 08081965550 has been flagged by several users.
Here are some insights into the reports:
- Times Searched: 781
- Reported by Users: 60
- Last Searched: 21 Oct
- Security Level: 20%
- Bad: 76%
- Neutral: 4%
- Good: 18%
The majority of users have rated this number as negative, with a significant portion reporting it as a potential nuisance or harassing caller.
Conclusion
Receiving a call from 08081965550 can be concerning, but with the right information, you can handle it effectively. Whether the call is from PRA Group or a potential scammer, always take steps to verify the caller’s identity and understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
Ignoring the calls may lead to further complications, including damage to your credit score or legal action. By staying informed and taking prompt action, you can avoid escalating the situation and protect your financial wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I keep getting calls from 08081965550?
If you’re repeatedly contacted by this number, answer the call to find out why they are trying to reach you. If the debt is legitimate, discuss your options with PRA Group. If you believe the debt is not yours, request written proof and dispute it in writing.
How do I verify if a debt collector is legitimate?
Ask the caller for details about the original creditor, the amount owed, and when the debt was incurred. Contact PRA Group directly using their official contact details to verify the legitimacy of the call.
Can a debt collection call impact my credit report?
Yes, if the debt is legitimate and unpaid, it can be reported to credit agencies and impact your credit score. Failure to settle the debt could lead to a CCJ, which would remain on your credit file for six years.
Can I block PRA Group’s number?
Yes, you can block PRA Group’s number on your phone to stop receiving calls. However, if the debt is legitimate, it’s better to address the situation to avoid legal consequences.
Is PRA Group allowed to call me?
Yes, PRA Group is allowed to contact you regarding unpaid debts. However, they must follow FCA regulations, which prohibit harassment or unfair practices.
How can I dispute a debt I don’t owe?
You can dispute a debt by requesting written proof from PRA Group and contacting the original creditor. Submit a formal dispute letter outlining why the debt is invalid and keep copies of all correspondence.
Should I ignore calls from 08081965550?
It’s not advisable to ignore calls from debt collectors. Even if you dispute the debt, engaging with PRA Group will help you avoid potential legal action or further issues with your credit.
