Overview
Dealing with a debt collection agency can be stressful and confusing for many people.
If you’ve recently received a letter or a phone call, or you’ve had a warning about a visit to your home to discuss an outstanding debt, you could be concerned or worried about why.
Repaying money you owe can become difficult when your circumstances change, and if the debt is being pursued by somebody different, it can be unclear what you should do next.
That’s where this page comes in.
The following information outlines who Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors are, why they’re chasing money you originally owed to another business, and what to do if you don’t think the debt applies to you.
We’ve also added some contact and business operation details to help you get in touch with them simply and easily when you need to discuss your case.
Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors/PRA Group contact details:
Company Name: PRA Group (UK) Ltd.
Other Names: PRA Group, Portfolio Recovery Associates, Mackenzie Hall Debt Collectors, Mackenzie Hall Ltd.
Address:
2 The Cross
Kilmarnock
Scotland
KA1 1LR
Main Contact Number(s): 0800 877 2772
Website: https://pragroup.co.uk/
Email: enquiries@pragroup.co.uk
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–8:30pm
Friday: 9:00am–5:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am–2:00pm
Who are Mackenzie Hall and the PRA Group?
In 2012 Mackenzie Hall was sold to the PRA Group (originally Portfolio Recovery Associates) so any communication you may receive, will come under their branding.
PRA Group (UK) Ltd. is one of the nation’s largest debt collectors. They are a subsection of PRA Group, Inc., an international business that employs more than 5k people across Europe and the Americas.
They buy outstanding accounts from high street providers to recover the balance. They also, however, provide solutions for getting out of debt and repairing their clients’ credit histories.
The accounts they buy are generally from the major banks and finance companies after a person has defaulted.
The PRA Group follow the Credit Services Association (CSA) code of practice and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Why would PRA Group contact you?
If you have allowed a credit agreement to slide out of control, failed to make payments because of a change in your circumstances, or have lost the payment details for the money you owe on a loan or a credit card, PRA Group could be chasing you for the outstanding money.
On the other hand, you may be being contacted by one of the following companies that manage accounts on behalf of the PRA GROUP:
- Credit Security Ltd.
- Brodies LLP
- Shoosmiths LLP
- Judge & Priestly LLP
- Phillip & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd.
- IND Ltd.
- Wright Hassall LLP
- BDO
- Mazars
Do you owe PRA Group money?
It’s important to check that you owe the money PRA Group claim you do. Otherwise, you could be paying for someone else’s problem, or for an amount that you’ve already paid previously that wasn’t recorded for whatever reason.
PRA Group must provide the details of your debt. The information needs to include the original lender, the payments made to date, as well as the total amount you still owe.
They should help you to repay what you owe in affordable amounts, and at a rate that doesn’t cause you any further problems.
If you’re not sure about any part of your debt or repayment schedules, or the rules that dictate correct and fair protocols, then keep reading.
How old is the debt they are collecting?
Most debts can actually expire after they reach a certain age. These are known as statute barred.
There are certain conditions that must be followed, however, but the typical lifespan of a statute-barred debt is around 6 years. If you think your debt may be statute-barred, we can confirm whether or not it is.
Is PRA Group treating you unfairly?
The FCA lay out strict guidelines to protect anyone entering into a credit agreement or borrowing money from banks, financial companies or any other loan provider.
Wherever those rules are broken, there is a possibility for compensation, but most importantly, protection is available for any mistreated individuals.
Actions that can be considered as unfair treatment include:
- Calling at unreasonable times
- Calling at work after you’ve asked them to stop
- Taking payment without permission
- Adding unfair costs and unreasonable charges
- Trying to confuse you with technical terms and industry jargon
- Discussing your debt issues with an employer or family member
These are only a small selection of the many, many instances. Contact one of our trained experts for a full and detailed explanation.
Managing your debt
We aim to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt, which can be done in many ways.
At Talk About Debt we deal with debt collection agencies just like Mackenzie Hall every day. We know how they operate, the jargon they use, and what they are and aren’t allowed to do to recover the money you owe.
We have masses of experience and information about the many different ways to manage out of control debt. We understand that debt can put incredible stress and pressure on the individuals affected by it, and also on their families.We’re here to help you take control of your budget—to understand the many issues and causes of debt, how to avoid them, and how to resolve problem situations whenever the need arises.
Support from our trusted debt advice partners will help you determine the state of your debt to be certain you do owe the money, or if it has been statute barred.
If they can challenge the debt, they will make sure you don’t have to pay them a penny.
If, however, the debt is live, then they can help you find a debt solution that suits your circumstances to help regain control of your finances.
Your debt solution will allow you to repay what you owe with monthly payments based on what you can realistically afford each month.
For help dealing with your debt, talk to TAD to be connected with one of our trusted debt partners.
*Talk About Debt is not associated with PRA Group, Mackenzie Hall or any of the agencies in our debt collection agency and bailiff directory
