Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS)

Received a letter or call from Past Due Credit Solutions? This comprehensive guide explains who they are, why they’re contacting you, your legal rights, and the best way to respond.

Who Are Past Due Credit Solutions?

Past Due Credit Solutions (PDCS) is a major UK debt collection agency and debt purchaser. They are part of Arrow Global Group, one of Europe’s largest debt purchasing companies.

Unlike some debt collectors who simply chase debts on behalf of others, PDCS often purchases debts outright from original creditors. This means they now own the debt and you owe the money directly to them, not the original company.

PDCS may contact you because:

• They have purchased your debt from the original creditor (most common)
• They are collecting on behalf of Arrow Global or associated companies
• The original creditor sold your account after it defaulted

FCA Registration: Past Due Credit Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their firm reference number is 610685.

Who Does PDCS Collect Debts For?

As a debt purchaser, PDCS buys debt portfolios from various creditors. They commonly purchase debts originally owed to:

• Banks: Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, MBNA, Capital One
• Credit cards: Store cards, catalogue credit accounts
• Personal loans: Unsecured lending from various providers
• Mobile phone contracts: O2, Vodafone, EE, Three
• Utility companies: Energy and water providers
• Payday loans: Various short-term lenders

Because PDCS purchases debts, sometimes years after the original default, you may receive a letter about a debt you’d forgotten about or didn’t realise was still outstanding.

Contact Details

Past Due Credit Solutions Ltd

The Quadrangle 106 Lowry Plaza The Quays Salford M50 3UB

Telephone: 0161 504 5650

Alternative numbers you may see:

• 0333 043 7777
• 020 7297 5400 (older correspondence)

Your Legal Rights When Dealing With PDCS

You have significant legal protections when dealing with debt collectors. Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and FCA regulations:

PDCS Must:

• Prove they own the debt - provide documentation showing the debt was legally assigned to them
• Provide a copy of the original credit agreement if you request it (Section 78 request)
• Give you a statement of account showing the original debt, interest, and charges
• Treat you fairly and not use aggressive or deceptive practices
• Accept reasonable payment offers based on your financial circumstances
• Respect your request for written communication only

PDCS Cannot:

• Harass you with excessive phone calls or messages
• Contact you at unreasonable times (before 8am or after 9pm)
• Discuss your debt with family members, employers, or neighbours
• Threaten legal action they don’t intend to take
• Add unreasonable charges or inflated interest
• Pretend to be bailiffs or suggest they can seize property
• Pressure you into unaffordable payment arrangements

How to Respond to a PDCS Letter

Step 1: Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It

A letter from PDCS doesn’t mean bailiffs are coming or you’ll go to prison. However, ignoring it could lead to:

• A County Court Judgment (CCJ) being registered against you
• Damage to your credit file for 6 years
• Potential enforcement action

Step 2: Verify the Debt Is Legitimate

Before paying anything, confirm:

1. You recognise the original debt - check the creditor name and approximate amount
2. The amount is correct - debts can be inflated with charges over time
3. PDCS has the right to collect - request proof of assignment

Write to PDCS requesting:

• The name of the original creditor
• A copy of the original signed credit agreement
• Proof the debt was legally assigned to PDCS (Deed of Assignment)
• A full statement showing how the current balance was calculated

Send this by recorded delivery. They should respond within 12 working days.

Step 3: Check If the Debt Is Statute Barred

In England and Wales, a debt may become unenforceable if:

• 6 years have passed since your last payment or written acknowledgment
• You haven’t made any payments in that time
• You haven’t admitted to the debt in writing

Important: If PDCS contacts you about an old debt:

• Don’t make a payment (even £1) - this restarts the 6-year clock
• Don’t admit the debt is yours in writing
• Don’t sign any documents they send

If the debt is statute barred, PDCS cannot take you to court to recover it, though they may still ask you to pay voluntarily.

Step 4: Respond Based on Your Circumstances

If you can afford to pay: Contact PDCS to arrange payment. Consider negotiating a full and final settlement for less than the total owed - debt purchasers often accept 50-70% of the balance.

If you can only afford small payments: Send PDCS a financial statement (income and expenses) and offer what you can realistically afford. They must consider reasonable offers.

If you cannot afford any payments: You may qualify for a formal debt solution - see options below.

What If You Don’t Recognise the Debt?

If PDCS contacts you about a debt you don’t recognise:

1. Don’t assume it’s a scam - it may be an old debt you’ve forgotten, or one in a maiden name
2. Check your credit report (free via Experian, Equifax, or ClearScore) for any defaults you don’t recognise
3. Request full documentation from PDCS
4. Consider identity theft - if you genuinely have no knowledge of the debt, report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)

If PDCS cannot provide adequate proof of the debt and their right to collect it, they cannot enforce it through the courts.

Can PDCS Send Bailiffs?

No. Past Due Credit Solutions are debt collectors, not bailiffs. They cannot:

• Enter your property
• Seize your belongings
• Clamp your vehicle
• Force you to let them in

Only certificated Enforcement Agents (bailiffs) can take such action, and only after obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you. If PDCS threatens bailiff action without a court judgment, this likely breaches FCA guidelines.

How to Complain About PDCS

If PDCS has treated you unfairly, harassed you, or breached regulations:

1. Complain to PDCS directly in writing. Keep copies of everything. They must respond within 8 weeks.

2. Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service if:

   • PDCS doesn’t resolve your complaint satisfactorily
   • They don’t respond within 8 weeks

   Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 | www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

3. Report to the FCA for serious misconduct

4. Contact Citizens Advice for free debt guidance: 0800 144 8848

Struggling With PDCS and Other Debts?

If Past Due Credit Solutions is one of several creditors chasing you, dealing with each one separately can be overwhelming. Government-approved debt solutions can consolidate your debts into one manageable payment and provide legal protection from creditors.

Your Debt Solution Options

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

A legally binding agreement lasting 5-6 years. Benefits include:

• Write off up to 70% of unsecured debt
• One affordable monthly payment
• Legal protection - creditors including PDCS must stop contacting you
• Interest and charges frozen

Check if you qualify with our free IVA calculator

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

Suitable if you have:

• Debts under £30,000
• Little or no disposable income
• Assets worth less than £2,000
• Costs just £90 and debts are written off after 12 months

Debt Management Plan (DMP)

An informal arrangement where you:

• Make reduced monthly payments you can afford
• May get interest and charges frozen
• Keep flexibility (not legally binding)

Bankruptcy

For serious debt situations where other options aren’t suitable. Most debts written off, but significant impact on assets and credit rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my debt been sold to PDCS?

Original creditors often sell debts they’ve struggled to collect, usually after the account has defaulted. This is common practice and completely legal. PDCS then has the same rights to collect as the original creditor.

Can I negotiate a settlement with PDCS?

Yes. As debt purchasers, PDCS typically paid significantly less than the face value of your debt. They often accept a lump sum settlement of 50-70% of the balance. Always get any settlement agreement in writing before paying.

Will paying PDCS improve my credit score?

The debt will remain on your credit file for 6 years from the original default date, whether you pay or not. However, paying it (or settling it) will show as “satisfied” rather than “outstanding,” which looks better to future lenders.

What if PDCS keeps calling me?

You have the right to request communication in writing only. Send them a letter stating this preference. If they continue calling after your written request, this may constitute harassment and you can complain to the FCA.

Can PDCS take money from my wages?

Not without a court order. They would need to:

1. Obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ)
2. Apply for an Attachment of Earnings Order

This takes time and you would receive court paperwork first.

What happens if I ignore PDCS?

Ignoring them won’t make the debt disappear. They may:

• Continue collection attempts
• Apply for a CCJ (affecting your credit for 6 years)
• Sell the debt to another collector

It’s always better to engage and explain your situation than to ignore correspondence.

Take control of your debt situation. Use our free IVA calculator to see how much of your total debt you could write off and get back on track financially.