Who Are BPO Collections?

If you’re in debt, chances are you might get contacted by a debt collection agency. One such company that operates in the UK is BPO Collections.

But who are BPO Collections, how do they operate, and are they legit?

Let’s find out.

Who Are BPO Debt Collections?

BPO Collections Limited (also known under the name BPO Debt Collection) is a debt recovery firm that specialises in recovering unpaid debts in the UK.

Who Do BPO Debt Collections Collect for?

The company often ‘chases’ debtors to collect debt for themselves (usually after they buy the debt from another firm) or on behalf of other companies.

(In the latter case, they get a percentage of the full amount when they successfully recover a debt.)

Their client list includes (but is not limited to):

• NPower
• EE
• TalkTalk
• Virgin Mobile
• Sky TV
• Barclaycard
• DVLA
• AA
• United Utilities
• Scottish Power
• O2

BPO Collections may even contact you on behalf of HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs). The debt collection agency is listed on HMRC’s website as one of the debt collectors they use. 

That means you can receive a letter or a phone call from BPO, related to unpaid tax bills, overpaid tax credits, and outstanding VAT debt.

How To Check If You Actually Have a Debt?

Once BPO Collections contacts you, you can ask the debt collector who the original creditor is (or was), the original debt amount, and how much you owe. 

You could also send a written request for a verification letter to get all the information you need, including how you can dispute the debt. 

To make sure the debt is yours, you can contact the original credit. This may be your bank, a government department, a service provider, or a lender.

After you verify that the debt is yours, you can ask BPO if you can settle for a portion of the debt if you pay in a lump sum. However, this will be reflected in your credit file. (Here’s how you can get defaults removed from your credit report).

If not, BPO can help you set up a payment plan. 

If you refuse to pay the debt, BPO can take legal action against you, unless the statute of limitation has expired.

Are BPO Debt Collectors Legitimate?

BPO is an FCA-authorised company, based in Ayrshire in Scotland.

BPO Collections, which has been operating since 2006, is controlled by Prospect Financial Europe Ehf – a parent company that is based in Iceland– which is part of the Credit Services Association (CSA).

This doesn’t mean there aren’t any BPO Collections scams out there. If they refuse to provide you with the necessary documents or verify themselves, it’s safe to assume that you might be dealing with scammers. 

A legitimate debt collection agency should have no problem providing you with a company name and address, a callback number, or any other company-related information.

What To Look Out For When BPO Debt Collectors Come

As an FCA- and CSA-regulated firm, BPO debt collectors have to follow certain rules when dealing with debtors:

• They can’t contact you any time of the day: Debt collectors, including BPO, are only allowed to call you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and cannot call you at work.

• They can’t harass or lie to you: BPO Collections cannot engage in harassment when calling to collect your debt. They are not allowed to threaten you with jail time or arrest, wage garnishment, or property liens. Understandably, any debt collector can inform you that the company is considering legal action against you, but only if it’s true (and not as a scare tactic).

• They must provide you with information about your debt: The agency is required to tell you where the money is owed, who the original creditor was (if they bought the debt), how much you owe, and what you can do if you believe that isn’t your debt. 

• They can’t disclose debt information to others: Revealing debt information to others without your consent is against the law. If it happens, you can report the agency to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

• They can’t visit you without notice: Debt collectors are legally required to inform you that they will be visiting your home beforehand. Although they have the right to show up at your doorstep, they can’t forcefully enter your home. 

What Alternative Debt Solutions Exist?

If you’re struggling to pay back what you owe, you can consider some of the following options:

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

BPO collectors won’t contact you if your annual income is low, you owe less than £30,000 and you don’t own a home. If your finances remain the same after a year, your debt might be wiped off.

Debt Management Plan (DMP)

You can contact a debt charity that will negotiate a deal with BPO Collections on your behalf. They’ll also set up a payment plan for you with rates you can afford to pay.

Bankruptcy

One of the main benefits of opting for bankruptcy will prevent creditors from being able to contact you or take you to court.

If you have a low income, you can apply for MAP bankruptcy, which will clear all of your debts that you cannot pay on time.

Debt Consolidation Loan

There are many lenders that give users the option to consolidate their debts in a single, monthly payment. Here are the best debt consolidation lenders for people with bad credit.

IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)

 An IVA is a formal agreement between the debtor and their creditors to pay back what they owe. This agreement is approved by the court and both the debtor and the creditors have to stick to it. 

If you’re in an IVA and have a financial emergency, read our guide on how you can get a loan with an IVA.

How To Contact BPO Collections?

Debtors can contact BPO teams via:

• Phone: 0141 375 0900
• Fax: 0141 762 3672
• Email: help@bpomail.co.uk
• Post: BPO Collections Ltd, Marina Quay, Dock Road, Ardrossan, Ayrshire, KA22 8DA

The BPO Collections contact number line is open:

• Monday -Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bottom Line

BPO Collections is a debt collection agency that recovers outstanding debt for themselves or on behalf of their clients. 

The company is both FCA- and CSA- authorised, which means it has to follow strict rules and regulations when dealing with debtors, including providing them with all the necessary information surrounding their debt, as well as the option to dispute it.