If you’ve received a letter or call from Orbit Debt Collection in 2024, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Should you pay up immediately, or is there more to consider?
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and confusing, especially when unsure of your rights and options.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Orbit Debt Collection so you can make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the details and help you figure out the best course of action.
Who is the Orbit Debt Collection?
Orbit Debt Collection, officially Aberdeen Financial Limited, is a UK-based debt collection agency specialising in recovering outstanding debts primarily for utility companies, particularly water suppliers like Yorkshire Water and Essex and Suffolk Water.
Established on January 18, 2008, and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Orbit operates across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The agency purchases debts at a reduced rate from other companies and employs its staff to follow up on them. They may also use field agents who can visit customers’ homes to collect payments.
Orbit aims to create manageable repayment plans for customers struggling with their bills, emphasising a supportive and understanding approach to debt recovery.
While Orbit Debt Collection does not have the same powers as bailiffs, they can escalate matters to court if debts remain unpaid, potentially leading to enforcement actions.
Customers are encouraged to engage with Orbit Debt Collection agency to discuss their financial situations and explore options for repayment, as the agency is known for its willingness to negotiate flexible payment plans.
What exactly does Orbit Debt Collection do?
Orbit Debt Collection is a UK-based agency specialising in recovering overdue payments, primarily for utility companies like water suppliers.
When customers accumulate unpaid bills, these suppliers often turn to Orbit Debt Collection for assistance in collecting the debts.
If you can’t pay your debts, you can opt for debt relief. Debt relief encompasses various methods of reducing or restructuring debt.
Some of the most common options include:
- Debt consolidation: Debt consolidation involves obtaining a new loan or transferring credit card balances to one with a longer repayment term or lower interest rate. This makes payments more manageable and potentially saves on interest costs.
- Credit counselling: This service guides individuals in managing finances and debt, helping them develop budgets and negotiate lower payments or interest rates with creditors.
- Debt management: Offered through credit counselling agencies, this program involves making monthly deposits to the agency, which then distributes the funds among creditors after negotiating reduced interest rates and fees.
- Debt settlement: In this process, individuals or firms negotiate with creditors to accept a partial payment that is less than the total owed, which can significantly lower debt but may negatively impact credit scores and carry legal risks.
- Debt forgiveness: This rare option occurs when a creditor agrees to forgive part or all of a debt without expecting payment, typically in severe financial hardship or bankruptcy.
What happens when Orbit Debt Collection contacts you?
Suppose you’ve received a letter from Orbit Debt Collection regarding overdue water bills. In that case, it’s important to recognise that their communication is a standard part of their role in recovering outstanding debts for utility companies.
While these letters can be intimidating, they are simply part of the debt collection process.
When Orbit Debt Collection contacts you, it does not signify a dire situation. They are tasked with collecting debts owed to water suppliers, and they must provide proof that the debt belongs to you. They must mark the debt as satisfied if they fail to demonstrate this.
If you find yourself in this situation, you can request verification of the debt to ensure its legitimacy. It is advisable to use a template letter to formally ask Orbit for the necessary documentation linking you to the debt in question.
This step can help clarify your obligations and ensure you are not paying for a debt that is not yours.
Here is a sample letter that you may use to make sure that Orbit Debt Collections has the proof necessary to connect you to the debt:
After receiving a debt letter from Orbit Debt Collection, there are two key actions you should take:
- Never ignore Orbit Debt Collection; doing so can lead to further complications.
- Refrain from making any payments immediately; it’s important to understand your options before proceeding.
Working with Major UK Water Suppliers
Have you ever considered how many water suppliers operate in the UK? There are quite a few, including well-known companies like Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, and Southern Water.
Orbit Debt Collection collaborates with these suppliers and many more to recover overdue payments. If you’re dealing with a debt issue related to your water supplier, Orbit Debt Collection will likely be the agency reaching out to you for assistance.
Orbit Debt collection claim to collect debts for:
- Anglian Water
- Essex and Suffolk Water
- Hartlepool Water
- Northumbrian Water
- Southern Water
- United Utilities
- Yorkshire Water
- South West Water
How do they work?
When Orbit Debt Collection reaches out to you, it’s not a random occurrence. Your water supplier has assigned them to recover the debt you owe, and it’s important to acknowledge that their role can be quite challenging.
Debt recovery is often a complicated and sensitive, particularly concerning household debts. However, Orbit Debt Collection has established effective strategies and practices to manage these situations professionally and efficiently.
Fortunately, there are options available for you. You may be able to reduce a portion of your debt or collaborate with a professional to devise a plan for addressing your financial obligations. It’s essential to explore these avenues thoroughly before taking any action.
Don’t Panic! They’re Here to Help.
It may come as a surprise, but a debt collection agency wanting to assist you might seem like an unexpected twist. However, that’s the reality with Orbit Debt Collection.
They are not merely here to pressure you for payments; their goal is also to help you discover solutions for managing and resolving your debts. Orbit offers repayment plans that are customised to fit individual needs and circumstances.
Should You Pay Orbit Debt Immediately?
Once you receive a letter or call from Orbit Debt Collection, your initial reaction might be to immediately pay the debt.
However, it’s important to pause before taking action. Understanding your rights and available options is crucial, as paying immediately may not always be the best decision.
Does Orbit Debt Collection Need to Prove the Debt?
Now that you have a general understanding of who Orbit Debt Collection is, you might wonder, “Do they need to prove the debt?” The straightforward answer is yes, they do. But why is this important, and how does it affect you? Let’s simplify it.
Why Prove the Debt?
You may be curious about the necessity of proving a debt. Imagine receiving a call from Orbit Debt Collection regarding a debt you supposedly owe. Your initial reaction might be panic, leading you to question, “Do I really owe this debt?”
This is where the requirement for proof becomes crucial. It ensures that you are not paying for a debt that is not yours or already settled.
How to Ask Orbit Debt Collection to Verify the Debt
Requesting verification from Orbit Debt Collection is a straightforward process. By doing so, you protect yourself and ensure that they are pursuing the correct individual for the right debt. This step is vital to prevent any potential misunderstandings or disputes.
The Impact of Asking for Verification
You might be concerned that asking for verification could lead to more issues. In reality, the opposite is true.
When you request verification, Orbit Debt Collection must pause its collection efforts while it verifies the debt. This gives you some breathing space to consider your next steps carefully.
Only Pay for a Debt That Is Rightfully Yours
The primary purpose of asking for verification is to confirm that you only pay debts that you legitimately owe. After all, no one should have to pay for something that isn’t theirs.
In summary, Orbit Debt Collection is legally obligated to prove any debt they claim you owe. So, if you receive a collection notice, don’t hesitate to ask for proof.
Can You Negotiate with Orbit Debt?
If you’re facing financial difficulties, you’ll be glad that Orbit Debt Collection is known for its understanding approach. They are often willing to work with you to establish a repayment plan that aligns with your financial situation.
The key is open communication. Reach out to Orbit Debt Collection and explain your circumstances. They may be able to offer:
- Reduced interest rates to make payments more manageable
- Temporary payment holidays to give you some breathing room
- Flexible repayment plans tailored to your needs
Remember, Orbit Debt Collection’s goal is to recover the debt, but they recognise that flexibility is often necessary. By working together, you can find a solution that works for both parties.
If you’re struggling with multiple debts or are currently unemployed, negotiating with Orbit Debt Collection can be especially helpful in getting your finances back on track. Thousands of people have already tackled their debts by communicating openly with debt collectors and exploring options for debt solutions.
So, don’t hesitate to contact Orbit Debt Collection. With a collaborative approach, you can manage your debt and regain control of your financial well-being.
The Power of Statute-Barred Debt
Did you know that your debt could potentially become ‘statute-barred’ if it’s over six years old?
This means that Orbit Debt Collection can no longer legally pursue you for payment, effectively releasing you from the obligation to pay. It’s quite a surprising revelation, isn’t it?
What is Statute-Barred Debt?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a debt becomes statute-barred if the following conditions are met:
- You have not paid the debt in the last six years.
- You have not acknowledged the debt in writing within the last six years.
- The creditor has not obtained a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you in the last six years.
Once a debt becomes statute-barred, it is no longer enforceable through the courts. However, it’s important to note that the debt still technically exists, and the creditor can still attempt to collect it through other means, such as debt collectors.
What If You Have a Complaint About Orbit Debt Collection?
You have rights. You can file a complaint if you believe Orbit Debt Collection has acted unfairly or aggressively. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this process; debt charities in the UK can offer valuable support.
To initiate a complaint, you should address your concerns directly with Orbit. This gives them the chance to resolve the issue themselves.
If you feel your complaint hasn’t been taken seriously, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which has a structured complaints procedure.
Once you submit your complaint, they will investigate the situation. If your complaint is upheld, Orbit may face penalties, and you could be entitled to compensation.
Is Your Orbit Debt Being Passed On?
Your debt with Orbit Debt Collection may be passed on to another agency if they determine it’s not worth pursuing further. While this may come as a surprise, it’s important to be proactive and informed about handling such situations.
What Happens if Orbit Debt Passes on Your Debt?
If Orbit Debt Collection decides to pass on your debt, it means they have deemed it unworthy of their continued efforts to recover the money owed. This could happen for various reasons, such as the debt being too small or the low likelihood of successful collection.
When a debt is passed on, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. The new debt collection agency may attempt to collect the debt, and you’ll need to be prepared to handle their inquiries and demands.
Orbit Debt Collection Information
If you have any doubts, you can contact the Orbit Debt Collection through one of the following methods:
| Website: | https://www.orbitservices.co.uk/ |
| Post: | PO Box 92 Malton YO17 1BN |
| Telephone: | 441653604434Mon – Thu 9 am-8 pmFri 9 am-6 pmSat 9 am-1 pm |
FAQs
Are Orbit Bailiffs?
No, Orbit Debt Collection is not a bailiff company. It operates as a debt collection agency. While it works to recover debts, its authority and methods differ from those of bailiffs, who are enforcement agents with the legal power to collect certain debts. Orbit simply facilitates the collection process between debtors and their creditors.
Who Does Orbit Collect For?
Orbit Debt Collection primarily collects debts on behalf of various UK water suppliers. This includes, but is not limited to, companies like Yorkshire Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, and several others. Their main goal is to help these companies recover the money owed by their customers.
Can Debt Collectors Take Your House?
Like any other debt collection agency, Orbit Debt Collection does not have the authority to force you to sell your house to settle a debt. However, if a court order is obtained and the debt remains unpaid, it could escalate to involve bailiffs or potentially result in a charging order on your property.
This underscores the importance of addressing debts promptly and seeking legal advice if necessary.
Key Points
- Orbit Debt Collection specialises in recovering outstanding consumer debts for UK water suppliers.
- If payment demands are met, Orbit Debt can implement additional enforcement measures.
- Orbit Debt Collection is an understanding of financial difficulties and offers repayment options tailored to individual circumstances.
- A debt may not require payment if it has been outstanding for at least six years due to the statute of limitations.
- Orbit Debt Collection cannot disconnect your household’s water supply due to unpaid bills.
- You can request documentation from Orbit Debt Collection to verify the debt before making any payments.
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