This week: Don’t fear bailiffs

LOCAL councils are passing on more debts to bailiffs, official figures show. If you fear a visit by one, here are seven things you should know: Bailiffs should give advanced notice if they want to call. They cannot force entry to your home without a court order. Don’t open the door if one knocks. Speak through the letterbox. Bailiffs should not call between 9pm and 6am or attend your workplace. They should not enter if children or vulnerable people are present. If you let bailiffs in, they are entitled to take items if you are unable to pay your debt. They cannot take essentials such as clothes, items that do not belong to you or work tools and equipment which together are worth less than £1,350. If you are visited by a bailiff about a genuine debt the best thing you can do is try to agree a monthly payment plan. If the bailiff refuses, contact the organisation you owe the money to. Finally, don’t be afraid to call the police or file a formal complaint if bailiffs intimidate or harass you. DOORSTEP scammers tend to do the rounds in the run-up to Christmas. This week I’ve heard several reports of people knocking on doors to take advanced orders for Christmas trees. These rogues are telling victims that by ordering in advance they will get a discounted price and the tree will be delivered to their door for free. This may sound like a good idea but last year I had lots of people telling me they had been suckered into buying Christmas trees in advance that never turned up. My advice – buy your tree from a reputable retailer.