EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING

BARKO LOANS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING COLLECTION EXPERIENCE

My experience with Barko has been extremely disappointing. I understand that if a customer has an outstanding loan, the company has the right to contact the customer regarding payment. My concern is how the collection process is handled and the way customers are spoken to and approached.

I have received SMS messages from Barko using statements such as:

«“ITC BLACKLISTING”»

«“LEGAL FIELD AGENT INSTRUCTED TO VISIT YOU AT YOUR HOME/WORK”»

«“BARKO LEGAL TEAM IS ON THEIR WAY TO YOUR HOME/WORK!”»

What made the situation even more uncomfortable is that Barko representatives previously came to my workplace looking for me and spoke to my colleagues/employer about my Barko loan and the fact that I was allegedly unable to pay it. I found this extremely embarrassing and inappropriate, especially because it involved discussing my financial situation with people at my workplace.

I have also experienced difficulty getting through to Barko when I personally try to contact them to discuss my account or make an arrangement. Yet when their consultants contact me, the approach can feel extremely aggressive and, at times, rude.

I am not saying a customer should not be held responsible for an outstanding account. I am saying there should be a professional, respectful and appropriate way of communicating with customers who are struggling to make payments.

I have kept the SMS messages as evidence and have raised my concerns with Barko. I would like Barko to properly review the way my account was handled, including the workplace visit and the communication with people at my workplace.

Customers can have financial difficulties without deserving to be embarrassed or pressured in front of colleagues and employers.