Unfair and ******** - Handed Over to Attorneys for Collection

Unfair and ******** - Handed Over to Attorneys for Collection

During this Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown, I ran into financial difficulties in keeping up with all my repayments with various financial institutes. The matter on hand is regarding my business account, Dayzz Trading, Account No.***, for which a temporary relief holiday was offered. I received a call from the collections department in July and the person asked me to make a payment plan and I agreed. He mentioned that I will receive a call in a few days regarding the payment arrangement. I started making payments into this account by the end of July. I received an email, which contained a letter of demand from Donovan Edwards on the 24/07/2020, which amongst other demands stated I should offer to make payment arrangements I confirmed my intention via email to make a payment arrangement. I continued to make payment again at the end of August.To date he has not acknowledged or returned my email. On 08/09/2020, I received a registered letter via the Post Office from HAMMOND POLE ATTORNEYS, demanding payment. The letter was dated 25/08/2020, a day after responding positively to Edwards' email. I tried contacting Edwards, but there was no response via telephone or email. I called my private banker who escalated with Donovan Edwards, and responded that I should make payment arrangements with the attorneys. NB: My understanding is that one first addresses one's payment plan with their bank. The bank is obliged to respond before handing one over to an attorney for collection.I was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is solely responsible for my poor repayments, I had even opted for the Covid relief. The history of my account will indicate that I was in good standing with all my accounts (debts) prior to this pandemic. The question to FNB is, why is it that it behaves in such a manner to clients who have such a history?

Re: FNB Business Banking

Pamella Ramiah <***> 24 Jul 2020, 18:59 to Donovan

Good Afternoon Donovan,

I have read your letter of demand and fully understand it. As you know what the country is going through, and as a small business owner we really took a knock in business. The country is still under lock-down as you know. My business is barely making 30/40% income compared to pre-lockdown. I am trying to keep the business afloat. Hopefully we will pick up soon. In the meantime I can make an arrangement to pay between R1000 to R2000 per month. I trust this arrangement is acceptable.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely, Pamella Ramiah