Hello,
I cringing with shame as I write - and am only writing out of sheer desperation. I know this mess is my doing and I just don't know what to do - I am too embarrassed to speak to CAB and I am petrified a bailiff will appear at my door if I just ignore the RLP letter.
I received a 'letter before claim' letter from RLP requesting payment.
I visited several stores and bought 100's of pounds worth of goods - usually when they had been reduced.
The spend value was ever increasing per visit. (I suffer with quite severe mental health issues and uncontrollable spending has been a problem in the past; which is why, (together with financial problems), I had not done any 'shopping' in years).
A loss prevention officer who said they had CCTV of me buying and returning items for higher amount. He acknowledged I spent a lot of money in store; and said they calculated the fraud amount.
I was held for approx 3 hours and a 2nd loss prevention officer came and conducted the remainder of interview.
They kept stressing the police were en route; repeatedly asking why I did it and how embarrassing it would be for me when people found out.
They also stated PACE would be notified ( I can't remember what they said that was).
They eventually let me go after taking my details and advising the police would visit me at home, as they hadn't been able to get to the store.
Needless to say the last 2 weeks have dreadful- every knock is the police. They haven't been in touch yet.
The RLP letter states that if you have financial problems and are chronically ill they may show leniency. I have been receiving/on meds for depression & anxiety for 13 years; personality disorder since 2013 and tonne of physical problems since 2009 - all for which I take prescription meds.
Please can anyone advise how best to proceed - I know it is completely my fault. I just don't have that sort of money available. Due to my rapidly deteriorating health, I had to give up my job in 2009. (All my stupid spending was on a credit card).
Thank you - I would be very grateful for any help or suggestions.
I cringing with shame as I write - and am only writing out of sheer desperation. I know this mess is my doing and I just don't know what to do - I am too embarrassed to speak to CAB and I am petrified a bailiff will appear at my door if I just ignore the RLP letter.
I received a 'letter before claim' letter from RLP requesting payment.
I visited several stores and bought 100's of pounds worth of goods - usually when they had been reduced.
The spend value was ever increasing per visit. (I suffer with quite severe mental health issues and uncontrollable spending has been a problem in the past; which is why, (together with financial problems), I had not done any 'shopping' in years).
A loss prevention officer who said they had CCTV of me buying and returning items for higher amount. He acknowledged I spent a lot of money in store; and said they calculated the fraud amount.
I was held for approx 3 hours and a 2nd loss prevention officer came and conducted the remainder of interview.
They kept stressing the police were en route; repeatedly asking why I did it and how embarrassing it would be for me when people found out.
They also stated PACE would be notified ( I can't remember what they said that was).
They eventually let me go after taking my details and advising the police would visit me at home, as they hadn't been able to get to the store.
Needless to say the last 2 weeks have dreadful- every knock is the police. They haven't been in touch yet.
The RLP letter states that if you have financial problems and are chronically ill they may show leniency. I have been receiving/on meds for depression & anxiety for 13 years; personality disorder since 2013 and tonne of physical problems since 2009 - all for which I take prescription meds.
Please can anyone advise how best to proceed - I know it is completely my fault. I just don't have that sort of money available. Due to my rapidly deteriorating health, I had to give up my job in 2009. (All my stupid spending was on a credit card).
Thank you - I would be very grateful for any help or suggestions.
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