If you have received a PRA Group letter, start by working out what type of letter it is. A reminder, settlement offer, doorstep warning, Letter of Claim, and County Court claim all need different responses.
This page focuses on the letter itself: how to check it, what to ask for, when to treat it as urgent, and when to compare an IVA with other debt options.
Quick answer#
- PRA Group cannot act like bailiffs just because they have sent a letter.
- PRA Group searches often involve old purchased credit, statute barred concerns and court-action worries.
- Ask for proof before paying if you do not recognise the debt or balance.
- Respond quickly to any Letter of Claim or County Court claim form.
- If this is one of several unaffordable debts, compare IVA, DMP, DRO, bankruptcy and Breathing Space.
What a PRA Group letter usually means#
PRA Group may own the account or may be collecting for another business. The letter should show the original creditor, account reference, current balance and payment options.
- Purchased credit cards and loans
- Older debts where CCA evidence may be relevant
- Letter Before Claim or County Court risk
- Settlement offers
- Accounts that may need statute barred checks
How urgent is the letter?#
Look for formal wording. A Letter of Claim, Letter Before Claim, court claim form, judgment notice, or enforcement notice is more urgent than a standard reminder.
| Letter type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Standard reminder | Check the debt and affordability before paying. |
| Settlement offer | Get the settlement terms in writing before paying. |
| Letter of Claim | Respond by the deadline and ask for documents if needed. |
| County Court claim | Use the court response process. Do not ignore it. |
What to ask for before paying#
- Original creditor name and account number
- Notice of assignment or evidence they can collect
- Statement showing how the balance was calculated
- Copy agreement where the debt is regulated consumer credit
- Confirmation of any settlement in writing
When an IVA may help#
An IVA may help if this account is a qualifying unsecured debt and you have several debts you cannot afford to repay normally. Once approved, included creditors and their agents should stop contacting you directly.
An IVA is not right for every situation. If this is your only debt, or the debt is disputed, statute barred or not yours, check those points first.
What to do today#
- Put every letter and text in date order.
- Check whether the letter is formal legal action or ordinary collection.
- Ask for proof if you need it.
- Do a budget before offering payment.
- Use the IVA calculator only if the problem is wider than this one account.