The advert promises help with debt

But in the cases we came across people were charged fees in excess of £1,000 and then at the end of the day were left worse off.

What these people were being promised was a legal agreement called an individual voluntary arrangement or IVA.

Although an IVA is a totally legitimate course of action, Knightsbridge seemed to be guaranteeing they would work in some inappropriate cases.

They were claiming that once signed up, the IVA was cut and dried and that the creditors would agree to what was proposed.

Anxious

To discover for myself exactly what a Knightsbridge advisor offers we decided that I should pose as someone in financial difficulty and record on secret camera a meeting with an advisor. I felt it was important that I really understood what it was like to have accrued debts so I studied carefully all the cases we'd uncovered.

What really hit me was that each person had been convinced that this company was an answer to their prayers and that the IVA had been proposed as the only option available.

This was my first time going undercover and I was anxious that the secret filming would be successful.

It didn't take me long to take on a character and a new accent. I had to memorise what I owed, where I lived, the job I did, and my monthly outgoings.

This was quite nerve-wracking as it was a lot to remember. These details were crucial for the company to work out my financial situation and give me their advice.

Secret camera

Going undercover

Armed with my new disguise I phoned the company for help. They rang back and said that they could send an advisor round to see me that afternoon.

We had found a flat that we could use for the day and I promptly gave them the address and a suitable time. I then had a few hours to go through all my details once more.

I arrived at the flat and waited anxiously for the advisor to turn up. The doorbell rang. I switched the secret camera on. In he came. So far so good and my nerves started to settle. Now came the questions.

First - "How did I get myself into the situation?" I explained I had run up debts on credit cards and had tried to get loans to consolidate my debts but to no avail. He looked sympathetic and then launched in.

Worst moment

"You are sliding down the slippery slope and heading for the big black pit at the bottom" he said. " An IVA is not just your best option ..it's your only option".

This was the same advice given to the people in our case studies. We were on our way. I just needed to keep my cool and answer his questions.

The worst moment? That was probably when he wanted me to sign there and then on the dotted line and agree to handing over £1,400.

"Oh - you know" I said "I'm going to sound like an old woman but would you mind if I just looked over this again and then sent the whole thing off to you registered post tomorrow? "

Evidence

He hesitated and looked uncomfortable. He'd spent two hours with me going through all my details. But he agreed.

When he finally left and the door closed I felt immense relief. I knew that we had the evidence we needed on film.

For their part Knightsbridge say that they have helped over 1000 clients to complete an individual voluntary arrangement in the last 12 months.

They insist that all their staff are experienced in insolvency matters and that all clients are informed the arrangement depends on it being accepted by creditors.