JD Williams/Reliable Collections and My Nan!

[Muppet81]

Hi All

Am a newbie and looking for some help really as although I understand bits and pieces I don't really know where I stand on this one.

My nan (85) ordered some goods from JD williams some time ago and has been making regular payments. She then started receiving demands for large sums of money stating that she had missed payments or made late payments. They've now passed her account to Reliable Collections, who I am fully aware is their internal DCA.

My Nan is not as she once was and so my dad has phoned them to understand exactly what she owed, what she'd paid and how they made up the £500 odd bill when Nan states "she only ordered a couple of nighties". They quite rightly said they wouldn't speak without Nan's permission, which he obtained in writing (for both him and me).

When he phoned them next they advised that they didn't keep records beyond 6 months, (i always thought they were required to for 6 years?).

They then said they were unable to help further and that nan would have to pay it or someone would come round to visit her. Which I was livid about as this is clearly going to scare my Nan.

Can someone tell me where to start or point me in the right direction as I really want to get this sorted. My dad is currently making small payments in order to prove there is a willingness to pay what is owed but I'm concerned they've taken advantage of a very old lady!!

[diskmandave]

Hi Muppet81, welcome to the forums.

First things first, spend a couple of days or so and familiarise yourself with the site.

When you've done that the first thing that you need to do on your Nan's behalf is to send the Subject Access Request to JD Williams requesting all data that is held. This should be sent with £10 maximum fee.

Secondly send to the DCA a CCA request which can be found here...
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...tml#post162367
Requesting a copy of the original credit agreement, this is to be sent by 1st class signed for mail and include a PO for £1 to cover the maximum fee.

As for sending someone around, this is out of the question, OFT guidelines are quite clear in that they must first make an appointment, and I feel sure you wouldn't want to do that..
http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/bus...dit/oft664.pdf

Next off.. Stop dealing with these people on the 'phone, no or little record will be kept of anything that's been discussed, from now on.... IN WRITING ONLY.

It's also a great idea to have your local Trading Standards Service on side, you can find your local office here...
Trading Standards Central - Trading Standards and Consumer Protection information for the UK

And more importantly, if there's anything you need to know please don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck & best wishes, Dave.

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[Muppet81]

Thanks Dave, your advice is much appreciated. I will keep you posted!

[Fuzzgin]

Good luck, you'll get great advice here. Tell your Nan not to be scared. These people make all kinds of threats to make you pay but how many of us on this forum have wasted tea and cakes when they've not shown up. They don't have most of the rights they'll claim.