Fredrickson International

[lemma1968]

I am a newbie so please forgive me if i am repeating what many of others have asked.

had a phone call at work today from Fredrickson Intl. I do not know what it is about but suspect its about an overdraft that was converted to loan some time ago and that I have been struggling to pay for a couple of years cos we emigrated and then came back and I had a baby etc......

I was not there so they left their name, contact name and 0870 number. My husband rang them back on the mobile. The person who rang was not available and the other person could not find me in their system.

I'm very worried cos I have a job that means I cannot go bankrupt etc. I can't pay it back straightaway and I am scared of what they may do.

Help and advice is what I need. The original loan was with NatWest.

Any ideas folks cos I do not think i shall be able to sleep tonight.

[rory32]

Send Fredrikson a CCA request. You can find one here http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...templates.html template N.

The CCA request asks for a copy of the credit agreement that you would have originally signed with Nat West. Without this Fredrickson can not enforce the debt. It is highly likely that they won't have this document.

The CCA request also disputes the debt. While a debt is in dispute they can not lawfully pursue you for it.

Any questions just shout.

[lemma1968]

At the moment I have no reference number cos they just called me at work. They also do not have an address for me cos I emigrated although i work in the same place I did before I left. Do I put that work address on then cos that is where they have located me?

And do i say that I shall not discuss it over the phone?

Thanks by the way. I'm a quivering wreck.

[rory32]

First of all calm down DCA's have very little powers. They will lie and attempt to intimidate you into paying a debt that they often can not substantiate. NEVER speak to them on the phone INSIST that all communication is in writing. They can later deny what they have said over the phone.

Rather than send the CCA request you may initially wish to try a slightly different approach as in the letter below:

Your home address)

_________________

_________________

Date: ____________

To: ______________
__________________

Dear Sir/Madam


You have contacted me/us regarding an account which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.

I/we would point out that I/we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert debt collection agency's name).

I am/we are familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

I/we would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

I/we would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my/our liability for the debt in question.

I/we await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

I/we look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully



(Print Your Name - do not sign)

You may also wish to attach this telephone harrassment letter Harassment by telephone - response letter

[lemma1968]

I'm trying to be calm. I'm using deep breaths etc but still feel very icky.

Believe it or not I am involved in the legal profession but do not do this area of work at all and can deal marvellously with others problems but not my own.

I shall have to contact them to get the reference number though won't I? Otherwise they will not know to what I am referring. I cannot have them ringing work cos I will get into sooooooooo much trouble.

Cheers.

[elliesnan]

just send the above letter and let them sort out who you are and don;t panic its their problem

[rory32]

I shall have to contact them to get the reference number though won't I?

No. They didn't need one to contact you at work, they don't need one to respond to your correspondence. Remember it is up to them to prove the debt not for you to prove that you don't owe it.

I would put something in the harassment by telephone letter about never contacting you at work.

[lemma1968]

Just wondering, if its an overdraft that was converted to a loan ( can't remember signing an agreement though i think it was after a meeting with the bank manager) then does the cca stuff still apply? Do overdrafts have special rules?

Soz if they seem like daft questions.

[rory32]

The majority of overdrafts are covered by a cca (but not usually under sections 77/7. However, as it was converted to a loan ALL loans have to comply with The Consumer Credit Act. So the fact of whether it was originally covered or not is irrelevant.

Anyway as they say on South Park - they're no stupid questions, only stupid people

[lemma1968]

Originally Posted by rory32

Anyway as they say on South Park - they're no stupid questions, only stupid people

That is the first giggle I have had all day....still worried though.

[rory32]

Don't be. Once they receive your CCA request they will write back to you telling you that the account has been put on hold for 28 days while they investigate your request.

[lemma1968]

My husband rang them yesterday before I found this site, and he could not speak to the guy who rang but someone else did a search on their database and could not find me anywhere so I am a bit confused now.

Do I hold off writing to them cos I have no idea what it's about (only a suspicion) or what should I do?

I do not want to then to think I am evading them, i have already made that mistake once although not intentionally, but then again I do not want to put them on notice.

[rory32]

Really you need to get some sort of closure on this matter. If you don't you're leaving yourself open to future phone calls from them at work.

Personally I would write to them. They either need to prove the debt or p*ss off.

[lemma1968]

I like your way of thinking.

I shall write recorded delivery. It is awful having to look over your shoulder and I am the most honest person in the world with a conscience the size of the planet.

thanks again, you are a star

[rory32]

No problem.....happy to be of help

[smashedbobo]

Hi chick, Hope your ok, you will get some really good support on here with fantastic advice. There is no need to be scared anymore. Just listen to the people here and follow advice to the letter. DO NOT RING THEM. You will find the letters you in need in the general section of the debt action section. go to the last sticky by barracud. The cca letter is letter N. Cant remember where the subject access request is. Also dont forget to put on your letter. I do not acknowledge this debt to your company. Send the CCA to DCA, and the Subject access request off to bank. Ask for info from the start date of the account. Bet you will have loads of charges on there. Even if its beyond 6 yrs. Some people have managed to claim that far back. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx