What records should I keep

[pixieperson]

I'm about to send a CCA request to CapQuest. I have read that I should keep a copy of every letter that I send to them.

Is this copy needed just as a reminder to myself or is it in case I need to go to court?

Should I make an exact photocopy of the letter I send to them with my signature photocopied., or will keeping a copy of the Word Processor file on my computer suffice?

[dx100uk]

court evidence
why not scan them?
however i sus most just reprint the letter from a .doc and sign it when req if at all.

dx100uk

[pixieperson]

I will scan them if you think that's a better idea.

Should I also keep a scan of the postal order that I send them?

[lemma1968]

Yes, keep everything from postal order receipt to grey recorded delivery receipt with the recorded delivery number on it and including a hard copy of the delivery note from the Royal Mail webiste proving that each letter has been delivered. Staple each receipt and delivery printout etc to each respective letter.

You cannot keep too much really when dealing with these people. Also keep a diary of phone calls you have had with them, although i would say DO NOT SPEAK TO THEM BY PHONE......EVER.

[Hopeful1]

Another tip: When i receive letters i write the date i have received them. I also have a divided folder. Unfortunately i have several creditors, so each has their own secton!!

On my computer, each creditor has a file so i save letters i've sent there. I've also got a seperate folder to save the useful letter templates i come across on this site. I've started sending e-mails too, so again i've created folders in my e-mail box.

Because many creditors/DCAs will play games, you can't be caught out if you have kept every bit of correspondence and records of telephone calls. BUT don't discuss anything on the 'phone because you'll have no proof of anything agreed. Logging calls they make is just useful if you need to make a complaint about telephone harrassment.

In short, i and i expect many others on this site, could give all major stationery retailers a run for their money!!!

With regards to posting. I now send the really important letters by Special Delivery. This is expensive, but recorded delivery is not always that reliable.

Good luck and best wishes

[lemma1968]

And keep the envelopes the letters from them arrive in...especially if they are post marked cos these guys may well send letters out with false dates on them so they can look as if they have complied.

[Curlyben]

As well as keeping all communications with these people, keep a log of your activities like phone calls made/received, dates and info for letters, CCA payment numbers, etc.
I use a simple Excel workbook for this, makes things alot simpler rather than digging through mountains of paperwork. Also if Trading Standards get involved, the more information you can supply, the easier their job becomes.

[pixieperson]

I've dealt with them in the past on the telephone (before I discovered this site). There's not much I can do about that now