Re: showing ID - that's why I think I may need to go into a branch because I have moved since all this began (and they have changed DCA back to their in-house solicitors)... and I have no utility bills here in my name as I am only renting a room. Should I do that? I can no longer access my details online as they cut me off a long time ago. Even though they are being cheeky, wouldn't it look better for me if this ever ended up in court (which, for the small amount i owe, may not be worth their while) as I appear to be showing "good faith" by going into a branch to update my address & then re-submit the letter to them via recorded post (again)?

Yeah SP, I am curious about that too! It sounds like a good idea, they can't forge / copy my signature that way. Also, the forwarding order from my move just expired & I know I have to give them my new address; should I go into a branch with the lot & have them update it on the spot? Then I can prove my identity without sending stuff through the post (I have no utility accounts or anything with my new address on it that I'd be willing to share with them).

The letter states thus: "Thank you for your recent letter with regard to information concerning transactions and charges on your account. Unfortunately, you have omitted to sign your letter (poor english!). May I ask you please to submit fresh instructions ensuring your letter is signed. I apologise for the inconvenience this may cause you, however, your signature is a legal requirement. I have enclosed your postal order as the Bank is happy to waive any fees for the production of this information. Yours sincerely (looks like electronic sig) M__ P___ Customer Resolutions Manager" So they haven't exactly returned my request, but are asking for a new one.

I have an update: HSBC returned my SAR stating that they can not process it without a signature! Elsewhere on this forum I have read that it's not a good idea or necessary to include your signature as it it easy for the unscrupulous to forge it where they see fit... They sent back my £10 money order made out to them as well. Any advice? Meanwhile I will go check on what I think I read somewhere on here. Cheers

Ah, I see! I am going to write them a letter when I get home tonight. Thanks babybear39

I will do, that's really good advice... and well worth a quid or ten

Thank you JesteruK I have sent them nothing yet, not even a CCA - guess it's a case of "hoping they will just go away" but every bank statement reminds me they are still there! Since joining this site I have a much better idea of what my rights are and how to protect them.

The onus is naturally on me to track the amount I have paid thus far, but I am curious to see if Moorcroft are adding any cheeky charges to the ££ I pay them every month in relation to a Halifax CC they are collecting on... can you request a 'statement of account' or the like? If it's not very much, I may like to be proactive and make them an offer in compromise, but I get the feeling Moorcroft can be pretty sneaky based on some posts around here, and I have been paying about £40 a month for a while towards a debt of only £1,800.00 +/- . Do they automatically send you a request to review your situation after 6 months? It's been about that but I will check my records tonight. Thanks

I should probably clarify - I haven't been living here long enough to have any substantial post, everything is in my housemate's name, bills-wise, and my bank is an internet-only job and they may not accept a print-out of a statement. Maybe I should let it lie and have stuff forwarded, it does come through rather fast. OK thanks again everyone who replied and if anyone has anything to add, cheers muchly

Fantastic advice, I will get crackin' on them both. Do you know what they will accept as proof that I have changed my address? The SAR guidance makes it pretty clear that is they feel the request is inaccurate or incomplete in any way, they can ignore it: You should ensure that the bank has all the information about you which it needs to identify you in it's records and also to be satisfied that it is you who is requesting the data disclosure. If you have changed address / name from that registered on your account send proof of this with your initial request. If the request is incomplete in any way then the bank has a valid reason for not complying. So I wonder what they would accept as proof that I have moved and that it is in fact me... would they accept a photocopy of something? I am not going to send them a paycheque stub!

Thanks mr. ton If a person has virtually nil income, no assets, no savings, doesn't own a home or a vehicle, and lives basically hand to mouth... they will have to accept what you can give and nothing more (and it could still hurt) I reckon. The court can't force you to turn over the last penny in your current account if it's going to cause hardship, can they? If it means not being able to eat or pay my rent... I could get turfed out! I'd be on the street. Perhaps a rhetorical question but being new to this it's a bit scary yet

Thank you ODC and peppapig! It has also come to my attention that I should request an S.A.R - (Subject Access Request) as well because during those 4 months or so that HSBC ignored my offer of £20 per month, they were *racking* up interest and non-payment fees... so this could bring down the total amount they are trying to collect considerably. This site is FABULOUS :grin: So I will be doing some serious research tonight, adapting a couple of the letter templates from here, and potentially getting a couple of postal money orders going for the CCA and the SAR. The lot will be sent recorded post (the expensive £4 one that I can fully track), without my signature anywhere. I will keep watching this post for replies.

Hi everyone, I hope someone can help. there are 2 parts here: 1. I owe HSBC about £2,200 on a card. After several months of not hearing from them when I offered them £20 a month (I had really hit on hard times), they got Metropolitan Collection Svcs after me. They would accept nothing less than £45 a month, with a £50 initial payment due. I paid the £50 as I was working again (but not for much money) and wanted to do what I could. However, that was in April. I have since moved and my marriage has ended. Out of the blue I have 2 letters that have been post re-directed to me from DG on behalf of HSBC threatening legal action. After some research (looking at my bank statement) I see I hadn't set up the DD from my account properly, so all they ever got was the first £50 (I can see that from the amount they are claiming I owe as well). Obviously I need to write them ASAP and let them know what happened. I am under the impression from this site that: a) I should apologise and explain what happened; b) I should ask for a copy of my CCA with HSBC to buy a little time; c) I should give them my new address (as much as I dread this). Correct? Anything I should add / omit? Any comments are most welcome! 2. The complicated bit is, I am starting Uni in late September full-time and will not be working more than a day or so a week after mid-September... so any agreement I do enter into with them (and the other agreement I am in with a different card/collection agency) will have to be re-adjusted radically if not cancelled as I will have almost no income. In anyone's experience, are these agencies at all sympathetic once you start school / stop full-time employment? Or will I have to go to court to defer everything until I am working full-time again? I only owe about £4,000 across both cards. I have almost nothing in my bank account and will be living on my student loans and grants practically. I am very confused! Thanks people, if you can help I will be so happy