Hi All, Hope you can guide me in the right direction with this. Six years ago I stupidly answered to a phishing letter ( hindsight is wonderful ) This has caused me problems with debt collectors, as I happen to have the same name as the person they cannot trace. You know the scenario, can't find the right person, this prat will do. In December 2007, I received a letter from Lowells, stating that they had contacted me erroneously and that I was not their debtor. They went on to say that all my details had been removed from their database. I had problems in 2010 when I tried to open a bank account, and was refused. This was due to Incorrect information which appeared on my credit reports, and had been placed there by Lowells in 2009, almost two years after the above mentioned letter. I managed to sort this problem, and was told by the CRA's that Lowells stated that it was due to a mistrace. Now for the next one, Crapquest. Harassed by them in 2007 for about eight months. When they eventually investigated the matter, I received a letter stating that when they purchased the debt, they didn't realize that they had been given incorrect information, and had contacted the incorrect person, and that my details had been removed from their system. Now here we are in 2012 and I have started to receive phone calls from Crapquest on an almost daily basis, asking me to contact them. As I have now had more than enough of all this ( I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest last year ) I was wondering what the best course of action is. I am sick of having my name and reputation trashed by these goons, and I am sad to say I have let them get away with it in the past. Cheers

Hi and welcome to CAG Someone will be along to offer advice. Last year I received a letter from Avon and Somerset court, regarding an unpaid fine. The letter had my correct name and address and date of birth. I contacted the court, and after they looked into it, was told that it was a case of mistaken identity. Point I am trying to make is how do these people get things so wrong. Cheers

Hi Dawn Don't send any details whatsoever. Wait for guidance on here. Only my opinion, but I think that asking you for details such as driving licence, passport etc, are against OFT guidelines.

Hi ummee Rest assured that you are not alone with this sort of behaviour. Last year, I was contacted by the same DCA, chasing a water bill from United Utilities. It related to an address about 120 miles from where I live. Do as DX suggests and send letters back. You have the proof of where you have lived for the past number of years, utility bills etc. If you contact them, they take no notice of what you say anyway. Definitely stay off the phone Don't loose sleep because of these goons. cheers

Definitely check credit reports for searches. Also check linked addresses, make sure you haven't been linked to somewhere you have never lived. I had same problem which started about five years ago, and when I checked my reports for the first time, I was amazed to see how many had been searching in there.

Should be two sets of readings on the meter, Day and Night. As Feebee_71 says, you get a cheaper rate during the night between certain hours.

Hi, Someone will be here to advise. Keep off the phone to these clowns, keep everything you may need to do in writing. Cheers

Doe's anything show on your credit reports in the linked address section? If they are chasing someone with the same name as yourself, and this is just a longshot, search on the internet, and look to see if 'your' name appears at this other address they have given you.

Hi Becki, Firstly Don't panic, your'e in good company here. Have Marstons given you any details at all about this fine? I think you need to get in touch with the court about this. Last year, I had a letter from Avon and Somerset court, regarding an unpaid fine of £1000+ As I live on the east coast, I was somewhat surprised by this. I contacted the court, and within 24 hours, job was sorted. I was told that it was a case of mistaken identity, but how these people get it so wrong completely baffles me. Chin up

Hi Les, Can I firstly state that I am not as Knowledgeable as the other guys who give advise on here. I post a few comments relating to my experiences over the past five years. In a nutshell, I answered a phishing letter, and caused myself more problems than I could ever imagine. During this period, I received a letter from MH, asking me to phone regarding an 'urgent matter' I ignored this, and they then obtained my phone number, which is ex directory, and on two occasions left automated messages for me to get in touch. I also ignored these, and the 'problem' stopped. MH had also searched my credit files. My opinion, for what it is worth, is to ignore them, unless they can come up with some evidence. DO NOT be tempted to phone them, whatever you do.

Hi Anons Whatever you do, DO NOT speak to these clowns on the phone. Do as dx suggests, and look at your credit files to see if it shows anything, keep an eye on anyone who may have been searching in there. I had a similar experience a while ago, and found that the DCA's were trying to find someone who had the same name as myself. As they couldn't find him (alias The Scarlet Pimpernel) they carried on their relentless campaign against me.

Hi Bedebill Was the contact you made to the water co by phone? If it was, I would advise you to write to the above, and explain the situation, as you need the proof that this debt exists. You need to know the address it relates to, the amount, and the dates. As for BCW, they are like all DCA's, 'this is going to cost you so much more if it goes to court.' In my opinion, this is to try to get you to make contact with them, or indeed, to try to get you to pay. You also stated that the water co. have passed on your phone number to BCW. How would you know this if they haven't been in touch?

Phishing trip, ignore for now. They're not supposed to 'assume'

Yes, agreed DX

Hi and welcome to CAG Someone will be along to advise. In the meantime, DO NOT phone anyone. If you have to do anything in the future, always do it in writing. These people always tell you about the extra costs etc They also tell you that it's a serious matter, and that you must 'phone' a certain number 'immediately'. The only phone call I will make immediately is when I get the six numbers up. Cheers