At last, the credit report (I have an aversion to contracting for 'free' services that require cancellation to avoid a future cost, so it was the £2 statutory report for me. Experian was effective although slow. The other credit reference agencies clearly would prefer to supply a free service than a paid for service). Thank you for your excellent advice to apply for the credit report FIRST - a CIFAS entry shows me to have been the victim of impersonation; the use of my name and a previous address where I have not lived for over 5 years to obtain credit from ShopDirect some 5 months ago. That, and some other items, mean I must now turn my attention to cleaning up the credit report. Suggest this thread is now closed. Again, thank you.

Aaagh! Application to check credit files on-line led to painfully unintelligible and probably costly telecon with offshore call centre. Got to wait for a customer relations call within 48 hours so no sending letter to Lowell as soon as snowdrifts retreat! Better take some pills to reduce blood pressure ....

As someone who has absolutely no experience at all in this area, I will take your advice and check my credit history first. Thank you.

I used the "General debt letter - if you know nothing of the debt"

I can see from your forum threads that Lowell Portfolio feature regularly! So, here's my story to add to the pile. Letter received today from Lowell Portfolio demanding payment of an debt of £352.31 assigned from Shop Direct. Don't owe them anything, never bought anything from Shop Direct or predecessor Littlewoods. They're fishing! Talked to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline who passed on info to Trading Standards. Sending a recorded delivery letter based on CAG template (thank you) to Lowell tomorrow (snow too deep for little old ladies even if the postperson did get through) requesting, within ten days, either proof of debt or cessation of harassment with written assurance that account is closed and credit history clear! Will update idc.