So if I respond with a response which does conform to your understanding or way of thinking I naturally work for a DCA......brilliant!

Wow, I only gave my understanding, reading the responses I agree that my understanding maybe incorrect (this was given to me by the FOS when I complained about a debt). With regards to the Consumer Credit Act - Mobile phone accounts do not fall under the Consumer Credit act therefore this part of the response is irrelevant.

I've recently received the same letter from Motormouth, however when I called them they genuinely tried to help and I ended up with a decent discount to pay, so not all bad!! My understanding is as a purchaser once they purchase the debt they have the same legal powers as the original creditor as the contract passes to them! My advice give them a ring and negotiate a discount if you want to pay it! The ostrich approach doesn't help anyone!

This is my first time posting on this site, and whilst I agree with the majority of the advice being given there are some glaring issues with the advice being given; First the difference between a DCA and a DP - Lowell are a Debt purchaser and therefore have all the legal powers the original lender/creditor would i.e. they can take you to court, add interest as per contract etc, whereas a DCA is simply collecting on behalf of a company. Secondly - If the last payment was made whilst the account was still with O2 the date the default is registered is the date which a court would start the six year limitation period from so Lowell would be within their right to issue proceedings and gain judgment if they so desired. Thirdly - the OFT no longer exists so reference to complying with their code of conduct is wrong, the FSA and OFT merged in April 2013 to create the FCA so its their rule book which these companies should be complying with. I dislike some of the practices these companies use to try to coerce money from people however it may be worth some of you doing some homework prior to giving incorrect advice.