Another newbie with a question.

[vandermerwe]

Shonk,

 

Freakyleaky is right as always (except on matters of rugby but that's not we're here for).

 

But DO NOT PHONE THE B....... ever again. All communications must be in writing with a copy retained and also sent by signed for recorded delivery.

 

You can choose either to keep the GPO receipts or print out a signed receipt of delivery from www.royalmail.com

 

It's a hassle, will cost £1.04 a time, but is particularly important with this crowd.

 

Good luck.

 

Vandermerwe

[vandermerwe]

Good morning Shonk

 

I owe Freakyleaky an apology.

 

As I said, he's brilliant at these kind of things and I really meant to put a wink;) after my comment about rugby.

 

I'm sure he'll understand.

 

Van

[vandermerwe]

Thanks FL - if you want to know why I have been so quiet lately take a look on pinkduchess - v - hsbc.

 

Best wishes.

 

Van

[vandermerwe]

That's very kind of you FL.

 

Am quite sure you must be referring to my computer and not my Political Correctness!

 

Regards.

 

Van

[vandermerwe]

Hi Shonk. You must think you've subscribed to 'The Goon Show' or 'Monty Python' from what's on your thread already!

 

Apart from the chit-chat with Freaky Leaky I must tell you to beware of Arrow. They only recently came into the UK from the US of A to tell us limeys how to collect debts - bit like how they came and won World War II for us.

 

I do not believe you could have run up a debt with them - I'll bet my bottom dollar they have bought a debt from someone else (at a guess I'll say MBNA or one of their other companies) and I think you should transfer your thread to the DCA forum and search for Arrow and/or CBS Transcom.

 

The badinage above should show the site isn't all doom and gloom, and you must read the thread pinkduchess - v - HSBC when you have a day and a half to spare, but before you move your thread I must respond to Freaky L. about the post he found, obviously, mildly amusing:D:D

 

It was my second favourite from "Private Eye" but my most appreciated occurred in 1968, and, at enormous time and trouble I have searched the Vandermerwe Library of Classic Works to find "The Private Eye Story" (which bears the 1982 "Happy Christmas Dad" inscription from Van major and Van minor.)

 

It's also rather relevant to the forum and the type of letter we poor sods receive.

 

In 1971 "Private Eye" was sued for libel as they had alleged 'unsavoury' debt collectors were receiving back-handers. [Can you believe it?]

 

They received a letter from a somewhat notorious firm of solicitors which read:

 

We act for Mr. Arkell who is Retail Credit Manager of Granada TV Rental Ltd. His attention has been drawn to an article appearing in the issue of 'Private Eye' dated 9th April 1971. The statements made about Mr. Arkell are entirely untrue and clearly highly defamatory. We are therefore instructed to require from you immediately your proposals for dealing with the matter.

 

Mr. Arkell's first concern is that there should be a full retraction at the earliest possible date in 'Private Eye' and he will also want his costs paid. His attitude to damages will be governed by the nature of your reply.

 

Yours etc.

 

Their reply was as follows:

 

We acknowledge your letter of 29th April referring to Mr. J. Arkell.

 

We note that Mr. Arkell's attitude to damages will be governed by the nature of our reply and would therefore be grateful if you could inform us what his attitude to damages would be, were he to learn that the nature of our reply is as follows: **** off.

 

Yours etc.

 

I gather this story has gone into law-student lore as 'Arkell - v - Pressdram.

 

Regards.

 

Van

 

P.S. Don't let pd know I quoted a naughty expression in full!

 

P.P.S. Needn't bother: Big Brother BBCd it. I don't normally use the vulgar tongue in English (but see my Chilean colloquialisms on pd's site referred to above!) though in this case I believe its use essential to appreciate the acerbic reply.

[vandermerwe]

Ohmygawd - the ever watchful pink eye!:o

 

But she's lovely. even though she only works at night.

 

Muchos sueños buenos, querida.

 

Van

[vandermerwe]

Hi Shonk

 

The first thing that strikes me is that the alleged debt might be statute barred which could account for the problem.

 

It's obviously been passed from hand to hand over the last eight years or so (probably at a decreasing cost for each sale) which again suggests it could be a problem for the DCAs.

 

Suggest you research Arrow/Transcom using Google UK.

 

I think you'll then come to the conclusion they are quite new in the UK and could well be having problems with coming to grips with UK practices.

 

Who was the original creditor - do you in fact know?

 

There is a technique for offering a payment in full and final settlement, but the wording must be very precise and there are others (or links) to guide you.

 

By the way I have sent you a PM.

 

Regards.

 

Van