Lowells - Have they finally gone too far? **WON**

[removalman]

Hello All,

 

This is my first posting and for the last few months I've been watching with keen interest the numerous postings on this great site about Lowells.

Based upon some of the things I've been reading, I have every reason to believe that they have have now just gone one step too far in their dealings with me and I'm looking for some guidance as to the best course of action open to me.

 

First of all some brief background...

 

I started being harrassed by the Lowells, Hamptons, Red threatograms about a year ago over a disputed Barclaycard debt. The debt has been consistently denied as its not owed. The letters from these people get increasingly aggressive to the point where they seem to be just about to take legal action but then of course they don't (because they can't prove the debt). Then the merry-go-round just starts up all over again. For the record, my financial position is such that if I honestly thought I owed Barclaycard (or their alleged assignees) the money I would pay it immediately. I would be happier spending the money (if I had to) on lawyers.

 

That's the background done, now to the present state of play...

 

On 15th October I wrote (enclosing my PO for £1.00) requesting a copy of the CCA. Got the typical reply a day later about "endeavouring" to do so within 12 days etc. Suffice to say, its now five weeks later I've not heard any further from them.

 

However, last week a firm of solicitors called MacKenzie Hall phoned me about the debt (which was a tad surprising given that I was under the impression that until they produced the CCA they couldn't take any further action). Anyway the debt was duly denied and in yesterdays post came a letter from Mackenzie Hall requesting payment or court action blah blah blah.

 

So now what do I do?

 

I've seen suggestions on some threads here that Lowells may actually be committing a criminal offence? If that's true, then I would love to go to the police and make a complaint - but on what grounds? I would want to make sure that I had it exactly right as to the offence they may be guilty of as it would be great for these people to be on the receiving end of some harrassment for a change.

 

What other avenues are open to me?

 

I've seen some very mixed messages on here about the relative effectiveness/knowledge of Trading Standards - so would that be a waste of time?

 

Should I approach the OFT or the FSA? They're also presumably in breach of some Data Protection regulations if they've passed my details onto MacKenzie Hall.

 

Or perhaps in the first instance I should write direct to Lowells to make them aware of what I may do and give them seven days to end this harrassment once and for all. Perhaps I ought to make sure that MacKenzie Hall are made aware that as they are a party to any alleged breaches that they are potentially in the firing line too?

 

Would welcome advice, guidlines, opinions etc.

[removalman]

Thanks to EVERYONE for your replies this morning, its been most helpful.

I've decided to send the appropriate letter to Mackenzie Hall but I'm going to wait another week or so before I write to Lowells as I want to wait the full 30 + 12 days which is not quite there yet.

Is that a sensible course?

I'm still intrigued by the prospect of them being potentially guilty of a criminal offence - has anyone got any experience of making this stick and involving the Police or is it just theory thats never been tested?

 

[removalman]

Hello again to everyone. I thought it was an idea to give you an update:

I wrote to Mackenzie Hall in line with the template suggested in this forum and they replied within two days confirming that I will not hear from them again. Hurrah!! So one down, just one to go - Lowells!

These people can be beaten. But I couldn't have done it without the superb knowledge available from everyone on this site. So thank you!

All said and done, it does have a slightly hollow victory as the debt was never owed in the first place but right this minute there is a sense of relief that the harrassment is coming to an end.

Regards,

Tony.

[removalman]

I most certainly will!

Wrapped in Cotton Wool (and scaned and saved).

 

Cheers!

[removalman]

Job done!

Went through the Lowells complaints procedure (a waste of two weeks) but have today got a letter from them confirming their files are now closed!

This wouldn't have happened without the knowledge and support of the the clever people on this site - so many thanks to one and all - and seasons greetings to you all.

Lowells can be beaten - and thats the best Xmas pressie of all!

Cheers!

 

[removalman]

Many thanks to you all for your kind words!

I'm feeling very smug (which is great) but I'm also mindful that I allowed Lowells to cause me one or two sleepless nights along the way.

What a find this website forum this is!

Merry Xmas all!

[removalman]

Keep them safe and wrapped in cotton wool!