EX Barclays account/being chased by BMT

[Diggedag]

In September/October 2005, I went traveling in Europe and came back in Jan/Feb 2006. I started work and went to Barclays to get another cash card. They had closed my account which had been overdrawn by me. Now some private company is approaching me for repayment. I have no problem with it in principle. However, they are claiming around twice as much as I owed Barclays. What can I do? (I have no problem with paying back what I owed - around £300, but they are asking for £700).

Many thanks in advance!

[MARTIN3030]

Welcome to the site.First of all I suggest that you get a copy of your credit file and see exactly what is registered there.It costs only £2.00 and takes about 7-10 days.

Secondly,Ask the company that is chasing the debt to provide you with a financial statement that shows how the balance of £700 is calculated.

You should make this by formal notice in writing under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 as ammended.

Additionally you should ask them to confirm if the own the account,when they bought it.evidence of assignment,and a copy of the original agreement that you signed with the original creditor.Letters for this are available on the site.You only need to add that you want account transaction info in addition to the above.

Dont forget to send the fee of £1.00 and send recorded delivery keeping a copy.

Would be a good idea if you could say who is the collection agency,and also start a thread in the debt forums.

[Diggedag]

Hello Martin3030,

First, many thanks for your speedy reply!

The company who called me is called BMT - that's what the representative said on the phone. I am sure that they recorded the phone call as the rep 'made me' state my name and address. How they got hold of my details is a riddle to me.

I am entirely new to such a forum and thought that I had started a thread with this topic.

I also do not know how to obtain a copy of my credit file (does this mean my 'credit rating'?) and will start a thread. Hope that's okay.

Thanks a lot, again! I will try to locate the mentioned letters here on the site.

[MARTIN3030]

Ok you can get a copy of your credit report by writing requesting it,enclosing 2.00.

There are 3 principle Credit reference agencies;

Experian

Equifax

Callcredit

There are a number of ways they could have got hold of your details.

The golden rule is not to deal with them by phone.Tell them to put anything to you in writing.

I will start your thread in the debt forums and move this there.

In those forums you can read about the Credit reference agencies,and find the letters that you need to be sending.

Theres lots of people with the same issues who will help you-feel free to ask.

[Diggedag]

I believe, I have to revise my opinion of people in general. You have been very helpful, indeed, and kind of given me some reassurance. I will post my experience - whichever way it goes - here for people to read. Many thanks!