home visit from DTS Limited over PDL 'debt'

[nonymouse]

Hi

 

I've received a postcard this morning from DTS Limited, stating that they intend to send a 'Doorstep Collection Agent' this coming Friday between 8am and 8pm. I'm assuming DTS are chasing me for a payday loan I had many moons ago and have been trying to sort out directly with the company to no avail.

 

Two things bother me about this:

 

1. I don't like the idea of a stranger turning up at my door, even though I know I don't have to let them in. Can anyone recommed a letter I can send to them and/or hand to them if they do turn up?

 

2. The postcard wasn't in an envelope, and my houemate (who knows nothing about the debt concerned) is now asking awkward questions about why a debt collector is turning up at our house. Surely this is a data protection breach?

 

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[cerberusalert]

Send this to the Merkins;

 

Dear Sirs,

 

Please be advised that I am only prepared to communicate with you in writing. OFT rules and regulations clearly state that you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make an appointment with you. There is only an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v. Sheppard and Short Ltd [1959] 2 Q.B. per Lord Evershed M.R.).

 

Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives, to visit me at my property and if you persist in sending “doorstep callers” to my home, you will be reported for harassment and be liable for damages for a tort of trespass. You would also be liable for conspiring in a tort of trespass by acting in defiance of my instructions and sending someone to visit me nevertheless.

 

Should it be necessary, I will obtain an injunction.

 

Yours sincerely,

[nonymouse]

That's great, thank you so much!! Do you think I should append it with something along the lines that they're in breach of Data Protection by sending mail that can be read by someone else (like, the postman!) even though it's a private matter?

[cas93]

Hi nonymouse

 

You need to contact them (e-mail? text message?) telling them that you do not wish to be contacted by any other means than written letter ( i think some of them consider text message to be in writing !). If you have to phone them to tell them this, DO NOT get drawn into any type of discussion. When they write to you and you know what its about you could send them a cca request - see if they can find one, or they may just pass it back to original lender. If they dont comply with your request keep a record of all attempts to visit and phone calls.

 

Having read around on the forum I have learned that you should never talk to them - make sure everything is in writing. Keep copies of everything.

 

regards

 

cas

[cerberusalert]

That's great, thank you so much!! Do you think I should append it with something along the lines that they're in breach of Data Protection by sending mail that can be read by someone else (like, the postman!) even though it's a private matter?

 

No, just send as is. But keep the card for any future complaint.