Here's one to make us smile!

[markdamaroyd]

Two days ago (18th Aug 2009) I received an unsecured email from a well-known debt collector, alleging a debt of less than three-thousand pounds going back to 1994. A few days ago they coaxed my elderly sister in England to giving them my home address and email address. (I am retired, living in Asia) They admitted in the email that the well-known British bank closed the account in 1994 and sold off the alleged debt. In a second email they also confirmed that no original credit agreement is in existence, but quoted the alleged agreement number. They want to know how and when I intend to pay them! During all this time, I haven't received any communication, and so obviously haven't acknowleged the alleged debt. I have sent them an email version of the Statute Barred letter. But surely emails aren't accepted as proof of communication?

[cerberusalert]

If you send a threatening email to someone you'd soon find out whether it was accepted as proof of communication or not.

[markdamaroyd]

Mmm! Whose is the most threatening? Their demand or the content of the statute barred letter? But seriously, I don't know if emails are acceptable in the legal requirements in this field. Thanks for the comment.

[Big_Bother!]

I Can just see some door step collector(they work on Commision) told to go and visit you in Asia! Do these morons not read peoples' addresses?

[markdamaroyd]

I think the overall cost to be on my doorstep would strip down their profits nicely!

[cerberusalert]

Mmm! Whose is the most threatening? Their demand or the content of the statute barred letter? But seriously, I don't know if emails are acceptable in the legal requirements in this field. Thanks for the comment.

 

Yes they are. Emails are used regularly both in legal & financial circles and are often produced as evidence of communication.

 

Some programs such as Outlook have a function where you can request receipt of delivery too, although the recipient can refuse it. So I tend to make hard copies of important emails & also open the email 'properties' and make a hard copy of that too. The properties gives all the details of the email including dates, servers used, IP addresses etc.

[markdamaroyd]

Thanks so much for a detailed and informative reply.

[Undercover-Elsa]

Hi

As a backup so you have clear proof you could also send it online via howtocomplain.com

 

 

Elsa x

[markdamaroyd]

Ta so much, Elsa!

[markdamaroyd]

It took just 48 hours to receive the final letter from the debt collectors, confirming the case is now closed and no further action will be taken. Thanks to everyone contributing on this helpful forum, and especially the brilliant wording of the library letters. Good luck to you all.

[cerberusalert]

Well done, a little less profit for this nefarious industry.

[Undercover-Elsa]

Result

Well done markdamaroyd!

Elsa x

[bigkacker]

I would tread very carefully with this one if I were you.

 

This does not sound like a Debt Collection Agency at all this sounds like a [problem]. I have worked for several Debt Collection Agencies and never have we contacted a customer by e-mail.

 

Also ask your self this. Which Debt Collection Agency in the right mind would send a letter/e-mail to a debtor stating that the debt is statute barred and unenforceable and that they have no credit agreement when asking for payment.

 

I would not even grace this with a reply.

[markdamaroyd]

Hi! It seems your comments got here after I announced a result. It was a recognised debt collector, I just chose not to name them. But they didn't admit statute barred - that's what I pointed out to them. This resulted in them admitting defeat and closing the account.

[cerberusalert]

This does not sound like a Debt Collection Agency at all this sounds like a [problem]. I have worked for several Debt Collection Agencies and never have we contacted a customer by e-mail.

DCAs email all the time, besides when it's the only method of contact they have they have little choice.