Not taking phone calls - prejudicial?

[MikeBigg]

Hi,

 

I have stopped taking phone calls from the banks and DCAs - I refuse to answer the security questions and insist on everything in writing.

 

I can't help wondering whether this may count against me should anything actually get to court.

 

I've seen the template letters which state law for why one shouldn't be called - harrassment, use of equipment etc., but reports indicate that the letters aren't very effective.

 

So, I've been thinking of another tack - that is writing a letter with reasons why I can't talk about the issues on the phone.

 

The reasons may include:

o I wouldn't have the paperwork to hand in order to answer the questions accurately

o I wouldn't have time to properly consider my answer

o I wouldn't have time to take proper advice regarding my answer

o I'm concerned that the summary write-up that would be done would not accurately reflect my sentiment - especially as it would be a summary

o I'm a little slow of thought (sadly, true) and wouldn't want this to work against me.

 

Is it worth writing a letter to the dcas explaining that I won't accept their phone calls because of the above, but that I will accept their questions by post?

 

I know it won't stop the calls, but should something get to court, should they acuse me of being uncooperative, would having that on file assist?

 

Opinions welcome, but be kind - I'm feeling a bit delicate about money stuff at the moment.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[phil_nottingham]

No save your breath and ignore them, they only want to speak to you on the phone so they can bully you and itimidate you.

[supasnooper]

Why not look at it it from another point of view and call it harrassment.

 

Have a read of this link -

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/legal-issues/195020-warning-debt-collectors-their.html

[MikeBigg]

Phil and supasnooper,

 

thanks for your replies, but I don't think either of yuo have addressed the point I was making.

 

I don't talk to them on the phone and I'm sure that their calls and harrassment will continue.

 

I'm concerned that my refusal to talk to them on the phone could be used against me should it be taken to court, so wondered whether it would be worth getting something if the file which explains my actions.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[reallymadwoman]

So long as you remain in contact with them you are entitled to use any means of contact which you consider appropriate.

 

The only time a refusal to speak on the phone could count against you is if you also refused to reply in writing or by email.

[noddyaccount]

Phil and supasnooper,

 

thanks for your replies, but I don't think either of yuo have addressed the point I was making.

 

I don't talk to them on the phone and I'm sure that their calls and harrassment will continue.

 

I'm concerned that my refusal to talk to them on the phone could be used against me should it be taken to court, so wondered whether it would be worth getting something if the file which explains my actions.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

 

In my opinion , your refusal to discuss matters on the phone would have absolutely No bearing or inference on any court proceedings . In fact if you have refused to answer any 'security ' questions , How could they show it was you refusing anyway, third parties often answer my phone and will only respond to questions in Anglo-Saxon . I really would not worry about it , the phone calls and lying letters stating Your"refusal to communicate" are deliberately designed to undermine and intimidate you on a low tap dripping level . if you are communicating with them in writing , what more is there to say , and what advantage to you to say it . A written letter demands a written reply to address the issues in the letter . Keep your chin up .

[MikeBigg]

That's great - it all makes sense - thanks.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

[noddyaccount]

That's great - it all makes sense - thanks.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

 

I am glad , to be belts and braces there is nothing wrong for your own piece of mind attaching to your next correspondence some of the points in your first post . they do make sense .The no. of times when i did speak to corporate phone jockeys they tried to put words in my mouth "so you are REFUSING to make a payment etc." or by badgering tried to get me to conform to their points was most irritating and in fact incorrect , but you can bet thats what was in their screen notes .

To reiterate , no need in itself but no harm done if appended in some way to your next response , no need for too much detail however on that point .

From my own experience , unless I am repeating myself , I like to bat a letter back enclosing photocopies of my previous correspondence and copies of recorded delivery receipts, showing by track and trace they had my previous replies whenever i get a letter . This way I feel in control and on top of it and my folder sleeves can demonstrate chronologically that no parry goes unanswered .