Harrassment by DCAs

[itsnotme]

Hi

 

We are sick to death of some of the Debt Collection Agencies harrassing us for debt that I have not run up - but a relative of mine, who has a similar name.

 

We have answered their cards and called them, explained that I am a different person to who they are looking for, but yet, 1 month down the line we then get a threatening letter from them demanding monies owing.

 

It is frustrating that we explain all this to them and then we still get the letters. A previous one - going back over a year now, basically called me a liar - which I am genuinely not. So now due to having to spend my time researching their "target" and doing their job finding where they now live, I have invoiced the current one for this time and have stated that anymore time spent on dealing with this will incur further charges.

 

How can we stop them? I have explained that I haven't spoken to them in over 6 years and gave them all of the information I could have given as I moved away and so did they. If I can do the digging around and finding out where they live, why can't these companies do this?

 

This is causing no end of stress on myself and my wife.

 

Can anyone shed any light on this before, it gets all nasty.

 

Thanks In Advance

 

ITSNOTME!

[coledog]

Can you name and shame the agency(s) involved? (Hello and welcome, by the way)

[itsnotme]

Hi, thanks for the welcome

 

Well...... Westscot SPV at Hull (which trying to locate them showed up your page and how they have not conformed to the CCA) and IND at Stamford.

 

The one last year unfortunately, I cannot remember their name - but I could have swung for them.

 

ItsNotMe!

[coledog]

Yes - Westcott, I think it is? are idiots - do not know the others. You need to start reporting them to the appropriate authorities. Best to start with Consumer Direct helpline and ask them to report to Trading standards also the OFT, you can report by email and post.

 

Send a strong letter headed COMPLAINT to the muppets saying this has nothing to do with you and that you have reported them. Do not acknowledge that you know the person or try to help them find them - just say that this is not you.

 

NEVER ever phone them, put everything in writing with a 'Copy to:' heading quoting Trading Standards and OFT.

[itsnotme]

Too late, for that - I had told them this before consulting on here. I will know for next time.

 

One thing though, can they affect out credit rating?

[coledog]

You should check your credit reports to ensure that they have not registered any association between you and this person and take it up with the CRA if they have. You need to state that you have no financial association with this person.

 

It is not too late to complain as these people are harassing you and this is what you are complaining about. You have told them the truth but they are taking no notice and you want them to leave you alone. Do you know which company they are collecting the debt on behalf of as you can complain to them also and tell them to call the vultures off?

[Guest Cartaphilus]

Okay found that company now on an old thread/post here ...

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?132901

[itsnotme]

Thanks Cartaphilus for that!!

 

Yes Coledog, I am sure they will try to call me tomorrow as I left my number on the email I sent, which I have told them it will cost £32 per hour (or part of) to speak to me.

[Guest Cartaphilus]

So now due to having to spend my time researching their "target" and doing their job finding where they now live, I have invoiced the current one for this time and have stated that anymore time spent on dealing with this will incur further charges.

 

Guess you don't like this relative of yours much if you went to the trouble of tracing him/her down for them. (Sorry, just saying that in jest)

[itsnotme]

Well this is true Cartaphilus - I don't like them at all. But if I can do it, why can't they or do they just go for the easier option?

[Guest Cartaphilus]

Would you like my family, instead? There are reasons I don't invite them to my house for example. Best shot of them, so I know how you are feeling all too well. You can pick your friends, but not family as the old saying goes.

 

PS I wouldn't wish them on anyone. Well, maybe a few DCAs I would.

Edited October 24, 2010 by Cartaphilus

[itsnotme]

Hehehe - nah your alright

[unclebulgaria67]

Don't forget to check your credit records to see if these companies have noted your record in error. Experian, Equifax are the main ones and there is also Call Credit. Worth checking all, as records do vary. All offer a free trial if you remember to cancel.

 

I have been in this situation. You have to write to them by recorded delivery with the relatives address and phone number if you have the info. But be prepared to still receive communications if your relative does not cooperate with these companies. Your address is noted against the relatives credit record, so until the address is updated on their record you will be hassled.

[Guest Cartaphilus]

The other thing here is - and I have also found myself in the same position, but not a relative, though I knew where the person on the letters sent to where I lived at the time had moved to because of how well I knew the area I lived in ie semi-rural, small communities and so on; this was a very long time before I knew anything about anything of much use to the situation, the more I did the more they just kept sending them, the only thing they didn't have was my new telephone number, as the phoneline had to be physically reattached to the house I lived in - the more you contact them the more they will hassle you. They are a bit like piranhas, won't let go.

 

But complain as already suggested.

[PGH7447]

Personally I would just return their letters unopenend with not at this address written on it, why stress out over it, not your debt not your problem, let the fools waste their time trying to find people dont do their job for them, and if you do open it then use their envelope and sent it back minus a stamp of course

[Guest Cartaphilus]

My brain appears to have fallen out lately, either that or I am thinking too much but I totally misssed suggesting what PG did. It's what I did in my situation, in fact I tore a load of them up in the end, as the DCA just wasn't getting the message when you wrote on the envelope 'not at this address'. Not my problem.