MackenzieHall sending letters for me in my name to ex-lodgers new address

[arnayel678]

I am disputing a debt (for a BTL property which was reposessed) and this debt seems to have been bought by M/hall as I am now receiving letters from them.

1) I'm disputing the amount owing as the property would have had to be practically given away, the "debt" is nearly as much as the outstanding mortgage. Any help/templates in this matter would be very appreciated.

 

M/hall wrote to me at my address, that's why I've assumed that they must have bought the debt. As I've not been in touch with them - as I'm disputing it, but do i need to tell them that? - they have sent letters to my ex-lodger's new address but in my name. My ex-lodger contacted them to query this and was told that it was because "there is/was a financial link between the person named and you". There is not and never has been any financial link concerning the ex-lodger and myself, the only link is that he once lived at my address. Can they do this, is it legal? He also asked that no references were made concerning this debt at his address on any CRA - they said that this wouldn't happen, but should he check? And can he sue them id they have done this? Does this come under the data protection/invasion of privacy laws, in that my ex-lodger now knows my financial information? Can I sue them for this? Again, any help and/or letter templates would be very much appreciated.

[dadofholly]

Yes they have broken both the law - and of course debt collection guidlines.

 

Here is a link to the Information Commissioner on how to complain. They also do a leaflet on how to take companies to court. Youmay have to complain to the company itself first - am not sure - but there is a helpline number for the IC that you can ring for advice.

 

http://www.ico.gov.uk/complaints.aspx

 

You should also complain about this to the Office of Fair Trading. here is a link on debt collection guidance. You will see they have breached this.

 

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/consumer_credit/oft664.pdf

 

There is a link where you can complain to the OFT - i advise that you do complain. I will contact someone i know who should be able to post the link for you.

[babybear39]

TS via comsumer direct will do both TS and the OFT

[arnayel678]

Thanks very much for your help. This was my first posting so I was a bit nervous about it and wasn't sure whether I'd explained or asked things properly. I'll do as you suggest, as I find this behaviour outrageous and feel that they should not be allowed to get away with it.

 

Thanks to CAG and all who provide help and answers.

[babybear39]

Oops! Didn't realise you're a new member...

 

Velcome to ze wampire crypt

[dadofholly]

arnayel - also dont forget their are people here who may be able to help with the actual debt - or at least give you good advice.

[coledog]

Link to OFT

 

http://www.oft.gov.uk/contactus

 

 

but you must ring Consumer Direct and insist that a complaint to be sent Trading Standards - Alan Stewart at East Ayrshire Trading Standards, I think is the person there dealing with this shower. Don't let Consumer Direct fob you off insist that they register a complaint.

 

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/contact

Edited December 31, 2010 by coledog