HFO Again!

[coledog]

Complaints to Consumer Direct and OFT, definitely, as we know there is a contact there looking at HFO so the more complaints that are brought to their attention the better. Ensure that you directly send OFT all the correspondence from HFO and a log of their calls and content (recordings too if you can get them). No need to quote their guidelines although it is worth looking at these but do emphasise the distress this is causing you.

 

OFT do not deal with individual cases but do compile a dossier of all complaints and are the only people who can do something about this company. Trading Standards can be helpful but can also be busy and understaffed so not always sure that they pick up on everything and pass it on.

 

HFO are not necessarily 'breaking the law' as such but there is guidance on how they should behave

 

 

OFT Guidance link

 

This helps when drafting a letter to OFT

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/content.php?416-The-OFT-Debt-collection-guidance

[theghost]

Any complaint made via Consumer Direct will be accesible to the OFT. They no doubt run database checks to see the latest trends etc

 

I am unsure whether they actually WANT people to send stuff in to them or whether its a hassle for them. Afterall if they require evidence they can always phone the complainer back from Consumer Direct data.

 

Also bear in mind many TS departments take responsibility for businesses in their areas, and if one particular company is causing a lot of hassle to consumers in their area then they will look into it. Therefore, things should not totally bypass TS (hence why CD is the best as it makes the data available everywhere).

[coledog]

True but OFT want the evidence, believe me.

[DonkeyB]

There is very good reason to complain to the OFT. Every time!

[DonkeyB]

... because it's the OFT that issues and controls consumer credit licences.

[coledog]

It is a must, do not rely on Trading standards.

[chunky500]

Hi just a quick question - can a DCA take you to court with just a credit agreement but no statement of account? How can they tell what has been paid off from the loan already?

Cheers

[broken arrow]

Hi just a quick question - can a DCA take you to court with just a credit agreement but no statement of account? How can they tell what has been paid off from the loan already?

Cheers

 

Yes they can make a claim without any documents.

[chunky500]

I don't get it - what if I say I paid it off? It was doorstep collection so would not show on any bank statements.

[coledog]

They can make a claim, but thy may have great difficulty in convincing a judge of the true facts - so would you I am afraid, it is a bit of a lottery

[broken arrow]

the less evidence they have, weakens their case.

[chunky500]

Looks from the threads that HFO have been busy today - Today we qualified for a special 50% discount on a statute barred debt!!! I feel so lucky lol

[coledog]

Straight to OFT then, ASAP

[sir_gilmour]

Hi

Welcome to The Consumer Action Group.

 

 

I am just letting you know that as you haven't had any replies to your post yet, it might be better if you post your message again in an appropriate sub-forum. You will get lots of help there.

 

Also take some time to read around the forum and get used to the layout. It is a big forum and takes a lot of getting used to.

 

 

Once you start to find your way, you will soon realise that it is fairly easy to get round and to get the help you need.

 

It can be bit confusing at first.

[chunky500]

Just a little update - HFO no longer write to us since the statute barred letter but they do phone once a month (usual rubbish). However I thought I would warn people I am 99 percent sure they phoned this week pretending to be another company angling for a mobile number. They have been desperate to get a mobile number for a while - not sure why as we do answer the house phone. Anyway just thought I would warn people to be careful who you are talking to.

[coledog]

WHY are HFO phoning you after you have informed them that this is SB? They should not be contacting you at all!! Please have a look at the OFT guidelines http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/content.php?416-The-OFT-Debt-collection-guidance . I would also suggest that you give Consumer Direct a ring and lodge a complaint http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/contact

[coledog]

Are you able to record any calls? Can you log the calls that you have received with times and dates?

[chunky500]

Have complained a couple of times to OFT will try consumer direct. We have been writing down when they call - we haven't said to them when they ring that it is SB usually just hang up. I'm not really bothered if they do phone - its not very often and I think even the HFO woman is fed up with it. I did email and said I wanted to make a complaint about their telephone operator and asked for their complaints procedure but didn't hear anything back. Do you think I should write to them again and say they haven't sent an answer to the SB letter?

In addition Welcome have been rubbish and haven't sent us confirmation of who the account was sold to or a statement of account ho hum.

[coledog]

OFT cannot intervene in individual cases but Consumer Direct can. I would suggest that you resend a copy of the SB letter to HFO with a covering letter asking that they confirm receipt of this letter and cease all collection activity forthwith. Add 'Copy to OFT' to the HFO letter and make sure that you send a copy to them. send to HFO by recorded delivery and check they have received it.

[chunky500]

Thanks Coledog will do

[coledog]

Anything from your OFT complaint yet?

[chunky500]

Sorry slack I know but have only just got round to writing to the OFT again so haven't heard anything back as yet.

[coledog]

As long as you keep updating OFT - thanks! Most important to do this

[chunky500]

Just to let you know OFT have contacted us about our complaint against HFO

Edited September 9, 2011 by chunky500

[DonkeyB]

Bloody hell. Something is afoot. Wouldn't like to be Bingo Turnbull right now. Bet he's discovering that the colour of fear is brown - now he'll learn what it's like to be on the receiving end.

 

Excellent!