Mother Currently Paying DCA - Unsure of debt?

[Garage_1]

Hi

 

First time I have posted on this site so sure if this is the right place to post... but need some advice.

I've just found out that my mother has been paying x2 DCA for approx 4 years. The debts are both are about 8-10 years old but she is still paying approx £40 a month to them. One via cheque every month and one by direct debit.

 

After speaking to her, she is unsure if one of the debts belong to her. I was living aboard at the time and she just got scared by the letters and phonecalls she was receiving. I'd like to help her find out exactly what she owes and put a stop to it all.

 

So, the question I have is, what should my first step be? Should I send out a CCA letter to both debt agencies and ask my mum to stop paying ASAP until we can determine what we/if we owe them etc? What is the difference between a CCA and a SAR - i.e. should I send an SAR instead?

 

The debts ( I think) were orginally with RBS and consists of a credit card and loan as an FYI

 

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

[huggy41]

check to see if these show on your mums credit referance file ie. equifax or experian do a free trial period. if these debts do not show up on there STOP PAYING.

 

some one with more help will give more but it's getting on so maybe in the morning more help will be available.

 

oh and WELCOME TO CAG

[huggy41]

Cancel that DIRECT DEBIT NOW and if you have to pay then only do it by standing order. that way your in controll

[dx100uk]

Hi G1

 

its a diff one to call, the cra will poss give some clues hopefully.

 

though it could be that they have been defaulted or even CCJ'd more than 6yrs ago and have fallen off.

 

however, even if there was a CCJ involved, i doubt the DCA got them, more probable the OC

and a straight 'transfer' is not allowed without going back to court.

 

even if they dca's 'do' produce a CCA, it still doesn't meanthe debts are enforceable.

 

it might be an idea to get a couple of cra files

 

and if they dont show - stop paying & await the letters

then comeback here.

 

just warn your mother about not talking on the phone/not bailiffs etc etc

 

incase she gets spoofed again.

 

dx

[Garage_1]

Thanks for both of your replies. I'll do a check on Experian and try and go from there. Thanks again.

[Garage_1]

Hi, I've just done a credit search on my mother (Equifax) and none of the debts are on the report.

I'm waiting for the pin for Experian account but if they both don't show the debts...should I tell my mum to stop paying and send a CCA Letter? Or because she has been paying them for so long, does that 'prove' she has accepted the debt. Any advice would be most welcomed. Thanks

[drop47]

For what its worth i would send the cca now. If after 14 days they have not replied then stop paying. Probably worth stopping paying now but keep the money handy just in case an enforceable debt comes back

[Nagasis]

I don't know old your mother is but have you considered writing to the dcas in question stating you are now acting on behalf of your mother and provide written authorisation.

 

I did this and explained that due to her age and condition I wouldn't tolerate any harassment . Worked quite well with most.