Disputed Debt & Debt Collection Agencies

[Sam199]

Hi all,

 

Last year our family pet was admitted to a veterinary practice while in the care of a Dog Sitter.

 

 

We were led to believe by the sitter that she was fully insured and the costs would be covered.

 

 

However it now turns out that she wasn't fully insured and has completely blocked all contact with us.

 

We have paid the veterinary practice for the treatment that we authorised and are in the process of claiming that back through the courts.

 

However today we have received a threatening telephone call from a Debt Collection Agency

collecting the outstanding balance on the account.

 

 

However we believe (and a solicitor has also suggested) that that money should only be paid by the Dog Sitter.

 

Does anyone have any advise on how to deal with the Collection Agency?

[i hate bailiffs]

There is no point in speaking on the phone

They will threaten with all sorts they want your money

 

If they ring you refuse any security questions if they have anything important they will write to you

 

Tell them in writing only and hang up

[Sam199]

I suppose my question really is how do i go about contesting a debt that isn't mine.

 

I would like to avoid going to court, Are these companies allowed to do this without looking into who owes the debt?

[dx100uk]

a DCA is NOT A BAILIFF

 

 

they have NO SUCH LEGAL POWERS.

 

 

pers I'd be ignoring them.

 

 

dx

[i hate bailiffs]

I suppose my question really is how do i go about contesting a debt that isn't mine.

 

I would like to avoid going to court, Are these companies allowed to do this without looking into who owes the debt?

 

Sounds a long way off court you could defend it if you do not owe it

 

Ignore debt collector let them write to you

Any negotiations should be direct with the vet as all debt collector will want is money

[OnMyWayOut]

Knowing someone who runs a pet sitting business, the vet's bill would normally be paid by the pet owner unless it was down to something that was the direct responsibility of the pet sitter, such as being involved in an accident whilst walking the dog. If it was for a normal illness or condition then why should the pet sitter's insurance have to pay for it? There's not enough information in the original post to determine the reason for the visit to the vets to be sure of the situation.

[Sam199]

Knowing someone who runs a pet sitting business, the vet's bill would normally be paid by the pet owner unless it was down to something that was the direct responsibility of the pet sitter, such as being involved in an accident whilst walking the dog. If it was for a normal illness or condition then why should the pet sitter's insurance have to pay for it? There's not enough information in the original post to determine the reason for the visit to the vets to be sure of the situation.

 

Hi OnMyWayOut,

 

The pet sitter left a first floor window open (Which was at floor level), our dog then fell from the window and sustained serious injuries. Sorry i should have explained that in the original post

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

Hi OnMyWayOut,

 

The pet sitter left a first floor window open (Which was at floor level), our dog then fell from the window and sustained serious injuries. Sorry i should have explained that in the original post

Which debt collection agency is this? there's a couple of so called specialist in the vet debt field that

have been dealt with here.

[Sam199]

Its Debt Solve UK LTD

[OnMyWayOut]

Hi OnMyWayOut,

 

The pet sitter left a first floor window open (Which was at floor level), our dog then fell from the window and sustained serious injuries. Sorry i should have explained that in the original post

In that case it should be covered under the pet sitter's indemnity insurance, the same as if they left a tap running and flooded the place. My friend has to have this insurance and a CRB check which are available to customers for inspection. If your sitter was claiming to be insured and was not, then I would be inclined to let Trading Standards know as well.

 

OMWO

[ScarletPimpernel]

I'd be asking the DCA (in writing only), for a copy of the paperwork their client is relying upon to establish liability. This should enable you to establish whether the dog-sitter accepted liability but didn't pay, or if she had some insurance but they refused to pay, and ultimately why the vet holds you liable, especially if you didn't initially instruct them.

 

As Brig says, there are a couple of DCAs that are 'vet specialists'; sometimes they buy (or factor) accounts, and sometimes they act for the vet. In the past we've seen vet practices being very unhelpful when their invoice has been factored; in their eyes they've been paid and washed their hands of the matter.

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

Its Debt Solve UK LTD

Yes I know of them Worcester based, Linda Brooks is the MD Mike Brooks does the "leg work".

 

 

The advice you have been given is correct the sitter should be paying.

 

 

I would suggest sending Linda Brooks a " prove it letter" e.g. I do not acknowledge any debt to Debt Solve UK or its client.

The alleged debt is subject to a dispute and litigation.

No further correspondence can be entered into.

[ScarletPimpernel]

Its Debt Solve UK LTD

 

 

 

They're one of the agencies that 'specialise' in vet's practices. We've seen them before.

[Sam199]

Yes I know of them Worcester based, Linda Brooks is the MD Mike Brooks does the "leg work".

 

 

The advice you have been given is correct the sitter should be paying.

 

 

I would suggest sending Linda Brooks a " prove it letter" e.g. I do not acknowledge any debt to Debt Solve UK or its client.

The alleged debt is subject to a dispute and litigation.

No further correspondence can be entered into.

 

Thanks very much Brigadier! I will do this now

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

Thanks very much Brigadier! I will do this now

 

 

Please let us know what happens.