Lowell Finance For Hsbc

[dizzydeedee]

About 6 years ago I had an account with HSBC, and an overdraft facility (i think, but only for £100 if i remember rightly). I was ironically enough working for Baines and Ernst at the time, a debt consolidation company in Manchester.

 

I ended up leaving here and as I received my final pay into my account, I decided to draw it all out (it wasn't that much!!) and spend it on some things we needed for our home.

 

However, the same day as I had drawn the money out, Baines and Ernst decided they had overpaid me and took the money back out of my account, therefore causing me to go above my overdraft limit. Not receiving any money into this account, I didn't know until I had received a letter from HSBC demanding the account to be brought up to date.

 

I angrily rang them and said I didn't know that people were allowed to take money out of my account without my permission (and it didn't have an overdraft facility on it or anything). They said if they had paid money in they had to the close of business to take the money back. I was that annoyed I stomped my feet and told them that there was no way I was paying for what I classed as their mistake, and asked them how they expected me to seeing as I no longer had an income.

 

I didn't hear a thing, then out of the blue, 6 years later ot there abouts, a letter came from Lowell Finance to tell me that they had taken over the debt. I angrily phoned them and said if I was liable for it why had HSBC not contacted me since I disputed it 6 years before? Again, being the push over that I am, I had to agree to pay it back. At the end of the day its only £10 per month I have to pay them, but its the cheekiness of it I cant get over.

 

Is there anything I can do for this or do I have to just grin and bear it? I have to admit to being in quite a bit of debt, although I am starting to get there. I just don't feel its fair that people seem to take advantage of me when I am at my lowest.

[ecobabe]

well it's a shame that you agreed to start paying them because after 6 years it's time barred. but you can cca them just the same as before

[dizzydeedee]

How can I CCA them when I never signed an agreement that I am aware of? What will that achieve?

[gravitas]

absolutely nothing

[dizzydeedee]

so basically its just tough then is that right? i've been done by these muppets?

[dannyboy660]

You could try just ignoring them, or challenge them to take Court action. It's highly unlikely that they will actually do anything because it costs them money to take you to court. If you contest it, which you should do given the situation, it may end up costing them more money than the debt is worth.

 

Remember, Lowell are a private company trying to make a few quid at the expense of others. They bought this "debt" for about 20 quid, and a court case will cost them at least double that, with no guarantee they get anything back at the end. They'll try and scare you into paying up.

 

For all their threats and snotty letters they have no real authority, although they like to give that impression.

 

Tell them to take a hike.

[dannyboy660]

....and as a PS,

 

I forgot to say don't buckle when you start getting letters from Hampton Legal, which you undoubtedly will. Lowell Financial and Hampton Legal are one and the same. They use the company name Hampton Legal in the hope the word 'Legal' will be enough to pressure you into submitting. Keep the letters - they could be useful if it becomes necessary to defend any (unlikely) court process.

 

Remember, they have no real authority. It's all scare tactics.

 

All the best.

[gravitas]

Yer then it gets passed to their actual litigation dept who are called Hamptons legal, so everything tallies up when they actually do issue proceedings on you like they do with thousands a month

[dannyboy660]

Yer then it gets passed to their actual litigation dept who are called Hamptons legal, so everything tallies up when they actually do issue proceedings on you like they do with thousands a month

 

 

They must be losing a hell of a lot money spending pounds chasing pennies, but that's the mentality of Lowells. Yes, Hamptons and Lowells are the same company, and perhaps someone in "Hamptons" has the nouse to spot when they're in danger of actually losing out. How else could they survive chasing disputed cases such as this, where the amount is so small??

 

It only needs the backbone to argue your point over these disputed matters when/if it goes to court, and receiving that letter saying "District Recorder (or whoever) has directed this case to be struck out" is a very satisfying feeling.

 

In truth, very few people actually have action taken against them for small amounts, for the obvious reasons stated.

 

Gravitas, didn't you get your bonus this month?? You seem to be quite determined to defend Lowell in particular judging by your posts.....regardless of whether they are right or wrong. Very similar to another guy I know; Steve23 ;-)

[ODC]

Yer then it gets passed to their actual litigation dept who are called Hamptons legal, so everything tallies up when they actually do issue proceedings on you like they do with thousands a month

As far as I can see Hampton legal just issue the same EMPTY threats as the guys and gals on the Lowell and Red Debt desks. The only difference in the threats is the different headings on the begging letters. Hampton Legal are not actually a firm of solicitors but merely a trading style of the Lowell Group. If they try to pass themselves off as solicitors that would be against the law. Everyone knows Lowells solictors are a well known London firm.

[johnnymitch]

How can I CCA them when I never signed an agreement that I am aware of? What will that achieve?

 

If they can't produce evidence of the debt ........ there is no debt:). The onus is on them to prove it exists.... and if they can't - tell them to take a hike ...