Buchanan Clark & Wells & Scottish Power debt

[zander]

I've just been informed by Scottish Power that they have passed an outstanding sum to BC&W. I had an arrangement with S Power to pay £30 per month against a gas bill dating back 6 years. Due to their inability to provide me with a bill despite numerous letters & calls, once the amount was eventually agreed, I told them I was not paying in full hence the monthly figure. I completely forgot to make 2 months payments and called SP to catch up whereby they informed me it was passed to BC&W. Spoke with someone @ BC&W (no correspondence received from them) who said it was escalating to the sherrif court for full payment and that they can call it in within 24hrs??!. Anyone out there able to advise? Also recived a text message today to call them on a premium number yet still no communication?

[zander]

Furthet to a post I made yesterday, recived phone call from this company saying I don't respond to their correspondence when I've not had any! Apart from a text asking to call their premium rate number, they have not communicated. If it were not for my own discovery that Scottish Power had passed this on to them, I'd be none the wiser. Explained to the caller that I would only deal in written communication and not to call again. Have had a look around the site for some guidance pertaining to written confirmation that a DCA has taken over the debt, but no success. Any one able to offer advice?

[zander]

Finally, communication received from bc&w regarding my Scottish Power problem. They have added an admin charge of 15% to "compensate" clients costs. Usual threat of a debt investigation officer coming round which would then increase the charge to 35%!! The amount due is not disputed by me as I stated in previous post (although I've not told bc&w that) I did have a payment arrangement with S Power after their abject failure to provide me with a gas bill for 6 years. Anybody have any advice? would be greatly appreciated.

[lookinforinfo]

First send them a CCA request along with the fee of £1 postal order.

At the same time ask them to provide a copy of the regulations that allow them to charge an administration fee of 15% and the further 35% for a debt

investigation visit.

Send a copy of their letter [and yours to BCW]to your local Trading Standards office asking for their opinion as to the legality of the fees charged.

 

Sorry I am unfamiliar with your earlier posts-will have a look later.

[zander]

Ta very much for your assistance. I'll do just that.

[pmhcfc]

Furthet to a post I made yesterday, recived phone call from this company saying I don't respond to their correspondence when I've not had any! Apart from a text asking to call their premium rate number, they have not communicated. If it were not for my own discovery that Scottish Power had passed this on to them, I'd be none the wiser. Explained to the caller that I would only deal in written communication and not to call again. Have had a look around the site for some guidance pertaining to written confirmation that a DCA has taken over the debt, but no success. Any one able to offer advice?

 

Send them a CCA- look in library (template letters) Send £1 postal order and send it recorded...I don't think BC & W actually purchase debts, could be wrong though... A CCA will tell you though . keep us posted... update: Utility debts, I believe, are not covered by CCA requests...best get this checked by someone else as Im not 100% sure

[stan5131]

If you have not received any written communication, then I would do nothing.

 

If they write to you, simply write back saying you do not acknowledge the debt and ask them for proof. If you owe the money, then it would be wise to make an offer of payments that you can easily afford, once they have sent proof of the debt. Just be careful to check that they have not added any charges on.

[zander]

Thanks folks. I sent of a cca request yesterday although I was unsure whether utilities were covered. They have added charges; 15%! then 35% if they send an "investigation officer" round!! I asked them in my letter to provide me with details regarding their charges and where in the regulations it states that their extortionate fee is reasonable.

[zander]

Sent off my PO for copy of agreement relating to my Scottish Power kerfuffle. BC & W returned it with covering letter stating they don't hold them at their office (Glasgow) and placed the account on hold having asked their client to forward the docs to me directly. What's the positon now regarding the 12 day situation? They did not answer my question pertaining to the 15% fee they added or indeed their disregard of the DPA. Any knowledge gratefully received.

[NailPost]

The clock is ticking on it and they had better be quick. My guess is that BCW will fail to comply and default but that isn't the real concern. You should write to SP and tell them you will only deal with them and not their debt collecting monkeys.

 

By the way BCW don't have to tell you why the amount is 15% higher but they may have to explain and justify the rise to a judge.

[zander]

BC& W have sent today a final notice (dated 9th March) stating that I've failed to notify them of any legitimate reason blah blah, despite them being in receipt of a cca request which they have failed to respond to (standard letter saying they do not hold that info at their office) in 19 days. I've been patiently waiting for the info and the 30 day deadline. Can anyone advise on how to respond to this latest letter? Thanks in anticipation.

[ODC]

BC& W have sent today a final notice (dated 9th March) stating that I've failed to notify them of any legitimate reason blah blah, despite them being in receipt of a cca request which they have failed to respond to (standard letter saying they do not hold that info at their office) in 19 days. I've been patiently waiting for the info and the 30 day deadline. Can anyone advise on how to respond to this latest letter? Thanks in anticipation.

 

Have you got a bin????

[pmhcfc]

BC& W have sent today a final notice (dated 9th March) stating that I've failed to notify them of any legitimate reason blah blah, despite them being in receipt of a cca request which they have failed to respond to (standard letter saying they do not hold that info at their office) in 19 days. I've been patiently waiting for the info and the 30 day deadline. Can anyone advise on how to respond to this latest letter? Thanks in anticipation.

 

Until they produce an OA, there's nothing they can do. Keep hold of their letter as proof they're trying to collect whilst under default and just wait.

[zander]

I'll do just that. Many thanks.

[diskmandave]

Just reading your 1st post carefully, do they write the final notice and at the same time admit that they are in receipt of your CCA request (that they have not complied with)?

 

Regards, Dave.

[zander]

They have admitted receipt of cca on 21st February with their standard letter stating they "don't hold copies of credit agreements at this office". Final notice dated 9th March, received 14th March, no mention of cca request. Seems like another standard letter?

[kennyparkroad]

oh well, youve given them the rope, they have hung themselves with it

[zander]

Standard, unsigned letter received today from bcw confirming arrangement of copy of the invoice to be sent to me from their clients? They are in default and the clock is ticking to 9th April for the offence. Can anyone enlighten me on an invoice versus a cca request?

[toddle2u]

If this is an invoice then it is not covered by CCA. Can you give more information as to what the invoice relates to? Is it for a business?

[zander]

It's for utlities through Scottish Power.

[Smokin Jo]

Hi Zander,

 

I think you may have got these or this letter?

 

I write regarding your recent communication........

I would advise that we do not hold Credit Agreements at this office as we are not the Creditor. Under the circumstances your postal order is returned.

 

However, account is now on hold and have asked my Clients to forward the documents to you directly.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us blah blah blah......

 

**** Funny note on bottom in small type reads

Buchanan Clark & Wells is a trading style of BCW Group plc etc etc

 

2nd Letter Dated 15th March

 

With Reference

Pursuer: Arrow Global LLC

 

I write with regard ................

 

I can confirm that I have arranged for a copy of the invoice to be sent to you directly by our Clients. This will be with you as soon as possible.

 

Blah blah.......

 

I'm not sure what they mean either by an "invoice"??

 

I'm just waiting and seeing.....

 

It sounds like we're going down the same route though.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collectors-debt-collection/62170-buchanan-clark-wells-plc.html

 

I've subscribed to this thread and will keep you updated!

 

SJ

[zander]

Hello Smokin Jo!

 

Exactly the same wording. I'm awaiting the invoice from S Power; should it arrive, I'm going to tell them how dissapointed I am that they passed on my details to a third party without my agreement. Look forward to hearing from you again on this thread and good luck.

[Smokin Jo]

I received a leter threatening a visit from an Investigation Officer that was supposedly sent on the same day as those two letters above (but arrived some 4 days later). I've sent the "written corresponence only" letter and will let you know how things go.

 

Bon chance mon ami!

 

SJ

[zander]

I'm sure I'll get that next. I've since discovered that SP have broken the code of conduct on the account I had with them. Alongside the fact they are in default, close to commiting an offence and abused data protection, I'd say they are in big trouble!

[zander]

Just had a call from BCW despite them being told communication only by letter. He was upset that I didn't ask his permission to record the call and about their default, account on hold, clock ticking etc, etc. More ammo to use against them.