creditors letters to wrong address

[vix2000]

My elderly parents keep recieving creditors letters for someone who has never lived at their house. They have never had anyone living there and there has never been anyone on the electoral register.

 

On telephoning them to ask them to stop sending these letters I was told that they couldn't stop them just from a telephone call, and their investigators had given them the address. I told them their investigators are wrong, and that as the initial is the same as my mums she had opened it by mistake and they were threatening to send a doorstep collector. She was extremely upset and worried by this.

 

They would not agree to stop the letters. Can anyone tell me what I can do, if anything, about this please? Thanks.

[BankFodder]

Is it the same surname?

[vix2000]

Yes. Have found out today that my ex had his bank statements sent there for 2 months last year while he was abroad. As soon as he came back they were sent to his address. Thats the only link with the address. He has never lived there or been on the electoral register. Don't know how to approach this one. Its really upset my parents who are too old to deal with the hassle.

[vix2000]

is it worth sending a letter referring to oft harassment of 3rd party recommendations?

[Guest Lueeze]

So was it a debt from your ex?

[vix2000]

yes. but obviously nothing to do with my parents. unfortunately 15 years ago he changed his name to mine (for family reasons)when our daughter was born so he has the same surname.

[Guest Lueeze]

ah, can you not contact him, and tell him, if it is affect their health surely he would contact them? (or not?!)

 

I would write to them advising of the distress it is causing your elderly parents, and advise of a forwarding adreess if you have one...?

[vix2000]

I will try that this week. Just wondered if they are legally allowed to do this. thanks for the help.

[Guest Lueeze]

I would say yes, because your ex gave that address at some point, so they can chase at that address, if you were owed money from someone, you would follow all avenues too, they dont know he's not there, or that your parents are elderly.

 

Sounds Harsh, its not meant to be, when you tell them, im sure they will correct it, but you may have to write. If they still persist then maybe you could do more but im not 100% sure

 

Good Luck

 

Lou xxx

[JonCris]

Hi

 

1st write to your ex's creditor who alledges he owes money asking them which credit reference agency gave your parents details. Then get a copy of your parents file from that agency it'll cost £2.50. Then have a note placed on your parents file stating that your ex no longer lives there & has not for whatever number of years & their name is not to be associated with his

 

Write to the the debt collectors (with a copy of the agency letter ) advising them of what your doing that he's never lived there & that they must not harrass your elderly parents again & if they do you will report them to Trading Standards. Also in the event they do visit the police will be called & they will be accused of criminal harrasment

 

Under the OFT guidelines when advised of such a situation they are supposed to not harrass

 

The OFT do not themselves undertake such prosecutions but they will be interested in any firm wich doesn't abide by the guidelines so it's always worth letting them know what's happened.

 

May I respectively suggest the you do NOT give your ex's address to these people. They often rely on these sort of bullying tactics to get an address by chasing a party the know is innocent.

 

Advise your parents that under no circumstance should they allow anyone from these debt collectors into their home. No matter what they may claim they have no right of access.

 

PS How old is the debt? If it's 6 years old subject to certain conditions its statute barred

[vix2000]

Thanks for the advice. The debt is from 2002, I think. But as they have tried contacting him I am I right that the 6 year rule doesn't apply? He won't be able to pay it if they catch up with him, anyway, and he has no assets.

[JonCris]

Thanks for the advice. The debt is from 2002, I think. But as they have tried contacting him I am I right that the 6 year rule doesn't apply? He won't be able to pay it if they catch up with him, anyway, and he has no assets.

 

Yes if they have chased within the 6 years then the 6 year rule may not apply. Anyway as the debt is from 2002 it certainly doesn't apply here.

 

You or your parents are not obliged to help these people so why give yourself grief with your ex by telling them where he is. If you do as suggested that should bring matters to an end.

[vix2000]

Thanks. Is there any way I can contact the credit agencies on my parents behalf as if I mention it to them it will cause more stress and worry. Or Can my ex disassociate the address on his credit report?

[JonCris]

Thanks. Is there any way I can contact the credit agencies on my parents behalf as if I mention it to them it will cause more stress and worry. Or Can my ex disassociate the address on his credit report?

 

There are a number of online facilities you can use including the websites of the agencies themselves & all most all lenders use those agencies which I gave you or you can paste into your browser "credit reference reports"

 

Yes he can but he'll be jumping into the lions den because he will have to identify himself & where HE lives & even then they may think there being conned & refuse.

 

Also if he contacts them direct it will make it obvious that you or your parents DO know how to contact him & your parents may subject to further harassment

 

Also remember the credit agency will ONLY send their report to you parents address. For obvious reasons you cannot have it redirected to your address. So warn them it's coming

 

Almost forgot you will need their written consent to act for them including their specific consent to apply for their credit report

[vix2000]

Ok. Thanks a lot.

[vix2000]

This topic was closed on 10 March 2019.

If you have a problem which is similar to the issues raised in this topic, then please start a new thread and you will get help and support there.

If you would like to post up some information which is relevant to this particular topic then please flag the issue up to the site team and the thread will be reopened.

- Consumer Action Group