Wescot...unknown debt ?

[knnns001]

Hi

 

I've just received a pretty intimidating Notice of Debt Collection from the above.

 

The only details on there are that the letter has been issued on behalf of Wescot-Ikano Financial Services and that I owe £667.61 - nothing about when the debt is from/who it was originally with etc. They then go on to threaten legal action or that they'll arrange for a debt collector to come round and collect the debt personally. I have until the 28th August to action.

 

I've read other comments about this company (none very flattering!) and am concerned by calling them, I'm opening myself up to continuous harrassment.

 

I've absolutely no idea what this relates to so wanted some advice as to how I go about resolving this without getting into an ongoing saga with Westcot.

 

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Rooster-UK]

I suggest that you post in the Debt Collectors Forum. Click on the following link.......

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collectors-debt-collection/

 

You should find the help you need there.

 

Regards, Rooster.

[rory32]

Do not phone them, it is pointless. Insist that all communication is in writing. As you don't know what the debt refers to and they have not informed you it may be that they are mass mailing against a name (phishing).

 

I wouldn't actually bother to reply to the letter, just file it away. Do however check your credit file just to make sure there is nothing on it.

 

Don't worry about somebody coming round to collect, in 99.9% of cases this never happens.

[MARTIN3030]

Yes agreed.

Personally I would send them a CCA request for the sake of 1.00

Customise the letter as needed.

Yes you can ignore them but its likely to carry on ........get sold on and you will still be non the wiser.

I am moving the post there for you.

Keep us updated.

[championless]

Checkmyfile.com is a good place to check all three Credit Reference Agencies at once and works out cheaper than going to them all separately.

[knnns001]

Thanks so much for the advise everyone, agree that I should find out what it's for as it does have my name on...was just worried I was opening myself up for a bit of hassle!

 

Thanks again

[djdave]

The important thing is that whenever you write to them you include the phrase "I do not acknowledge any debt to your company" in your letters.

 

It's up to them to prove you owe money, not up to you to prove you don't. Once they default on your CCA request they'll have to put "your" account on hold, and would be prevented by law from any further action.

 

Worst case scenario is that they send a totally valid agreement. Unlikely, but even then they can't force you to pay more than you can genuinely afford. Nor can they enter your property - they're debt collectors NOT baliffs no matter what they may like to think.

 

Send the CCA request (Recorded Delivery) and let us know what - if anything - you get back.