Debt collector, any advice welcome!

mr,m · 07-12-2008, 18:04

This is something hopefully our more learned contributors can help with!
I have received a letter from a debt collection company demanding Â£300.
The suppossed debt relates to a so called pay day loan,which I took out in 2003.
The loan was covered by 3 cheques post dated to my pay day,which all cleared,so the loan was paid,with a stupid interest charge as I remember,well it was an emergency!
This was over 5 years ago and prior to Saturday I had heard nothing more about it.
Have had a little poke around the net with various advice.
Ignore the letter.
Write to them asking for clarification.
don't phone them or admit anything.
I have no way of proving I have paid and my bank only supply statements for the last 5 years,this has gone over that time.
Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome.

Raistlin · 07-12-2008, 18:08

Your bank may only be able to normally supply statements for the last 5 years, but they should be able to go back further if you push them hard enough.

The other thing is that if you still have the cheque book stubs and can give you the numbers they should be able to confirm a) the amounts, b) that they were banked, and c) who they were banked/claimed by.

Failing that the only thing you could really do would be to write to them, explain that you've paid and how, make sure that you send it recorded delivery, and keep a copy for yourself. They may still take you to court, but the only thing you can do about that is to turn up and defend yourself. Explain to the judge what you did and how it was paid, explain that you can't obtain the proof because of whatever reason, and hope for the best.

**Russ** · 07-12-2008, 18:11

The bank may only have statements going back that time but they will be able to confirm any transaction you've made.

In the meantime if the debt collection people threaten to come around they can do nothing unless they've obtained a liability order. If they have then make sure your windows are closed at all times and only open the door to people you know - an open door or window to a bailiff is legally an invitation.

MadGamer · 07-12-2008, 18:20

Was it from a company called Tower Investigations?

**Russ** · 07-12-2008, 18:32

I've just mentioned this to a mate who's a debt collector - he's told me for a relatively small amount as Â£300 it's very unlikely you'll end up with someone at your door, instead it would be weeks/months of nasty sounding letters.

mr,m · 07-12-2008, 19:05

The company is called crown collections,based in Liverpool.
I have found cheque stubs payable to the original company and they show I've paid,but the loan was a lot less than what they seem to be demanding.So do I just ignore the letters or contact them?

**Russ** · 07-12-2008, 19:06

Contact both via recorded delivery, send each the same letter along with copies of the stubs and any other evidence.

Raistlin · 07-12-2008, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr,m

The company is called crown collections,based in Liverpool.
I have found cheque stubs payable to the original company and they show I've paid,but the loan was a lot less than what they seem to be demanding.So do I just ignore the letters or contact them?

They'll be demanding the value of the loan plus their fees for collecting it.

mr,m · 07-12-2008, 19:59

My problem now is in the letter it says to avoid a home visit call now to arrange a payment plan,by the time I've contacted the bank and the companies involved,they'll just screw me for more with bailiffs charges etc.My thoughts are this is a sort of phishing job,maybe if I ignore them they'll just go away?? I can stand the nasty letters,but after over 5 years I feel I surely should have heard something before now.

**Russ** · 07-12-2008, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr,m

My problem now is in the letter it says to avoid a home visit call now to arrange a payment plan,by the time I've contacted the bank and the companies involved,they'll just screw me for more with bailiffs charges etc.My thoughts are this is a sort of phishing job,maybe if I ignore them they'll just go away?? I can stand the nasty letters,but after over 5 years I feel I surely should have heard something before now.

No, do not ignore them. They can send whoever they want to your house and charge whatever they want but it won't be you who'll be paying. Assuming you've got access to all the paperwork, you'll be fine. I recommend you phone them tomorrow and tell them the situation and request say 1 week to obtain the evidence. While you're at it ask them if they have obtained a Liability Order. If not they can do very little and you certainly will not have bailiffs taking your possessions.

Seriously, try not to worry. My mate says debt collectors go in to overdrive around this time of year as most people panic and just pay up to avoid any hassle over Christmas.

Get on to your bank first thing tomorrow, then speak to the debt collectors.

jellybaby · 07-12-2008, 20:09

Ring them and say you dispute the debt. Ask them to send you a copy of all the details and a copy of the original agreement. Explain you are not willing to do any business with them until you recieve this information.
This will determine whether they really do have any information etc.
Personally I really wouldn't worry about it, they are just trying to get you to part with some money without much effort their end.

Arthurgray50@blu · 07-12-2008, 20:25

Hi mr.m, l think l may be able to help you in this matter, debt collectors are scum, as far as l am concerned, and l WILL help anyone, if they have this problem.

1) if you can find anything, that proves, you paid the money, send them a PHOTOCopy of this,

2) DON'T admit the debt, as after 5 YEARS, the debt is legally written off.

3) Debt collectors, are NOT allowed to harrass you.

4) Unless, you can prove this debt has been paid, THEY will place you on the defualt list, ie Experian or Exquifax.

5) They will try and contact you on the phone and at work, if they know it.

I have had big problems, with debt collectors, and becuase of them, my son nearly commited suicide, it got that bad, they are evil.

Good luck.

mr,m · 07-12-2008, 20:33

Thanks for all the advice.I'll call my bank first thing and then contact the debt collectors asking for the relevant details,just hope the bank can trace my old cheques.I think Jellybaby is right,I feel this is a try on.

---------- Post added at 19:33 ---------- Previous post was at 19:28 ----------

Thanks Arthurgray
Sorry to hear your bad experience,I hope things worked out for your son,and thanks for the advice.I have heard of this sort of thing happening to people,but we don't know who to turn to for help.

alferret · 07-12-2008, 20:59

Here's a couple of links that might be of use to you

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...templates.html

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...-can-cant.html

Nugget · 08-12-2008, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu

Hi mr.m, l think l may be able to help you in this matter, debt collectors are scum, as far as l am concerned, and l WILL help anyone, if they have this problem.

1) if you can find anything, that proves, you paid the money, send them a PHOTOCopy of this,

2) DON'T admit the debt, as after 5 YEARS, the debt is legally written off.

3) Debt collectors, are NOT allowed to harrass you.

4) Unless, you can prove this debt has been paid, THEY will place you on the defualt list, ie Experian or Exquifax.

5) They will try and contact you on the phone and at work, if they know it.

I have had big problems, with debt collectors, and becuase of them, my son nearly commited suicide, it got that bad, they are evil.

Good luck.

Just to clarify, debts are written off after 6 years, not 5, so be careful about the timescale here