Has a debt collection firm written to your neighbours? Help an Observer investigation

MSE_Jenny · 27 April 2009 at 4:51PM

A journalist from the Observer is writing an article about debt companies trying to collect old debts by employing dubious collection techniques. In particular, she’s looking at companies that have written to their neighbours in an attempt to shame people into paying.

She would like to speak to people whose neighbours have received letters from debt collection agencies (she has heard reports that J2 Solutions and Mackenzie Hall might do this).

Apparently what happens is that they get a letter asking them to confirm whether or not Mr/Mrs X still lives at that address. The person in question also gets a letter addressed to The Occupier, the letter inside usually names the person and asks if they are living there. Both letters ask for a phone call to confirm the current occupier's details.

If anything like this has happened to you or anyone you know, please email [EMAIL="allison.dickinson@sky.com"]allison.dickinson@sky.com[/EMAIL] with you name and phone number.

Thanks very much

writerallie · 3 May 2009 at 11:31AM

Thanks to Jenny for posting this and thanks also to everyone who got in touch. The article has been written and should be in next week's edition.

Thanks again,

Allie