Identity Theft

Papa_Smurf

Hello

A few weeks ago a debt collection agency contacted me out of the blue stating I owed a catalogue firm over £600 from over 6 years ago, they correctly reeled off my name and one of my previous addresses but when it came to my date of birth it was completely different.

When I eventually got them to give me the date in question it was 3 months after I moved out of the property. They have asked for proof of my residence at that date – now unfortunately for me this was a period where I stayed at my brothers house for a short time and didn’t have my name on any of his bills. I have tried a few places but none of them have records going back that far.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can get out of this and what rights the debt company have with a name and dodgy date of birth ?

Thanks a lot

blissfulbabe

There are two points here - firstly if there has been no payment or no acknowledgement by you that you owe this money in the last six years or more then the debt is statue barred, which means there is no legal means to enforce payment (as long as there is no CCJ). Secondly, if the debt is not statue barred, then it is up to the debt collection agency (DCA) to prove that you owe this money, not for you to prove that you don't.

I would strongly recommend that you only deal with this matter in writing and don't give the the DCA any personal details (such as DOB of NI number). When you do write, don't sign the letter, just print your name.

This link: http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/forms/sample_letter_o.php will help you write a letter that basically tells the DCA to take a running jump (but in a nice way).

Papa_Smurf

Thank you very much for that help

This is the first i have heard about the debt and i moved out of the property over 6 and a half years ago. i have never had any dealings with the catalogue company in question and my credit files are completely clean.

I will check out the nationaldebtline link and hopefully the only thing i will have to worry about now is 3 hours at a soft play party with my son tomorrow !!

thanks again

Fag_ash_lil

Papa_Smurf wrote: »

Hello

A few weeks ago a debt collection agency contacted me out of the blue stating I owed a catalogue firm over £600 from over 6 years ago, they correctly reeled off my name and one of my previous addresses but when it came to my date of birth it was completely different.

When I eventually got them to give me the date in question it was 3 months after I moved out of the property. They have asked for proof of my residence at that date – now unfortunately for me this was a period where I stayed at my brothers house for a short time and didn’t have my name on any of his bills. I have tried a few places but none of them have records going back that far.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can get out of this and what rights the debt company have with a name and dodgy date of birth ?

Thanks a lot

Hi,

Rather than trying to find proof of residence on the specified date .... would you be able to prove the date that you moved out of the property in question ? .... If rented , then perhaps a lease agreement, or if owned then mortgage documents . Or perhaps your last telephone , gas or electric bill ...?? ..... Unfortunately i can't think of anything if you were living at home ( mum & dads ) .....
You have probably thought of these already ..... but have listed them just incase something "jogs " your memory ...
Anyway ..... If this doesn't help ..... you seem to have been given good advice from blissfulbabe .......

Good luck ....

terri xx

Papa_Smurf

thanks for the advice Terri

Good thinking on the bills - i may try BT but i know from my own work we are only obliged to keep records for 6 years for audit purposes but its worth a shot !!

Thanks

sebastianj

This problem is happening every where, I know some one who's partner took out various mobile contracts in her name, they have broken up over a year ago. Now she is getting various demands for products she has never bought or used. In addition, she is getting bills and Debt collection agy letters in various other names at her address.
She is freaking out and does not know what to do?
rgd,
seb