ATI - JB Debt Recovery Letter - Help Required Please

Pana440

Hi all, after we came back from a holiday my girlfriend had a postcard from someone in printed writing stating they tried to send a letter and they were holding it, she rang them up (I thought it would be best to not even bother as postcode was wrong, it looked unprofessional, it didn't even say where it was from plus it was like a postcard!)

They then told her they were going to send her a letter, it came today (it took 8 days!) and it is from a company called ATI and payments to be made to JB Debt Recovery.

The main bit reads;

Urgent
Retail Loss Prevention V Her Name
Debt outstanding £137.50 - Reference xxxxxxx

Having confirmed your current address our client is anxious to resolve the above outstanding debt - You have 7 days etc etc

The letter has no name/signature at the bottom and it doesn't even say who the debt is in regards to (Retail Loss Prevention - anyone know what this is?)
My girlfriend has no idea about what this debt could be, she has had capquest write to her about an Argos debt she owed, but during us writing to them asking for proof of debt etc, they then just completely stopped writing to us, could this debt be anything to do with that as the Argos debt was £100 more than this one anyway!

Just wondered if anyone has had any experience with this type of letter as I can't seem to find much information about it, I was going to write a letter on Monday, sending it recorded delivery asking for proof but just wanted your opinions before I do.

Thanks in advance and sorry if it is a long read!

GeorgeUK

Unless they inform you what the debt is for and you agree that the money is owed, there is no way you should pay it. I agree that you should write to request proof - also have her check her credit file (free at experian if you cancel within 30 days) to check if anything is on there.

I'd send the "prove it" letter and then possibly request a copy of the credit agreement depending on their reply.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=11570893#post11570893

Pana440

Thanks for the reply (especially the link :cool:)

Anyone else have anything to add - such as receiving this type of letter?

Thanks

GeorgeUK

Oh yes - do not sign any letter you send to a DCA. Just print your name or initial it.
Alot of these companies go on fishing trips and don't really care who pays the debt as long as they get their money. Don't phone them (unless you have withheld your number, and even then...) and don't provide any personal details - date of birth etc. You are not required to provide any information to them but they are required to prove that the debt is yours.

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

bin it , when i was in debt jb were reguarded as the micky mouse dc.

Pana440

Do you really think we should bin it? Not even ask for proof at least? They don't really seem very professional like I mentioned above!

frasersmum123

Retail Loss Prevention work on behalf of major retailers to gain compensation from shoplifters.