What should I do? Scam or not?

tagz

We have recievd a letter addressed to someone else at this address (we've lived here for 5 years) which I opened in error whilst I was opening the post after our holiday. It says that this person owes over £2000 to Llyods TSB and the debt has been passed on to Lowell Portfolio (via 1st Credit). What should I do? I've chucked the envelope so I can't just put it back in and write return to sender. Will it affect me in any way? Is it a scam? Thanks for your help. It gave me a fright when I first read it as I didn't look at the name and thought OH had been silly!

Incisor

Ignore it for the time being, note the name and then return any more.

KLB

Who is the person that the letter is addressed to? Did they used to live there? Over 5 years ago?

I would phone the number at the top of the letter and tell them that the person it's addressed to doesn't live there anymore or just doesn't live there, whichever it is.

We've been in our house for 8 years and for the first 5 would often get letters addressed to the previous owner from solicitors or debt collection agencies. I'd tell them that she moved out x years ago and they were always ok on the phone. If you've got a forwarding address then it's up to you whether you give it to them or not. I don't think you should ignore the letter though.

hollydays

KLB wrote: »

Who is the person that the letter is addressed to? Did they used to live there? Over 5 years ago?

I would phone the number at the top of the letter and tell them that the person it's addressed to doesn't live there anymore or just doesn't live there, whichever it is.

We've been in our house for 8 years and for the first 5 would often get letters addressed to the previous owner from solicitors or debt collection agencies. I'd tell them that she moved out x years ago and they were always ok on the phone. If you've got a forwarding address then it's up to you whether you give it to them or not. I don't think you should ignore the letter though.

Debt collectors don't necessarily respond favourably to help. They may just assume you are lying. I would ignore it too.
If you do decide to ring them-make sure they haven't got your phone number.

MothballsWallet

But if they turn up on your door and you present your ID to them and prove that you are not the person they are after, then they must go away and leave you alone. Simple.

KLB

I'd much rather deal with them on the phone than on the door. As I say, I've always phoned, and they've always been fine.

Freddie_Snowbits

I keep a couple of baseball bats near the door with the sports kit. Should they come round knocking I ...

RichOneday_2

Send letters back unopened. Simply write 'Return To Sender - Addressee not resident at address for 5 years'

Don't spend a penny on stamps or phone calls - its not your problem.

And no, it can't affect you in any way if you're referring to credit ratings etc.

gremlin

KLB wrote: »

I'd much rather deal with them on the phone than on the door. As I say, I've always phoned, and they've always been fine.

but not always

I had a similar problem and kept going to the postbox to return their letters as not at this address ( never had been AFAIK) Eventually got sick of it - they had even started writing to my neighbours wanting to know if this person was living at my address:mad:. I called them and got the most snotty woman on the phone demanding all my personal info as well. My name, telephone number and d.o.b. I had a massive row with her on the phone cos I wouldnt give her my personal info and told her to go whistle, and if they continued I would report them and sue them for harassment.

I didnt hear from them again.

hollydays

gremlin-great avatar btw

tagz

hollydays wrote: »

gremlin-great avatar btw

Second that!