Chased by debt collection agencies - the debt isn't mine?!

redtone_2

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum - I couldn't see a more obvious place for it.

Over the past year I've had a number of run-ins with debt collection agencies over debts which aren't mine.

Around 18 months ago my fiance and I moved house - moving in initially with her parents with the intention of buying from them (which we have now done). The house has been owned by the family for over 20 years whilst none of the occupants during that time shares the same name as me. Late last year I got a letter from a debt collection agency querying whether I was the person who owed money relating to a specific credit card. I do not have any credit cards or unpaid loans etc.

I phoned them telling them they must have the wrong person etc - they seemed happy with this and advised me they'd close the file.

Many months later (around March this year), I received a series of letters from Red Debt Collection Agency and Lowell Finance (who I understand are effectively the same) chasing the debt mentioned above (I only knew this due to the address involved which is a place I've never even visited never mind lived at). After numerous letters from myself where I did not acknowledge the debt, challenged their details (the address involved) and requested details of the documents relating to the debt they eventually accepted they had the wrong person. I did however have to threaten legal action to get the entries they'd placed on my credit record removed. I still have all the documentation.

All good. Until a few months back I get a letter addressed to me from another debt collection agency relating to another debt. So I phone up, explain they've got the wrong person - after a lengthy conversation with an incredibly rude telephone operative who was clearly fishing, they confirmed they had the wrong person. I planned to follow up in writing but I can't now find any of the documentation (including their letter) and I fear that with other issues at the time I might not have done.

So this morning I get another letter from another debt collection agency - Direct Legel & collections. Claiming their client, Hillesden Securities (who are effectively the same people according to their letter) has been unsuccessful in their attempts to contact me at my previous address (unlikely as our old neighbour still forwards our post to us) and that I've failed to notify them that I've moved. They wish me to contact them to confirm how I'm going to pay the money outstanding (£1,700).

Now my queries are - how should I go about dealing with the latest request. Should I contact by phone to confirm I've received the letter but don't acknowledge any debt and will be responding in writing to that affect (and follow up in writing)? Should I just respond in writing?

Beyond that, how can I stop this from happening? As far as I can tell in each instance the only reason for contacting me has been my name. As mentioned there's no one with the same name (first or surname) lived at this house for the past 20 years. Other than a mortgage and my bank overdraft I don't currently have any debts as over the past two years we've cleared all our loans. We've never missed a payment on any accounts we've had and I don't hold any credit cards.

Any help would be appreciated.