red at lowell

longhill

hi can any one help had 2 calls from this company for my daughter both times she was at work, they are ringing later tonight to speak to her she doesn't have a credit card her bank card has no overdraft on it and she has a pay and go phone so don't know what they want with her any ideas and what should we do

fermi

They are debt collectors, as you have obviously guessed.

From your post I also get the impression that you and your daughter believe that there aren't any debt that they could be justified in chasing? Is that correct?

You don't have to speak to them about any matter over the phone that you don't want to. In fact it is better not to with these people as they are bullies.

They are also notorious for chasing the wrong people for debts. They don't care as long as the can scare someone into paying. :rolleyes:

If you do end up speaking to them then insist that the put any claim in writing with details of the debt and proof that it is owed. Don't get drawn into any discussion further than that and don't believe any threats or lies that they might come out with.

phil80

just do not do the security checks with them on the phone tell them to put all requests in writing and that is the only way you will correspond with them. If you have not received anything in writing they may not even hold your address so do not confirm this on the phone.

GeorgeUK

Not sure if they are looking for someone with the same name, but if your daughter does have cards/loans, we'll be able to sort out any problems that come up. I would not worry about it until you know what it's about. Just make sure she knows not to divulge any personal details such as date of birth or anything like that.

longhill

hi she doesn't have any debt so she just asks them to put it in writing and gives out no info on herself

GeorgeUK

Basically yes, but it may not even get that far. They may ask "do you have a current account with Halifax?"
If she doesn't, then "sorry, you're not the person we were looking for".

Try not to get too worked up about this before you evenn know what's going on. Basically if they want to talk about an existing account then yes, they should definately put that in writing and not discuss this over the phone. At this stage you don't even know who you are dealing with let alone what.

nigel9

I agree with all of the above but have been on the receiving end of Lowell myself.
Best bet is they have simply cross matched your daughter with someone else who may owe money. Got a name and phone number and in all liklehood are speaking to about 10 others
They are bullies and they will come out with all sorts of unenforcable threats over the money your daughter clearly does not owe.
Must get them to put in writing and clarify exactly who the creditor is, don't give them any personal info at all.
Or you could do what I did and tell them to shove it where the sun don't shine. Heard nothing since.

RAS

longhill wrote: »

hi she doesn't have any debt so she just asks them to put it in writing and gives out no info on herself

Hi I recommend that she declines to answer the security questions and tells them to send an query in writing.

Unfortunately, even if she does not own the debt the fact that you have responded to two calls means that Red/Lowell (same people) will try to get her to pay the debt, whether or not it is hers.

She might point out that it is against OFT Guidelines to pursue someone for debt when you do not know if you have the right person.

longhill

hi just a quick update when they rang my husband was home he spoke to them and told them to put it in writng and to stop ringing we will have to wait and see what happens next thank you all for the advice