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Debt Collectors letter to "householder"

Hi

I'm writing on behalf of a friend who has recieved a letter today from a debt collection agency, however it was not addressed to him, rather it was addressed to "the Householder".

He's just come to our house, and doesn't remember the company name - but I am just testing the water before I get further info from him when he returns home.
Does this sound like it could be a "Ligitimate" debt - ie not having his name on? It also doesn't say where the debt os from, nor an amount - the office isn't open til monday as he tried to call before.

To put a slightly wider scope on the matter - 2 1/2 years ago -his girlfriend left him (with probably a seen many times before story!) approximately £10k of debt as the money he was giving her to deal with the bills - didn't end up in their rightful accounts!

The first he found out was about 3 weeks after she went when debt collection letters were coming through the door - she had obviously hidden all previous correspondance from him.
He saw CAB and they sorted out a debt repayment plan and good enough - from this - his only debt now is with the Halifax personal loans - of which he is still making regular payments which meet their arrangements.

The point I'm trying to say is - yes there is a possibility there could be some debt owing - however he hasn't recieved any other paperwork in the past 2 1/2 years from "A company" or "B company" to give him an idea of who this debt is owed to - if at all.

Has anyone heard of this kind of thing before? Is it worth him wasting his credit on Monday chasing this "Householder" debt - as they have requested the "Householder" contact them to provide a name for the debt :confused:

TIA

Karen
2 Tickets to Blackrock Masters Tennis:j

Comments

  • Naomim
    Naomim Posts: 3,117 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    No idea whether this is helpful at all but maybe he could have a look at his credit report? I think it's free with Experian at the moment.

    Naomi x
    Credit Cards NOV 2019 £33,220.42 Sept 2023 £19,951.00 Tilly Tidy 20223/COLOR] Sept £43.71 Here's my diary: A Ditherer's Diary Again
  • Nah, they are very likely just fishing. If they are sure that they have got the right person and that the 'right' person owes them money they will get in touch again and *may* even write to him properly by name (or they might not)

    I think he should just ignore it. No point wasting money and energy himself. Let them do that.

    One way for him to check to see what other debts might be lurking on his files he should check his credit reports (there is info on making a request www.ico.gov.uk if you type credit reference into their search box - £2 per credit report and the cost of some stamps to do it this way) or your friend could sign up for a free trial with experian and see what is there (do it through quidco and get cashback) but not all companies use all the credit agencies so it could be worth getting hold of all three to make sure he has the full picture.
    £34,547 (Dec 07); Current debt: £zilch (Debt free December 2010)
    Sealed Pot #389 (2010=£133)
  • Fishing like they said. Don't acknowledge it any way. That is very important. Keep it for future reference but ignore for now. Unless it becomes more direct eg named.
    Any help, opinions, views I may hold those are my own. Respect them as you would expect the same in return. Offered freely, is gleaned from a lifetime of experiences, knowledge gaining. Passed on to benefit others. I may be direct, ask you questions but those are to help you. Up to you if you choose to take it. I won't judge you either way.
  • kforshaw
    kforshaw Posts: 395 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Thanks for your advice, I've let him know, and if anything further comes of it I'll update the thread with company names etc.

    Thanks again!
    2 Tickets to Blackrock Masters Tennis:j
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