Someone else's debts at my address

loopyl_2

Hi not sure if this is the right place to post this but i'm hoping someone can advise me. I've been sent a letter from debt collection agency saying that Mrs W owes £7740.05 and it needs to be paid in full now. The name on the letter is not mine, no one by this name as ever lived at this address house has only had two owners in 70 years me for the last 10+ years.

The debt is owed to response credit management. I called them and they are sure that the address is correct and it must be me that owes the money in another name.

what should i do now? is some fraudulently using my address?

ScRiMpNsAvE_2

Unfortunately it is likely that someone has taken credit out at your property. The plus side however is that this shouldn't have an impact on your credit rating as it's not in your name, and as far as I'm aware companies don't make credit checks based on your address any more.

I'm no expert but if I were you I would phone them and tell them that it most definitely is not you that owes them money, that someone else has taken out an unlawful credit agreement at your property and they should discuss it with their client. At the end of the day they just want their money, and if they can get it out of you all the better. You have no obligation to pay.

Does it say on the letter what company the debt was racked up with? Would it have been possible for a member of the public to get access to your post at all? Do you ever recall getting any junk mail in the person's name?

I'd hang around on here for more advice too, someone else is bound to have experienced something similar.

Good luck

Jesthar

Hey Loopyl,

First, don't believe ANYTHING that these people tell you on the phone - in fact, you're best off not calling them and only dealing them in writing if you must have contact with them. They are only out to part anyone they can from their cash, even to the extent of saying to people "OK, we acknowledge it's not your debt, but will you pay it anyway just to keep everyone happy?"

Secondly, they can't legally demand money off you for a debt that is not proven to be yours, no matter what they say (in fact, they can't even demand payent of debt that you KNOW is yours if they don't have the correct paperwork). I'm sure the more experienced people will be along to advise you exactly what to do with this bunch of scumbags, but hopefully you can relax a little now.

~Jes

RAS

This is far from complaint with OFt Guidelines.

Return the letter - not known at the address.

10past6

Send them the following letter, if you have any further problems with them, come back and post:

Dear Sir/Madam

Account no:

You have contacted me/us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself.

I would point out that I have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert company name).

I am familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

I would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

I would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my liability for the debt in question.

I await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed.

Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.
I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

loopyl_2

The original debt is halifax, post can't really be accessed, i live next to MIL who would have noticed if anyone came to the house and asked them who, why, what...

loopyl_2

Thanks i will get on and put that in the post tomorrow.

Thanks

louise56489

The letter should have a section stating that you are not the person in relation to this debt which you can send back to the debt collection company. Great letter 10past6.