Rockwell Debt Collection

Mistymina

Hi girls and guys this is my first post and I really hope one of you can help me!
I am absolutely stressing out at the moment. Ive just come home, found a letter addressed to me but using my old surname that I changed when I was 17 years old and basically demanding a payment of £450 from me. The company is called Rockwell Debt collection Agency and that they have been instructed by Tessera Portfolio Management Ltd to contact me regarding the unpaid account.
I have no idea what this debt is for. I am currently paying off two credit cards and as far as I am aware don't have any other outstanding debts in my name.
They have stated that if I do not pay the full amount within 7 days then they will take immediate action on me.
First off; Is this company legit? Do I contact them? How do I find out if I actually do owe them money but have somehow forgotten about this. I would appreciate if anyone could help me!
Thank you

Tixy

Hi and Welcome Misty

First - Don't Panic!
You have a couple of choices really - do you have any idea what this debt could be for (even of it was from years ago?) how long ago did you change your name?

Either you can ignore it or you can send a letter to say you do not acknowledge any debt to this company. They will then either send you proof of what the debt is for or go away. If they send proof and the debt is more than 6 years old and you have not made a payment or acknowledged it in writing for 6 years then it is statute barred and you can send them a letter to that effect.

I'll find the first letter to send.......

EDIT
Send by recorded delivery......


National Debtline "prove it" letter

Quote:

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

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

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

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

We 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.

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

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully





Mrs A N Other

Mistymina

Just another quick thing. I had received a similar letter on the 27th April 2009 from Pace forward who said in the letter that they were trying to contact the above named person to discuss a personal matter.
Again the letter was addressed to my old surname..

Tixy

Did you respond to the Pace letter at all?
Have you checked your credit record (with Equifax, experian and callcredit) recently to see if there is any other debt appearing on your record and not shown as settled?

Mistymina

Thank you for the reply. I changed my surname in 1997 when I was in college. I'm quite sure that I dont have any debts apart from my two credit cards, however I did take a loan out in 2000 for £500 but I had paid that off. Thats about the only times I have borrowed money.

Mistymina

No I didnt contact Pace forward and I havent checked with experian to see if I have any unsettled debts. Maybe I should try and get a copy of my credit record. Thanks

Tixy

They are probably just fishing for information, could be another person with the same name they are looking for - that letter should hopefully shut them up.
It is worth checking your credit record periodically though - you can sign up for a free trial online (but remember to cancel it before they start charging you) or send off for the statutory report for £2.

Mistymina

Thank you Tixy you have been most helpful

happy1982

Mistymina wrote: »

Just another quick thing. I had received a similar letter on the 27th April 2009 from Pace forward who said in the letter that they were trying to contact the above named person to discuss a personal matter.
Again the letter was addressed to my old surname..

I had one of those the other day and binned it..... They said they would assume i live where i live if i didnt reply :rolleyes:

Tixy

happy1982 wrote: »

I had one of those the other day and binned it..... They said they would assume i live where i live if i didnt reply :rolleyes:

:rotfl:That's classic - just shows the IQ levels we are battling with.

thriftylasse

mistymina wrote: »

hi girls and guys this is my first post and i really hope one of you can help me!
I am absolutely stressing out at the moment. Ive just come home, found a letter addressed to me but using my old surname that i changed when i was 17 years old and basically demanding a payment of £450 from me. The company is called rockwell debt collection agency and that they have been instructed by tessera portfolio management ltd to contact me regarding the unpaid account.
I have no idea what this debt is for. I am currently paying off two credit cards and as far as i am aware don't have any other outstanding debts in my name.
They have stated that if i do not pay the full amount within 7 days then they will take immediate action on me.
First off; is this company legit? Do i contact them? How do i find out if i actually do owe them money but have somehow forgotten about this. I would appreciate if anyone could help me!
Thank you

hi i am in the same boat too and had the same letter can anyone advise not even sure i had any debts??