Strange ID Theft of sorts!

pinkshoes

Do you still have the evidence that you settled and closed your account in 2002?

I would write to them again (recorded delivery), stating that your own account was settled and closed in 2002, therefore you have no debt with them.

I'm guessing whoever now lives in your old address probably took out an account in your name at that address, rather than their own name.

Tell this debt collector that if payments have been made up until December 2008, they need to trace the owner of that bank account, and persue THIS person for the debt.

Tell them that if they send any more threatening letters, you will be taking legal action against them.

Optimist

Further to the above I would refrain from threatening legal action but remind them that they do need a Consumer Credit Licence from the OFT and that their continued pursuit of of you is in breach of section 2.6(h.) of the OFT guidelines

"Ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment "

Possibly also in breach of 2.8(a.) of the same guidelines - sending demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question, e.g. threatening debt recovery action to 'the occupier' or sending a payment demand to all people sharing the same name/date of birth as a debtor in the hope that contact with the correct debtor will be made.

Give them 14 days to respond to confirm the matter is closed and that there will be no more harassment of you in breach of the OFT guideline or you will be forced to make a formal complaint to the OFT calling into question their fitness to hold a Consumer Credit Licence