Brothers debt killing our mum, please help

spursfan_2

Hello, hoping someone can help as really need some advice

About 2 years ago my brother was living with our mum and one day he just upped and left. He left behind his car (for what it was worth) and a few bits in his room. Also he left behind bank loans, credit cards and other bills. The car was taken away due to road tax issues and today my mum had a card through the door from a baileff. She had told me about letters she had received and she tried to tell them he does not live there she even sent through her rent book to one of them as they asked for it to prove that the house is in her name. After receiving it they decided not to accept it.
They are now hounding her, what can she do? This is not her fault, my mum is 66 and still works part time to supplement her pension but she does not have themoney to pay this and she does not need this at her age, she is not well and I dont know what to do to help her short of going over to the UK (I live overseas now) and waiting for the scum with a baseball bat.
I last saw my brother about 7 months ago when he called me out of the blue and we met up over here but that was for about an hour to say he was alive and then he was off again.
I would appreciate any advice as I cant believe that these people, if Ican call the rats that, can hound a pensioner like this when she didnt even know about the bills until the letters started to arrive.

Thanks in advance

diable

I think you can tell the bailiffs to "jog on" but wait until someone with more knowledge posts a reply but tell your Mum not too worry.

spursfan_2

Hi Diable

Thanks for replying, she has contacted them and try to tell them to basically go away as it is not her debt and nothing is in her name but these people are the lowest of the low. They seem to get some kick out of harrassing people especially ones that they know cant fight back.

Hopefully someone knows of some law or something that must be able to protect innocent people.

RAS

Hold on there.

If these are really bailiffs, they have no right to do anything and your mum can report them.

Am off to find the links you need.

Also if you can pm as a new user, start by sending the story to Herbie21 with the name of the bailiff company and the name of the bailiff if possible. She will help your mum. Her web-site charges but she provide support on here for free.

RAS

Hi

This is the web-site that Herbie runs - www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk

You can read up for free but the letters and service cost a small amount.

When she responds to you, the letter you need may well already be on the website here.

Also worth mum contacting one of the debt charities for help if it takes a while to get hold of Herbie; NDL can give mum advice but if she is vunerable, then CAP might be the best as they visit people.

National Debtline: Full debt help service. Link: National Debtline Tel: 0808 808 4000 Opening times: M-F 9am-9pm, Sa 9.30am-1pm

Citizens Advice Bureau: Full debt and consumer advice service. Link: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest) Opening times: different for each bureau

Christians Against Poverty: Debt counselling agency, which specialises in helping those who are emotionally struggling too. The religious focus is why they do it, not how they do it. Link: Christians Against Poverty Tel: 01274 760720 Opening times: different for each bureau

rog2

Did the card actually state that they were 'Bailiffs'?

It might be just a 'Debt Collection Agency'

Either way none of them would have the right to harass your mother - both 'Bailiffs' and 'Debt Collectors' must ensure that the person they are pursuing is the actual debtor and your mother will have absolutely no obligation whatsoever towards these 'thugs'.

In addition to the excellent link that RAS has posted, I think that your mother should look at the following links:

• If they are GENUINE Bailffs, pursuing a GENUINE debt on the authority of the Court - http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/debt_basics/bailiff-guide.php
• If they are, in fact, only Debt Collectors - http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/consumer_credit/oft664.pdf

What is the name of the company?

spursfan_2

Hi

Thanks for the replys and the links. I will have a look through these as my mum doesnt use a computer, will be calling her back soon as will find out the name of the company. I am glad that there is protection for her. If I had the money I would pay what I could to get them to go away but as like alot of people the recession is not being too kind to us.

Will post back with the details and thanks again, i know this will help to ease her fears.

Ames

You shouldn't have to pay, it's your brother's debt and neither you nor your mum are liable for it.

spursfan_2

Hi all

Just spoke to my mum and she received a letter through the door while she was out from the following people

Marsden High Court Enforcement Officers andCertifcated Baileffs
PO Box 308
Waltham Cross
EN9 IZ9

The letter stated that an officer called to collect payment and that they will return and in certain circumstances will be able to enter the property to take goods.

These are the same people my mum sent her rent book and letter from the council confirming that she is the only occupier of the house and her name has been on the rent book for 30 years. The above letter is in my brothers name.

Are these bully boy tactics then?

ps. Sorry but how do i search for member Herbie21. Sorry not to familiar doing this sort of thing and couldnt work it out

RAS

Click USerCP just above the top reply button and then look at the left hand index box, lower end - send new message.

worry_alot

hi spursfan hows it going yes they are bully boys as the debt is not in your mums name they are not allowed to take the stuff and whats more is the can only enter the property if you open the door to them they know that if they do try to force their way in then your mum can press charges for breaking and entering tresspassing and criminal damage so dont worry just tell her not to open the door close the curtains and if anyone she wants round could ring her firstand use the back door