debt transferred to new company...

mrstheking

Hi all, you've given me great advice in the past so I'm hoping you can help with this matter and sorry in advance as I do waffle on a bit!

I have an outstanding debt from yes car credit (direct auto finance took this over when they went bust) which I have been paying quite happily at a rate of £5 a month through Hillesden Securities Ltd (trades as DLC) Had no problems here - they were very helpful and understood that with a baby on the way we couldn't stretch ourselves too much as there were things that needed to be brought.

A letter has come through today to my Husband (it was a joint named debt but i've been dealing with it as Hubby rarely here during their office hours to take the calls) from MDB (mercantile Data Bureau Ltd) saying DLC have instructed them to collect the debt and that their management process involves profiling accounts to send to doorstep specialists.

I'm confused as to why DLC have passed on the debt even though they have still been collecting my monthly payment and what I should do about this. Do MDB have to prove to me that they hold the details of the original debt? And does this sound like they will be hassling me sending people round and charging me extra for it?

The amount they quote that we owe is also wrong as it doesn't take into consideration the last payment that DLC took from my debit card.

My main complaint is that I'm due to drop any week now and I can do without having to go through the hassle of giving them all the info about our income/expenditure etc when DLC already have taken this, plus things will change within the next month anyway once baby is here as our tax credits/child benefit will change plus our expenditure will increase with a baby in the house to keep in nappies etc.

Can i hold them off by asking for proof of the original debt even though i've been paying DLC? And how can I be sure that DLC won't continue to take the amount off my debit card as they have been doing for almost a year now.

Thanks in advance

Tixy

They can sell the debt on but the new DCAs have to give your proof that they are entitled to collect the debt - you could send this 'prove it' letter which should delay them a bit. http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2

After this there is also a letter you can send that tells them you do not allow them to visit you at home - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=23635529&postcount=64

With regards to DLC, do they have your debit card details? does it do through as a card transaction rather than a standing order? If so speak to your bank and ask them if they can put a stop to the transactions, if not you could consider cancelling the card and getting a new one sent (though that is a bit of a hassle)

mrstheking

having looked a little further into this it would appear that MDB and DLC are the same company?
MDB are listed on the credit services association website with a DLC contact email.

Can they keep transferring it to different companies within the same umbrella or is there some kind of rule breaking here? It all sounds very dodgy to me.

I never asked DLC for a copy of the original credit agreement when they first contacted me as I was so scared by all the debts that kept appearing...maybe I should have done as chances are they wouldn't have had it.

Tixy

You can ask for it at anytime, even if you have been paying the debt in the meantime.
You just need to send a CCA request plus a £1 postal order here is a template letter - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11636295&postcount=8

I think there are some rules (or at least guidelines) about them confusing you as to who is collecting the debt or pretending it has been sold on when its a in house collector - maybe one of the clever folk will read and be able to advise. ???

mrstheking

Thanks for your help Tixy