Mystery debt demand help, please

wendym

About 18 months ago, my brother moved to the Isle of Man from Nottingham. He is still having mail forwarded, and has had nothing about any debt.

In April he received a letter to his new address, using a name and address close to his, but not exactly right, from Ultimate Credit Services Ltd, acting on behalf of Debt Managers Ltd, claiming he owes almost £700, but not to whom. He is sure he owes nothing to anyone. As the only contact was an 0870 number, he assumed it was a scam.

Now he has received a second letter, threatening in tone, and he doesn’t know what to do.
He has looked on the web, and found that both companies do exist, and has an 0845 no. for Ultimate Credit, and an Edinborough no. for Debt Managers.

I have told him that I know the right people to ask, so here I am, please. Is it odd that the original creditor isn’t named? Has anyone dealt with these companies? Would it be safe to ring one of them, being careful not to give any personal details, including the correct address? Would you go to Experian?

Molanole

If I were in this position I would get hold of my credit record. Any default in payment should be listed with one of the three agencies.

amosworks

Make a request under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for £1 which obliges them to present a true copy of the original agreement. Sounds like they are already breaking the law already by not informing him if the debt was sold on.

Search the forum for the CCA text "i do not acknowledge any debt to your company" or something.

HTH

wendym

Thanks...I'll pass that on.

millsee

Tell the debt collection that you don't believe the debt belongs to your brother and ask the debt collection company for an invoice & proof of delivery, signed finance agreement or other proof of debt.

This should have a name or signature on it. If they haven't got this, they can't pursue a claim.

JayneC

i would contact debtline for advice, not sure of the number. Really old debts are sometimes sold on cheaply, however if its over 6 years since you've had any correspondance the debt will have 'expired'. However if you acknowledge the debt you can then be chased for it. Debtline can advise on how to deal with the company without becoming liaible for a debt that you may not have to repay.Or local CAB may be good place to go. These companies are very heavy handed hoping to scare you into paying up without questioning too much!!