MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Would you give debt collectors someone's address?

Drama_Queen

Having had experience of being harrassed for a debt (T-mobile) that wasn't even mine, I would never pass on anyone's details. Debt collectors are the scum of the Earth - as Michael MacIntyre would tell you!

Countertenor

If the previous tenant owed me money, or had damaged the property in some way, I would have no hesitation in passing on their address. If they had done me no personal harm or inconvenience, I would return the letters Gone Away, and let the debt collection agency earn their money - that's what they're paid to do - trace absconders. They usually either get a % of the debt they collect, or may even have bought it from the original lender, so they've taken a calculated risk. Unlike the Banks!

[Deleted User]

As mentioned in a previous post, we have to assume the person has moved and forgotten to update their address with their creditors.

Some of the posts on here are baffling, this isnt school..youre not 'grassing' people up. Some responses suggest that creditors are evil companies, you have to remember the money was lent to individuals in good faith that it would be repaid following the terms set out in their agreements, these individuals are more than capable of updating their address details surely? as adults?

So on the basis that they may have forgotten, i would happily forward all the information i had, not only to stop the letters clogging up my letterbox but to save them from potentially being liable for legal costs.

Surfer

It is none of my business and why should I do the work for them and not get paid for it?

wildthing01

the problem with this dilemma is that we don't know enough details - just as we wouldn't in real life - the 'debt collectors' may be genuine, or they may be illegal loan sharks, fraudsters or the !!!!! for all we know, and the debtors may well be innocent, being harrassed or even threatened with physical harm. on the other hand, the 'debtors' may be not very nice people themselves, who would not thank you for passing their details on, and may come round to deliver retribution on you. you just don't know. one thing i have learned in this life, is, the vast majority of the time, you are best off not getting involved in other people's business (unless of course a blatant crime is being commited, in which case you discretely call the police). i personally would be looking to protect my children first and foremost, which for me would mean not touching this situation with a bargepole....

triticale

Supercharge_Me wrote: »

As mentioned in a previous post, we have to assume the person has moved and forgotten to update their address with their creditors.

Some of the posts on here are baffling.

Indeed. Some of the judgemental and downright vicious generalising comments are quite vile.

All people in debt are shysters, scum and are the cause of all the ills in the world, from credit interest rates and food prices, to bad weather and toast landing jam-side down.

If someone is suspected of avoiding debt we should track them down, drag them from their homes and put them in the village stocks.

**Insert rolling eyes smiley here**

Trolls and ignorant gobsh**es aside, I would simply write 'Not known at this address' and return the post.

As I did when such letters came for the previous occupant of my flat. Such things are none of my business and I have no desire to involve myself any further than that.

contrary_mary

Yes I would. Actually I'm a landlord and I can't tell you how much trouble ex-tenants who leave the property owing thousands cause both for me and the next tenants. Running away isn't the answer to debt - looking for a solution to a debt problem IS.

silvercar

My story.

We bought a house from people who had got into financial difficulty. A fact that only became apparent after we had moved in.

Apart from the mountains of post that arrived from debt collectors etc the following incidents took place:

1. I arrive home to find a man peering in through the front window. I was in the car with my son. I hooted and the guy walks over and accuses me of being the previous occupant. He wants proof that is in the house, but he is standing between me and the front door so I can't easily gain access without either letting him in my house or leaving my son outside. Eventually he backs off and I go in the house and show him proof. He comments that everyone claims they are not who they are.

2. A surveyors had organised some work with the previous owner to ensure the extension complied with building regs. As part of this a builder had fitted things in the house like a fire door. The surveyor and builder had never been paid (promised out of proceeds of sale but never delivered). Big fuss because the builder claimed that his terms gave him title to parts that had not been paid for, so he was allowed to take them back! The fact that we had paid for the house including its doors seemed irrelevent. Legal arguement followed, hinging on trespass rather than title, which ended with them backing off, but still unwarranted hassle for us.

3. Man at door taking photos through window and of cars. Not impressed when I told him to chase previous occupants not us.

4. Gardeners appeared demanding payment, then arguing that we had benefitted from their work. Ended up doing a deal with them as they were good:)

5. Same for window cleaner and bin cleaning service. Both collecting payment for previous work. Rejected them.


Now whatever problems the previous owners had why should I, completely innocent of their mess, be subjected to hassle due to their actions?

[Deleted User]

triticale wrote: »

All people in debt are shysters, scum and are the cause of all the ills in the world, from credit interest rates and food prices, to bad weather and toast landing jam-side down.

If someone is suspected of avoiding debt we should track them down, drag them from their homes and put them in the village stocks.

Given that you are dealing with your debt as suggested in your signature, how do you feel about those that do not?

wildthing01 wrote: »

the problem with this dilemma is that we don't know enough details - just as we wouldn't in real life - the 'debt collectors' may be genuine, or they may be illegal loan sharks....

Surely a quick check would suffice, given that it would be highly unusual for credit to be provided from a company not authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Most of the people in this scenario 'run away' because they dont want to give new address details because they are fed up of being 'hounded'. However if you come to an agreement with your creditors and actually make a commitment to pay your debts, you simply wont have this problem.

silverhairgranny

Hi
have you ever thought about companies even at the till girls trying to get you to open a store card and all those lovely things available now. go out impress your mates or furnish your love or your first flat away from mummy and daddy then the penny drops you have to pay for them. I think the companies are irresponsibleto people who have yet to manage their finances and it is to easy to get credit now. Serves them right.