Private investigators?!?!?

loopy-loo73

Hi,
You've not got an ex you're trying to avoid have you?
Sorry ... am very cinical but learnt the hard way.
Just a thought ...
Lou.

hollydays

As long as they know its a care of address.

Mrs_B_12

Could it be a long lost relative or someone who was adopted who is related to you maybe?

It really could be anything and if you're sure you've got no outstanding debts you've forgotten what hvae you got to lose?

rygon

yeh i'd phone them to see what its about but not give any information away at all..if theyve managed to contact you this far they should have the appropriate info themselves. Just tell them your name and thats it..if they want an address then get them to give the clients address so you can ring them personally. i wouldnt give your dob or any answers related to "security" (so they know who they are talking to)..and remember if it seems like a hoax you can put the phone down whenever you want

louise_1981

got a second letter, saying I own a power company money, from when I was a student 4 years ago. this happened a year ago, from another company, as I left on poor terms with the other house mates my share of the bills was not paid dispite leaving a cheque for the amount. it was paid twice last year when the first company, who I have a sneaking suspiction is some how related to the company now chasing me now, started writing letters.

Going to get trading standards involve as suggested by p.m.

Any thoughts would be gratefully recieved.

Louise

hollydays

The private detective firm is trying to trace you for this reason.
What exactly do you mean when you say "it" was paid twice.,and are you saying the cheque you left was not cashed,bit unsure of how trading standards come into this.
If you ask for advice, its always a bit worrying when you only give half the story,because you will be given advice based on what you have said.Citizens advice bureau may be a better bet.

gibby

as a rule I never ever deal with debt collection firms - only the firm originally involved, and only the original firm can take you to court.
I have helped a few friends out with this sort of stuff as they got into a mess moneywise.

if you call them - withold your number and never give it out.
Usually these debts are sold on to silly debt firms who think its easy money to intimidate ppl and threaten bankruptcy etc.

simply I would write to them, recorded delivery. Ask for details in writing and then go back to the original firm.
stand firm on this and stay in control. Do not let them push you around or even get citizens advice or any gov body involved.
If its a utility firm there is energy watch who are good at sorting these matters out.

A friend had a rather nasty problem with British Gas and it took alot of work to resolve the matter thanks to energy watch.

I have the same problem at the moment with PI's knocking at my door looking for the last owner who left a large maount of debt.
I got so sick one morning - I said "is that your car?" "yes" was the reply.
"hang on while I get my hammer I said" and he ran away and never came back. I didnt threaten him but they are just bullies.

G

wacko911

If you phone a freefone number (0800), your caller ID gets send if you withold it via 141 or not. Hence all these 'firms' use 0800's to harvest phone numbers from thier victims.

Turning_into_scrooge

Most company's use a computer system which automatically unblocks your number, so withholding your number is pointless, the only way around it is to phone from an international number. Chat lines use this facility and psychic/tarot company's also:)

JasonW_2

That's not what is being said. The person at the end of the 0800 can supposedly still see your number even if you try and withhold it. I've never heard of this, but this is what the poster is saying.

D