Being chased for relative's debt

LMcKenna

My 70-year old mum is being chased for a relatives debt. The relative has emigrated. She has had numerous letters, phone calls visits from debt collectors etc...

I believe there is a central database that has my mum's address associated with my relative's address, that all the debt collectors use - how can I find out who has this database?

Thanks

bargainbetty

There is a template on here for removal from databases - write to each one, informing them that the person is not at the address, and there is no forwarding address. Your mother does not acknowledge any debt to them personally, and therefore they must cease all communication regarding the alleged debts. Tell them that further telephone calls are not acceptable, and that the details on the file should be updated to remove the telephone numbers and to reflect that the person is no longer there.

Advise them that further communications, except to confirm in writing that the records have been updated, will be considered as harassment, and, considering your mother's age, will be considered as abuse of a vulnerable person, and reported to the FSA, OFT and any other relevant trade body as illegal activity.

Sign the letter in block capitals only, or digitally - do not give them a 'proper' signature.

Any further calls should be hung up on, and further letters returned with NOT AT THIS ADDRESS written accross them.

It will soon taper off. If necessary, she could consider changing her number and going ex-directory from the moment it switches.

Good luck x

Tixy

Did you relative ever live at your mother's address? It could be that the address appears as a linked address on the relative's credit report with some or all of equifax, experian or callcredit. But I'm not sure your mother will be able to find this out.

Did you mother ever have any financial joint products with this relative?

I would suggest that for any letters she gets she simply returns them with 'not at this address' on the envelope (don't open them).

If you know who the debt collectors are you could perhaps also write to them to say that the person is not at this address and asking them to remove your mothers details from their database (you could also include this paragraph about them not visiting her address)

"There is an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v Sheppard & Short Ltd [1959] 2 QB 384. per Lord Evershed M.R.). Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and, if you do so, you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance."

LMcKenna

I'll have a look at the templates - thanks

The relative has never lived at my Mum's address. I don't understand how the debt collectors got her address. My Mum has never had any joint financial arrangements with the relative.

A few months back my Mum received a court order regarding one of the debts. I called the debt collection agency and they suggested that my relative had used my Mum's address to obtain credit.

My Mum and I live in Scotland - I'll have a look for the same license under Scottish Law.

Thanks for replies.

bargainbetty

If the relative used your mum's address to get the credit, that is the relative's problem, because your mum still isn't legally liable for the money. Return to step one, NOT KNOWN AT THIS ADDRESS.......

Repeat as necessary!

davetrousers

changed my mind! Ignore