harrasing previous address/giving out information to family?

eeloojon

Im in a dispute with Nationwide that I have been fighting since February. I haven.t been able to lodge my court claim yet and they basically ignored all my letters.

My overdraft is about 200 over its limit and over half of the balance is charges.

I have had this woman from field collections desperately trying to get hold of me by phone (I dont answer withheld numbers), and has been to my flat twice looking for me when I have been out and left notes saying that she needs to talk to me about arrears (I am one payment behind on my loan) and my overdraft being over limit. Im not great at confrontations so I havent called her back. Plus I think - why the hell should I?? I told them the amount was in dispute yet they still pursue it! Anyway after more preperation I will be summitting the claim probably next week.

My question is this - this woman has actually been calling and actually paid a visit to my old address - I told them last October my new address and number. My mum and dad live at my old address and didnt know about my debt - this has caused major family difficulties because she went out there and mentioned it was about arrears. She did this a few days after my boyfriend told her I was at work when she came to my flat.

Do I have any rights here? Are they allowed to harrass an old address and give out personal information? If so, what can I do apart from complain about it?

Macduff_3

Write to Nationwide complaining about them going to your old address. Send by recorded delivery and keep copies. Then call your local Trading Standards office (number in the phone book) and make a complaint with them. They will probably want a copy of the letter you sent. Also go to http://www.oft.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B3999175-A9BC-469D-AD5B-BA284DE36E01/0/complaint.DOC and make a complaint with the OFT.

wuckfit

my understanding is that by talking about arrears they are in breach of not only the Data Protection Act, but also the code of practice, specifically the section regarding embarrassing debtors.

Additionally, if the debt is disputed then I don't think they can pursue it in this manner. I'm not entirely sure, but if you've disputed it in writing, then that should probably suffice.

I'd contact the ombudsman, the OFT and the DPA commissioner.

eeloojon

Thanks for the advice - I have wrote a very long letter of complaint to Nationwide and if they dont reply to that I will report them to everyone!

sportbeth

I would report them anyway. This kind of behaviour is deliberately meant to cause distress and embarassment, that's why there are laws against it. They are out of order and they know it. I've had it done to me and it's downright wrong