Authorised collector visit - Meritforce

Cashola

Hi guys,

Hoping you can help / advise.

I have been receiving (and ignoring:() debt collector letters for a long while. Usually I bin then as the debt comes from so long ago that I was sure it would come to nothing now, but for some reason I opened the latest one. It seems they have stepped up their chasing of me and I received a letter this week from Meritforce: Doorstep Collection Agents, saying they are sending an 'Authorised Collector' to my house within 10 days to collect the debt.

The debt itself dates from a credit card from circa 1999.

I am trying to work out if this doorstep thing is legal? Also if the debt is enforceable after all this time? I've checked my credit file on Experian and Equifax and there are no CCJ's, no debts, in fact I have just applied and been accepted for a mortgage so don't think they have done anything to my credit file - but maybe they still can?

Any help mucho appreciated money experts!! :o:o

MrsTinks

You say the debt is from 1999 - but is that when you took out the card or what actually matters... when did you last make a payment or acknowledge the debt in writing?
As for CCJs not showing... have you moved since the debt was accrued and are all your previous addresses listed on your credit file? They could be listed against a previous address...

Cashola

Hello MrsTine,

Thanks for the reply. To answer your questions:

- The card was taken out in 1998 and was used for about a year until 1999.

- After that I last made a payment in either 1999 or 2000 I don't remember which, but not after then.

- Since the last payment, I have never acknowledged the debt / replied to any collectors letters whatsoever

- I've moved around a lot since this debt was defaulted, so only have about the last 5 years addresses on my credit file; none of the addresses the credit company would have me at would be included on the credit file (if that's what you mean).

Any idea what I can do?

Thanks

MrsTinks

Well... there is a chance there is a CCJ... but I guess that's a risk you need to take... I would send them the statute barred letter and tell them that you revoke the right for them to enter your property and if they decide to do so you will consider it trespass and report it to the police. Make sure you send it recorded...

Cashola

Hi MrsTine,

Thanks again for your reply :T

If there was a CCJ what could happen if I sent this Statute barred letter?

- Is there a link to this letter somewhere? (probably I am being completely blind right?!) Sorry if so

thechippy

Link to the letter..


.......http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=30356327&postcount=23.

Cashola

thanks for that, I was just searching for it and found it too

thechippy

Cashola wrote: »

thanks for that, I was just searching for it and found it too

.........:beer::D

Cashola

Hi again,

I'm working at home today a strange man just started bashing on my door - I didn't answer as I was afraid it was the Meritforce people - he then walked up and down my road and started trying to look in through my front windows

I am going to send this Statute Barred letter today by recorded mail, but I am afraid of this man turning up again My OH knows all the details but I feel awful if OH had to open the door to that. I assume they are going to try and get into my house and take things to the value of the debt... I assume I can close the door on them and tell them I don't acknowledge the debt, not admit my name? To be honest I am tempted to answer and say no one of that name lives here or something (just to get rid of them)..

Does anyone know what these people can lawfully do?

ladybez

if he is a debt collector and not a court bailiff, then he has less rights than the postman. If possible do not upen the door, if you feel you have to then do not give any information to him just ask him to leave your property, if he does not tell him you are going to phone the police and have him removed for trespass and do it. Get you statute barred letter sent today!

Cashola

Hi Ladybez,

Thanks for your quick reply

He's definitely not a court baliff, unless something went to court and I don't know about it.

The debt is circa 10 years old (since any contact/acknowledgement from me).

I am sending the letter direct to these Debt Collectors today - well I am going to have to sneak out the house and hope he isn't hanging around.. eeek!