Debt collection - how far can they go?

Portes

I've started to receive unsolicited text messages on my mobile from a company called Bryan Carter & Co asking me to phone a number given & quote a reference regarding an 'urgent matter'. Some quick googling seems to show them up as some form of debt collection company.

I have not received any letters or had any other form of communication from them. I called them, they wanted me to give my name and other details. Given I don't know what this is about and it was an unsolicited text message I was reluctant to give out any info. They said they could not give me any details unless I confirmed who I am - stalemate.

I've been racking my brain to think what it could be about but don't want to give any info upfront - why should I, when I don't know who these people really are. Surely they should be obliged to tell me what they are after.

My only guess is this is to do with a Vodafone pay as you go contract which I stopped the direct debit on a couple of years ago. I did right to vodafone cancelling it, had no response and soon after moved house. I don't have a record of the letter however.

So to my question - what should I do? I don't want any nasty surprises from these solicitors (looks like there are horror stories on the web). They don't have my address or any other details apart from my mobile phone number. Should I just ignore them? If I do will I be liable for something in the future. Sigh, what a pain! Any help or advice much appreciated!!

Triggles

It doesn't sound like you even have confirmation that this is due to a debt that you owe. Personally, I wouldn't give them any information on the phone. I would ignore the texts, but if they call you, maybe you can just tell them if they need to communicate with you that it needs to be in writing and THEN you will address it. If they then ask for your address, point out that if they actually have a debt that is owed by you that they should, in fact, HAVE your address already and that you are not giving them any details over the phone as you have no way of knowing who they actually are and if they are legitimate.

That's what I would do, however, that may or may not be the best way of handling it. I'm sure there will be others along who can point out other options.

WRINKLES

Do nothing if a company thinks you owe them any money then they should write to you, they only want you to phone so they can threaten and intimidate you into paying up it might not be your debt

Portes

Thanks Triggles & WRINKLES. My concern is if I actually owe something and they don't have my correct address to write to how will I ever know to resolve this? Or do I even need to?

How far can the debt collector go without any of my details apart from me mobile number? Do they just give up after a certain point or is there something else they do as part of the collection process.

If nothing is likely to happen if I don't respond then great, I'd rather not waste my time. But if leaving this could only make a situation harder to resolve in the future I'd rather just sort it. I would say again I have no idea what this is about and can only think of the vodafone situation that I mentioned before as the only reason they could possibly be getting in contact.

Sorry must sound like a bit of a worrier but I really appreciate all comments and suggestions on this!

clang_uk

I would agree with the above posts, don't give out your address - they should have it if you owe a debt. You have no idea who they are, they need to write telling you what you owe and then you can reply to them.

I would call vodaphone as a first step and ask if you owe any money, they will tell you quick enough if its been passed on and how much you owe. You may even be able to pay them direct.

I would treat this with caution and don't give them any info, as they don't have any other contact details for you, otherwise they would be following that up.

BigCraigJohn

Theyve got a serious rep for playing very dirty(have a read on consumer action group), might be worth a look.
But as has been said, dont worry about it.