Debt just sold but balance is incorrect - best way to handle?

Triggles

DH's debt with MBNA has just defaulted and (apparently) been sold to a DCA. We sent a letter to MBNA requesting verification of exactly what the status is (for example, was the debt sold to this DCA?), and they haven't bothered to respond.

The DCA has sent us a letter stating that they bought the interest in the account and that we should go through them from now on.

The problem, however, is that the balance is incorrect. We have a letter dated about 10 days prior to the very last statement sent to DH from MBNA stating that they had suppressed the interest and fees on the account, due to our situation. Ten days later, we got the statement, which I will admit we didn't look too closely at as we had a lot going on. We then got a default notice, then a letter from this DCA saying the debt is now owned by them. But upon looking at the last statement to verify the balance from the DCAs letter, I noticed that MBNA DID charge interest and fees (to a total of over £70) on the account, despite them telling us in writing that interest and fees were suppressed.

So.... I've just typed up a letter to MBNA (with copies of letter and statement) disputing the balance, however, is it now out of their hands?? Do I have to go through MBNA or the DCA for this?? I initially figured that if we sent a letter disputing the balance to the DCA, that they would say "sorry, not our problem, MBNA made the error, not us." We're paying around £5 per month - £70 adds tons of payments on this debt which I'm not willing to do - not to mention the principle of it all! :mad: The original plan was a dispute letter to MBNA with a copy to the DCA so they were aware there was a problem. Is that the best method? Or does someone have a better idea which way to go on this.....

beanielou

Sorry cant help but bumping it up for you.

DarkConvict

This is not uncommon, MBNA probably suspended the interest, not stopped it. Its a goodwill gesture so they can do what they like pretty much.

When account balances are cleared or sold the creditors often put the interest back on in a lump sum, although you may be able to dispute this.
if the DCA owns the account MBNA and the DCA should send you a NOC (notice of assignment) to prove ownership of the debt, also the default notice sent by MBNA should have given you the amount due and time required to pay it before applying the default to your credit file.

Triggles

I got the letter, shortly followed by the statement (showing fees and interest on it for that month) and then the default notice shortly after that. A bit aggravating that they acted like they were going to actually work with us by sending us the letter to that effect, then defaulting and selling it.

Ah, well, I'll send the letter to MBNA disputing it, then a copy to the DCA advising them. I am also requesting the NOA from both of them. I'd like to think at least ONE of them will provide it. God, it's irritating to have to be all over them and be hunting them down constantly just to get information that they SHOULD be providing anyway!!

We won't even discuss my Abbey account - I've decided to file a complaint for harassment as they sent numerous (10+ now that I've finally sorted through all the paperwork they sent in one month) default notices with different amounts and letters totalling over 30 pieces of mail within a 30 day span. IMO that is excessive and amounts to harassment. And almost all from the same person at their company.grrrrrrrr