Mackenzie Hall...

vikki2k1

I received a card from them this weekend at my parents address.
I recently moved to holland but i dont have a job yet so i have £0 income at the moment.
I don't want to phone them if they are as bad as people say, and i also have no idea what this debt is for.
I have no idea what to write to them, and if there is some way i can get them to wait until i have a job, i would be more than happy to pay it off monthly! can anyone help me at all?
Thank You

bottleofred

Hi Vicki2k1,

Mckenzie hall are a debt collection company based in Kilmarnock Scotland. They specialise in collecting debts that are close to or often over 6 years old. Debts which are over 6 years old become statute barred as long as there is a 6 year gap between the last payment on an account prior to default etc. Do you have debts from recently or many years ago and if so, have you any idea how long ago they are from. If you don't think you owe any money from previous debts you can send the prove it letter to Mckenzie hall or Muck hall as I prefer to call them. Don't under any circumstances phone them, as they are rude, aggressive and horrible. I'll attach the prove it letter and other information to the next post. I hope this helps.

Bottle of Red

bottleofred

Hi,

Please see the links below:

read this http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/en...limitation_act

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...93&postcount=2

As to the phonecalls, which will probably start at anytime! - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...html?t=1837507

I hope this helps

Bottle of Red

vikki2k1

thanks for the advice.
The links don't seem to work :S

I do have debts, but of the ones i havent heard from in a while its been about 4 years not 6.

bottleofred

Hi,

Apologies the links did not work. As it's around 4 years since you incurred the debts, they will be looking for you more closely. You could try to ignore it as your out of the country working. However, they may not be able to prove you owe the debt as they may not have the necessary paperwork. I've attached the prove it letter below for you to copy and send to them if you wish, as it may be worth a try. Some of the forum experts may have better advice, so wait and see what happens before rushing to contact them.

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully





Mrs A N Other

Catbag

I'm sorry to hear you've had he misfortune of dealing with this company. Do not on any account contact them by phone - they are vile, obnoxious and utterly lacking in compassion. I have been reduced to tears by phone calls from them. The previous poster is absolutely spot on. After receiving similar advice from this forum a couple of years ago, i sent them a copy of the letter above and never heard a dicky bird from them thereafter. All hail these forums!

Catbag

....and good luck!

bottleofred

Hi,

I've attached the letter regarding phone calls in case they do get your number. You could get a copy of your credit file to find out the exact time from the default and what debts are on your credit file. Experian and Equifax are the 2 main companies that will provide you with a copy, although you only need to use one of the companies. You'll find there details online and how to get a copy of your file. I got mine free, but this was based on signing up for a 30 day trial and as soon as I got my credit file I cancelled it within the 30 day period and therefore there was no cost.

Dear Sirs,

Account No: XXXXXXXX

I am writing in relation to the quantity and frequency of telephone calls that I have received from your company, which I deem to be personally harassing. I have verbally requested that these stop, but I am still receiving calls and I now require all further correspondence from your company to be made in writing only. I am of the view that your continued harassment of me by telephone puts you in breach of Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970, and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

If you continue to harass me by telephone, you will also be in breach of the Communications Act (2003) s.127 and I will report you to OFCOM, Trading Standards and The Office of Fair Trading, meaning that you will be liable to a substantial fine. Be advised that any further telephone calls from your company may be recorded and used in evidence and I expect this harassment to cease immediately.

Yours faithfully