CCS debt recovery letter: no idea what it is about.

*max*

Hi all,

I received a letter from CCS Collections today, demanding that I pay them the sum of £174.57. The letter states that they are acting on behalf of their client "Robinson Way Ltd".

Now, a few points:
- I have never heard of Robinson Way Ltd, although on googling it appears they are another debt collection agency.

- I do not have ANY debts apart from an overdraft facility on my current account: I have never had a credit card, always paid my utility bills in full by direct debit, I've never had a mortgage, I've never had a car (I know CCS deal in parking tickets issues), I've never had a contract phone, never had a catalogue account.

Those are some of the things I'm guessing are likely to incur debts, I can't think of any others at the moment.

- I haven't received any correspondence about an alleged debt prior to this letter.

- They got my name wrong: used my first name as last name on the letter (not sure wether this is relevant).


So, never having had to deal with such matters, I'm coming to you for advice....What should I do? I'm reluctant to phone the number provided on the letter, because I'm not confident on the phone (English isn't my first language, and I have never had to discuss that subject before, so I'm likely to mumble a lot.).

I honestly have no clue what this is about, it doesn't say who I'm meant to owe money to.
Advice gratefully received!!!

bottleofred

Hi max,

They do this from time to time, probably just to see if they can get you to pay without making a fuss. Send the letter below and see what happens. Don't call them though as they can be rude, aggressive and obnoxious!

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

*max*

Thank you! Just to clarify, the "Loan company" in this case would be CCS, correct?
I'll send your letter to them and see what happens.

I'm really baffled. I hope I haven't overlooked anything - but even then, I should have received some sort of correspondence from the company I supposedly owe to itself, shouldn't I? Or is it common practice to use a debt collection agency immediately, without informing the debtor of the debt first?

bottleofred

Hi Max,

Yes, the loan company in this instance would be ccs. You need to adapt the letter to suit you by changing we to I etc. If they contact you after that put the details on the forum and you'll get additional advice.

dancingfairy

They've probably got someone with a similar name and are just trying it on to get you to pay without questioning.
I might be tempted to sign up to the 3 credit agencies just to check everything is in order as fraud is the only other option but 'fishing' and approaching people with similar names to the person they want seems to be quite common.
Good Luck
df