someone else's debt collectors

MrsTinks

Bailiff law is a little tricky on this... and then let's not forget that SOME bailiffs are not entirely welbehaved... sorry but that's how it is.
Some of them actually believe they have the right to break down doors and what not...
The thing to remember is: If it isn't your debt they then can't take anything that is yours. IF they do then in the eyes of the law it is theft and they will be dealt with the same way as any little scrote who breaks in to steal your valuables... hence why most bailiffs tend to try and make sure
If it's not your debt then don't make their lives easier - it's not your job! If they turn up then simply tell them that you have returned their mail informing them that the person they seek doesn't live here and you hereby revoke their right to be on your property for any reason what so ever and any future attempt to do so will be viewed as trespass and pursued to the full letter of the law.
Should make it clear to them that you're not the person they want and that you know your rights If you feel obliging you can show them ID but please don't think you HAVE to... It's ALWAYS their job to prove it's your debt, not vice versa

RobertoMoir

saltnvinegar wrote: »

My understanding is this but hopefully someone who is more knowledgeable will be able to tell you more.

Where court appointed Bailliffs are concerned its not quite that simple as it also depends on the type of debt they are looking to enforce.

If it is a 'proper' bailliff then if, for example, you leave a window open, they can gain entry to your property this way and it is lawful.

Bailiffs have as much right to be inside the property of someone who is not the debtor they are pursuing without an invitation as any other total random stranger passing by on the street. In other words none at all. No matter what kind of bailiff they are or type of debt they are chasing.

Only the world's worse bailiff would gain entry to property before being 100% certain of its relationship to the debtor they were pursuing.

Hannah_10

Debt Collectors have all the rights of the local Avon lady. That is it. Nothing more fancy or heavy duty no matter how long they spend carefully wording the letters to deceive. The reason you shouldn't take the advice of the person above suggesting co-operation is that it will get you seen as a soft target, prepared to bite the bait. Soft targets can be (and have been) persued into paying out of exaspiration.

If you do find a debt collector on your doorstep at any time "p*ss off of I'll call the police" will suffice (and takes a lot less time than dragging out your passport, driving licence, 6 months of utitility bills, council tax statement and a note from your Mum).

KingElvis

^^ Excellent post