Debt Collectors Question

partickz

I have recently moved into a new rented flat with my gf. (February 8th to be precise)

I have recieved a large amount of mail for the previous occupant Mr F. Having contacted the letting agent, I was told they would love to know where he is but he left in a hurry. I return this to the post box every few days marked "NOT KNOWN HERE- DO NOT RESEND"

Anyway, have now had several debt collector visits for Mr F. Several cards have been left and I had the great pleasure of one face to face conversation.

14.02.2011
working for Scottish Power debt collectors. Had logo on his polo top, said he wanted to read meter so I allowed access only for his mate (who was standing just out of view) to slip in as well. They said Mr F we are here about a debt of £318.91 on your account.

I said "I am not Mr F and I would advise you not to breach the data protection act again on my property, now please leave or I shall dial 999."

The gentleman then insisted that i prove that I was not Mr F to "make things easier for us and stop us coming back again and again". I politely requested that he leave and said that I would ignore his threat and only inform the police of the data protection breach. He replied smarmily "Ok Mr F"

I found this rather amusing but my gf is all worried. Any advice to stop this asap?? Thanks for all the help (you have all saved me before xx)

Tixy

Hi

You could have something to hand to show who you are, some people suggest a tenancy agreement - don't actually give it to them though, just let them see it. I guess you could even show him photo-id.
You could contact scottish power and inform them - stating that you live there now, have never heard of their debtor and to call off their ignoramus bulldogs.

Or you can of course do nothing, knowing he has no rights etc - but this may not be the right plan if gf is going to be worried to be home on her own.

partickz

Tixy wrote: »

Hi

You could have something to hand to show who you are, some people suggest a tenancy agreement - don't actually give it to them though, just let them see it. I guess you could even show him photo-id.
You could contact scottish power and inform them - stating that you live there now, have never heard of their debtor and to call off their ignoramus bulldogs.

Or you can of course do nothing, knowing he has no rights etc - but this may not be the right plan if gf is going to be worried to be home on her own.

Cheers Tixy. I would have shown him my ID had it not been for the way things were done. The smiley "I am here to read the meter" then the mate running in straight behind and having to confront them both in the hall way. It made me instantly defensive.

I might phone Scottish Power and lodge a formal complaint about their conduct and the fact I now know some of Mr F personal information.