Problem with an overseas debt collection agency

Donal

Hi guys, I’m currently getting letters and emails from Universal Inkasso, a Netherlands based company. Back at the start of 2010, I intended to travel in Germany quite a bit, and after a lot of Babelfish translating fun, managed to purchase a train travelcard (Bahncard) that gave 25% off each journey. I used it for 2010, and thought no more of it. However, at the start of 2011, I received 2 invoices from Deutsche Bahn, all in German, which I took to mean were to renew my Bahncard for 2011. I threw both letters out as I wouldn’t be returning to Germany this year.

Next thing I know, I get a letter from a debt collection agency demanding €96.52 (the Bahncard fee and a €37 fine plus interest) saying that I owe them money. I contacted them asking what was up, and they say that when you buy a Bahncard, you buy a subscription which must be cancelled within 6 weeks of the card expiring. However, I haven’t received a replacement card from them and certainly don’t need one. According to them, this clause is in their terms and conditions, which is again all in German.

What are my options here? I obviously didn’t read all the T&Cs due to the fact I assumed I was only buying a card for a year, I certainly didn’t intend to subscribe to anything. I also haven’t received the replacement card, surely that can work in my favour?

Any help would be gratefully accepted!

Donal

MrsTinks

Do you owe the money? Well yes... if it's in their T&Cs then you do, just because you didn't read them because your German isn't good enough is hardly their fault?
Can they chase you... yes I believe so... there is something I think called a European Small Claims... would they? Don't know to be honest.

nottoolate

MrsTine wrote: »

Can they chase you... yes I believe so... there is something I think called a European Small Claims... would they? Don't know to be honest.

that's interetsing

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/protection_of_consumers/l16028_en.htm

king100

nottoolate wrote: »

that's interetsing

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/protection_of_consumers/l16028_en.htm

You learn something everyday.

Didnt know that.

king100

MrsTine wrote: »

just because you didn't read them because your German isn't good enough is hardly their fault?

Surely they must have T&Cs in English!! Human rights and all.

nottoolate

king100 wrote: »

You learn something everyday.

Didnt know that.

yep

can't imagine they would bother for about a 100 euros though

Donal

I'm afraid they might though. Is there any leeway for the fact I haven't actually got the card, and everything they sent me was in German? They have my email address; a 5 second email would have saved the whole bother, particularly when I ignored the first two invoices.

Hannah_10

Oh there might be leeway, but how are you going to find out? If I were you I'd make very very sure I cancelled the card and just pay the £84's worth of Euros and be done with it before it accrues any more interest or gets any further out of hand. It seems the problem here was with you not speaking the langauge firstly, and with the postal service second rather than with Bahncard. You could try formally complaining to Bahncard but pay up first and claim it back after because without being able to read the T's & C's or having any idea how aggressively debts are persued by this company you would taking a hell of a risk to let is fester.

Donal

Great advice Hannah, and I agree entirely. I'll email Bahn and see what they say!