More HFO Services Harrasment

cge001

Hi all - another newbie here, I'm also on the receiving end of HRO's intimidatory tactics. Here's the story so far... I was contacted by HFO on the phone 3 weeks ago about an alledged debt (approx £200) in my name that they bought from Barclaycard and are now pursuing. They wanted me to confirm my address which I refused to do, and I have been ignoring their phone call's ever since.

In the meantime I have checked with Barclaycard, who have no record of outstanding dept in my name, and I have also checked my credit report which also came up clean, i.e. no missed payments with anyone, or historic outstanding debts with barclaycard.

I have since received a letter with a "72 Hours to Litigation" threat which included a reference to Barclaycard and an Account number. I double checked with Barclaycard again; the number provided is invalid and does not match any records against my name.

I have read through advice on other threads to send the prove it letter etc, but thought I would (a) add my story to the forum in the hope my experience will inform others in a similar situation and (b) double check the advice, e.g. by sending a letter back I am acknowledging my address and receipt of their letter, should I worry about that?

The whole situation is nauseating and I want to make sure I don't put a foot wrong; I am convinced the debt is fictional and want to resolve this asap. Any advice gratefully recieved, many thanks!!

fermi

This prove it letter?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11570893&postcount=2

They already appear to have an address and phone number, and clearly think they have traced the debt correctly, so perhaps it is best to dispute it formally?

Or just ignore it?

It's your judgement call really.

If Barclays can confirm that no debt to them exists or existed, then HFO will fall flat on their faces if they tried to follow through with legal action.

Tixy

Hi and welcome

I would send the prove it letter back, you will be confirming your address to them, but you'll also be letting them know that you know what you are doing (or are getting advice) and are not going to be intimidated by their threats.

If they do keep writing to you after you have sent that letter then I would complain to the OFT (worth keeping a note of when they've called you, when you spoke to barclaycard etc in case you need to make a complaint).

fermi

Oh, and you should probably strengthen that letter by adding in that you have confirmed with BC that no such debt exists or existed in your name.

cge001

Thanks Fermi & Tixy... I'll send the reinforced prove it letter. I appreciate the help