Unsigned letters - CC won't action

DNW_2

Hello DFWs

Ive started receiving responses to my token payment letters, some have ignored it completely other than banking the cheque (MBNA), some have said they will stop charges for a temp period (Egg) but I received a response from both HSBC and Mint today both saying pretty much the same thing - that as my letters to them were unsigned, they will not action them (ie no stopping charges).

HSBC say "... as the letter was unsigned I am unable to act upon its contents. Please ensure all cards are destroyed (I'm way ahead of them on that one!). Further action will continue until satisfactory repayment proposals are received. Should I require any further info or assistance please telephone..."


Mint have said "... I have received a letter regarding your account. The letter was not signed and as a result I am unable to undertake the action requested. Please sign in the space below and return or, if convenient, telephone to request that we carry out your instructions".


I didn't sign the letters due to reading numerous posts on here saying print, don't sign. So are the CC cos just being awkward? I don't really feel comfortable signing as it's contrary to all advice I've read - and I've certainly no intention of phoning them as I want a record of all correspondence.

Has anyone a suitable response I could send? Or any other advice?

Thanks in advance.

chanz4

hsbc will compare the signature on file, is a safety thing that works both ways . Its like me writting a letter to your bank saying close your account, unsigned

nottoolate

debt collectors have been known to copy signatures on to new documents

if you are not contesting that there is anything signed in the first place then there is no real reason not to sign your letters

DNW_2

Thanks both.

I've spoken to Mint and HSBC and I need to re-send my original token payment letter and financial statement and have to sign both. I'm not contesting anything, but I'm not sure if they would ever have had my signature on any paperwork to compare to as I'm fairly sure both were online applications taken out years ago.

Would it therefore be wise to somehow protect my signature by marking it in a way that can't be copied? Or am I just being paranoid now?

Gordon_Hose

If you're setting up token payments with the intention of settling your debts in full, then sign the letters.

If you're replying to DCA's contesting the debts then you don't sign the letters.

DNW_2

Thanks for clarifying. I am intending paying debts off in full (however many years it may take) so will sign.

chuckley

both Mint & HSBC are liars. I know for a fact HSBC reply to all letters in detail regardless of a sig. their trying to get ur signature so they can forge onto docs. I refuse to sign ALL letters i send to companies and DCA's and only Cap 1 did a 'signature required' uturn after I caught them in a lie. they didnt get it and still accept my lower payments. everyone else answers the letters regardless.

DNW_2

I've still not sent signed letters off (despite actually writing them last week) as I'm still feeling a little uncomfortable about it.

I've come across this post http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11636349&postcount=6 with regards to CCA requests being unsigned so I think I will draft a letter using the relevant part of the sample letter to both Mint and HSBC.

I need to write to them anyway to ask that they stop phoning and remove my number from their records, so I'll do it all in one fell swoop.

DNW_2

In the sample letter it reads:

In your letter you make reference to requiring my signed authorisation before you comply. I draw your attention to the fact that the Consumer Credit Act 1974 does not require that i supply you a copy of my signature before you comply with my request.

If it is for Data Protection purposes then i can happily supply you with documentation to substantiate my identity to you.

Would I need to remove the bit about the CCA 1974?

barbiedoll

You could always just sign it using a different style of signature, using your left hand, for example. If they do try to "copy and paste" at any stage, it will be clear to you that it is not your normal signature. Or sign it but mark it with a cross at either end so that if they try to scan it, the crosses will show up too.

chuckley

i read that u don't have to physically sign and that a typed name is acceptable?! ive done a CCA request and immediately got a response of 'sorry we don't have it' and they sent me back the PO. Gutted... as it was crossed. £1 down the drain.