The bailiffs are coming!

garethgas

I had a letter today informing me that a debt collecting agency (Global Arrow) had 'bought' my debt from orange and I owe the £235.
I haven't had an orange contract for at least 5 yrs (probably more) and as far as I'm aware I owe them nothing. I currently use orange payg.
This letter is very threatening in tone and says I've been provided with a notice of assignment and failed to make any payment.
I'll quote some of it:
"You should be in no doubt that payment of that which you owe will be persued"
"Arrow Gobal takes advantage of all available data relating to you both public data and information produced by credit reference agencies which details the manner in which you conduct your financial affairs"
"In your case we believe you are able to pay but have chosen not to do so"

There is more but thats the tone of it. I don't owe orange a penny but I'm also reluctant to start any communication with this lot.
I'd be very grateful for any advice on this.

toffe

just send them a letter stating that you do not acknowledge any debt to orange and unless they can provide documented evidence of your liability within 28 days you will consider the matter closed.

if they do not provide solid docuented evidence proving your liability within 28 days but continue to send you demands for payment you will refer the matter to the OFT as you are aware that sending demands for payment when it is not clear that the receipient of those demands id the debtor is against OFT guidance.

if you want a template that is maybe more concise that the above ask on the DFW board.

arcon5

To add to the above... debt collection agencies and baliffs are completely different. Debt collection agencys have no more powers than Orange themself, they cannot enter your property or take your stuff, if they do make personal visits simply tell them they are not invitied on your property and call the police.

The whole point of them is to scare you into paying.

The only way baliffs can come round is if they get a court order and I believe baliffs are appointed by the courts. Try not to be intimidated by them!

NeilF3485

Also worth finding out how far over 5 years it is by which I mean, is it more than 6 years?

I had a similar letter and I've not had an Orange account for 8 years so I phoned them back, said I don't acknowledge it and have heard nothing about it for more than 6 years, and accordingly it was Statute Barred and I wouldn't be paying it. Bloke said "oh okay" and have heard nothing since. Job done.

garethgas

Thank you for all your advice, all of which I've taken on board.
I'm now on the case.
Thanks once again