Roxburghe debt collectors

flossieflipflop

Hi,

About 10 days ago I recieved a text from Roxburghe stating I needed to call them urgently and giving me a reference number. I did not call them and instead went on to their webpage found the contact email and politely asked what it was about - I included the reference etc and simply asked for who the debt was for.

I recieved no reply. Panicing a bit I went through some old post (I know it's not acceptable but I am crap at opening letters - the result of being hounded for debt - I am now in a dmp and have been for 4 years) Anyway I figured it must relate to an EDF energy bill for £30 that was my final bill when we moved companies. I actually thought I'd settled the final bill but anyway. I emailed Roxburghe again asking if this is what it was for but again no response. So stupidly I simply paid on their website the £30 that I knew the bill was for (I have to assume it is this as I don't owe any other bills - except those on my dmp ofcouse, none of which are with a DCA). I asked in the notes attached to the payment for them to email me to confirm the debt is settled - I had to include my email when I paid so they would know it's mine and couldn't not email by stating security etc.

Again no response. So I'm starting to get a bit worried that I've just been really stupid putting my card details to these people.

I emailed again stating that I wished an email response that at least they were recieveing my communication even if it was to say they would confirm in writing etc and that I believed I was entitled to that at least and failure to do so would result in me reporting them to the oft and information commission (not actually sure if they could help but surely they have to repsond to communication??)

Anyway I've just recieved another text asking me to call them urgently qouting a reference number.

What should I do? Phone them back? keep persiting down the email route? Have I been a right mug giving them my card details?? (I did use the card to pay off what I believe is the full edf bill but can they add charges??)

Any help??

Thanks

flossieflipflop

Just to add they didn't try and call home or mobile just sent the text

ceecee31

I had dealings with Roxburgh last year when I had PCN from my local hospital for £10. When they became involved, the charge dramatically increased to something like £120, and I started to receive red bordered letters from Graham White solictors. They will try every ruse possible to keep you on their radar. If you don't know that they are asking for £30, or even if it is connected with this debt, then I would be wary about them having my card details. GW solicitors and Roxburgh are the same company, by the way.

Sorry I can't be more helpful for your situation, but just wanted to warn you they are totally ruthless and will hound you relentlessly, scare tactics, threats of court, bailiffs, credit trashing - everything to scare you witless. All hot air.

I wouldn't engage with them at all. If necessary, change your card to a new one.

flossieflipflop

oh god! I'm really scared they're going to clean out my account - I'm on maternity leave (so just smp at moment) and just can't afford for them to take more than I paid.

Well I've now just had a pm apparantly from edf energy - asking me to contact them with an email address. Does anyone know if this is for real??? Or a scam? or Roxburghe??

ceecee31

As long as you didn't give them your card details e.g. security number (which you won't have presumably if you paid online) then you'll be okay. Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.

I just wanted to make you aware that they are a scaremongering company, so try not to deal with them via telephone or text.

Btw, how did they get your mobile number in the first place to be able to text you?

flossieflipflop

I think EDF had it as my contact number for them so that's another reason why I assumed that must be what it was for. I did have to give my 3 digit security code to pay online!! Oh god, are they likely to take more than the amount I agreed (I had to type in amount to pay and they did send an email reciept for the payment just no actual responses to my other email or confirmation of account settled)

flossieflipflop

I'm so annoyed I let myself get into this situation, stupid maternity pay. I'm main earner (and my wages pay all the bills) and as a public sector worker our maternity pay package is crap to say the least so we've been living off what little we saved up to pay main bills (as well as borrowing off family). I'm back to work as of August so will get a normal pay packet at the end of August but we're really struggling at moment and the last thing I need is dodgy dca's on my back. Why can't they just email me to let me know account is settled (or not)???

[Deleted User]

Just remember that DCAs can still take money from a new card number even if you cancel your old card of which they have the details, as lost or stolen.

jadex

Do not call them, do not pay them as you don't know the details yet, do not send any emails.
You are on DMP - contact your company and let them deal with it.
Or, better, wait for a letter and if ever you'll receive any then deal with it.
But now as you have (unnecessary IMHO) paid, send them a letter (by Recorded Delivery) quoting ref number and ask about what they are after and ask about your money back if it has nothing to do with you (which you should assume as there is no paperwork to refer to).
Texts mean NOTHING. If you don't want to receive them change your number.
And, important, DO NOT PANIC.

flossieflipflop

A little update - this morning I recieved another demand for payment through the post and it turns out it is EDF energy bill and for the amount I thought (so no charges). I was a bit miffed at the letter as I have paid the bill in full but guess the letter could have gone out before I paid. But my question is why are they still texting me telling me to ring them urgently when I now have proof I have paid in full? Are they allowed to continue to contact me when debt is settled? Who do I complain to about this?
Also the letter went on about how I haven't communicated with them hence why they would start legal proceedings (bearing in mind the bill was actually only 3 months late anyway) and my lack of communication was the issue - I'm so freakin' annoyed as I have emailed them about 8 times over the past fortninght and they never bothered to respond? Do I have grounds for a complaint about that (lack of response from them and then using so called lack of response from me as a reaosn to start court proceedings) if so who to?

Thanks if anyone can help

ceecee31

Personally, I would leave well alone. The letter has probably crossed with your payment, which might not have cleared all their systems yet. I know it's really annoying, but you will just be getting yourself more and more stressed.

You've paid, you've got proof, let them text and call all they want. It's their money they're wasting.