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Bailiffs chasing for a modem returned 2 years ago

Hi all, i've received a letter from Buchannan Clark & Wells today demanding £50 for non return of a modem when i ceased contract with them TWO YEARS ago.

The modem was returned to the address they supplied, and I have since disposed of postal proof (being 2 years ago) and I have not had any correspondence since stating that they have not received it. So how come two years later they can threaten be with bailiffs out of the blue?

Comments

  • brewerdave
    brewerdave Posts: 8,937 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Who was your ISP??
  • They aren't bailiffs. They are debt collectors.

    Tell them you sent it back 2 years ago and to go away. Then call your old ISP and explain the situation, they may have made a mistake and will know a great deal more than the DCA.
  • qpop
    qpop Posts: 555 Forumite
    I'd send a "prove it" letter (have a look at the loans/DFW forum) - A template is available from debt counselling service(I think) website.

    It basically asks for proof that there is a contractual requirement that has not been met. I would append on the bottom that the router was returned as requested by the company.

    I doubt they'll contact you again.

    Seems bizarre to write a £50 debt to a debt collector. Sounds decidedly dodgy to be honest!
    I am an IFA, but nothing I say on this forum constitutes financial advice. Always draw your own conclusions and always do your own research.
  • spike7451
    spike7451 Posts: 6,944 Forumite
    brewerdave wrote: »
    Who was your ISP??

    More than likely VM,as I've known them to do this in the past.Problem is when the item is returned it goes back off to screen & clean before being re-issued to the stores system,if it's collected then it goes to the local stores where it sits until a pallet or three are collected.
    We were told that if we collected items,which we did if the work was slack,advise the customer to hang onto the reciept for 12 months.
  • robt_2
    robt_2 Posts: 3,401 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    qpop wrote: »
    I'd send a "prove it" letter (have a look at the loans/DFW forum) - A template is available from debt counselling service(I think) website.

    It basically asks for proof that there is a contractual requirement that has not been met. I would append on the bottom that the router was returned as requested by the company.

    I doubt they'll contact you again.

    Seems bizarre to write a £50 debt to a debt collector. Sounds decidedly dodgy to be honest!

    I have seen and heard of them for far less. My brother had one for under £20 once for eBay fees he didn't pay.
  • brewerdave
    brewerdave Posts: 8,937 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    robt wrote: »
    I have seen and heard of them for far less. My brother had one for under £20 once for eBay fees he didn't pay.

    HORRANGE put the debt collectors on me for £12.99!!!:rotfl:(which I didn't owe!)
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