HFO Services / BarclayCard

bigbloo

Hello All,

I would like some advise with the following.

I was recently contacted by HFO services LTD regarding an old Barclaycard that I have apparently had.

Now to start I have no memory of this card. I'm informed it was taken out in 2001. The default was in 2006 and HFO took over the account in 2007.

I was living with my parents during 2007 and they are still resident at this property (where the card debt is registered).

I have checked my credit file and this has been registered by HFO services very recently.

I have asked for proof of this card debt etc, which the lady said they would send. I have recieved a copy of a Barclay card as expected.

Here's the problem. The application form isn't mine, its for a random 39 yo nigerian lady living in surrey. The application gives me her DOB, bank details, full name , national insurance number etc etc.

What should be my next course of action ?

bigbloo

I have now sent HFO services the following -

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref:

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to Barclay card.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We have previously requested proof of this debt. We received a copy of a barclaycard application for someone else entirely, detailing all of their personal data.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

Tjrw1985

I hope you didn't sign the letter?

bigbloo

Tjrw1985 wrote: »

I hope you didn't sign the letter?

Nope, this wasn't signed. I assume this would be like accepting liabilty ?

fatbelly

bigbloo wrote: »

I have asked for proof of this card debt etc, which the lady said they would send. I have recieved a copy of a Barclay card as expected.

Here's the problem. The application form isn't mine, its for a random 39 yo nigerian lady living in surrey. The application gives me her DOB, bank details, full name , national insurance number etc etc.

You may be aware that HFO are on the Office of Fair Trading's 'Minded to Revoke' list, as being not fit to continue to hold a Consumer Credit Licence.

Please please report them to the OFT.

Do your details overlap with the random 39 yo Nigerian lady's details at all - is there any plausible reason why they might have thought you were her?

Even if there was, please report them anyway.

The general advice not to sign the letter is because there are anecdotal cases of DCAs mocking up a cca agreement using the signature off a letter. However, in your case, you already have the alleged agreement.

bigbloo

fatbelly wrote: »

You may be aware that HFO are on the Office of Fair Trading's 'Minded to Revoke' list, as being not fit to continue to hold a Consumer Credit Licence.

Please please report them to the OFT.

Do your details overlap with the random 39 yo Nigerian lady's details at all - is there any plausible reason why they might have thought you were her?

Even if there was, please report them anyway.

The general advice not to sign the letter is because there are anecdotal cases of DCAs mocking up a cca agreement using the signature off a letter. However, in your case, you already have the alleged agreement.

Thankyou for your reply.

I have done some searching on HFO services and am now aware of their situation.

There is no way that anyone could mistake me a male 33yo residing in oxfordshire, for a nigerian 39yo ( in 2002 when the application was signed ) who lives in Surrey.

I have now contacted the OFT, with the details and I'm awaiting their feedback.

FTW

bigbloo wrote: »

Thankyou for your reply.

I have done some searching on HFO services and am now aware of their situation.

There is no way that anyone could mistake me a male 33yo residing in oxfordshire, for a nigerian 39yo ( in 2002 when the application was signed ) who lives in Surrey.

I have now contacted the OFT, with the details and I'm awaiting their feedback.

I concur with fatbelly's post - absolutely report them to the OFT.