Taking action against Horwich Farrelly

GFG

I managed, just before Christmas, to clear all my immediate debts except two on-going disputes with different debt recovery firms: one for a debt with a company I don't have an account with, and another disputed one that is statute barred from a credit card company. Today, thanks to winning an argument with the tax credits office, I even paid off my winter fuel bills early - new year, new start, and so far so good.

That was until the post arrived today, like a number of people on here, I've received a letter from Horwich Farrelly claiming to persuing a debt for their client, Robinson Way.

It uses a photocopied version of their name as the signature, and RW's address, phone number and even return envelope. I originally thought it was another debt recovery company from the same parent company of RW and doubted the legality of selling a non-existent debt - the debt is stated to be with RW NOT with a credit card company, which would be difficult to persue in law as I have no contract with RW (this is in regard to the SB debt).

Having done a bit of research, I've found comments on the internet to cast doubt on the letter even been seen by or approved by the solicitors... who happen to be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Tonight I have put in a formal complaint with the SRA regarding Horwich Farrelly's behaviour (or RW using their name, if that's what's happening). If my complaint bears fruit, this could have an impact on a lot of people in the same boat as me, and I am prepared to take this as far as possible if it will stop these leeches preying on any more people.

Here's hoping...!

GFG

I've received a reply from the Solicitors Regulation Authority to say that an investigation is now underway, but (there had to be a but) there won't be any updates of what's happening because "our enquiries may include confidential information but also because we try to devote our limited resources to taking the actions necessary to protect the public."

They will, however, post the result (if they do take action) on their own website. So still, it's fingers crossed.

GFG

This is just too funny: I have checked to see if there are any previous rulings against them, and there is.

If I've read this correctly, one of their solicitors was barred from being a sole signature on accounts because of a bad debt :rotfl:

Decision - control of practice

Outcome: Condition
Outcome date: 28 March 2011
Published date: 10 May 2011
Firm details

Firm or organisation at date of publication and at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Horwich Farrelly
Address(es):
Alexander House, 94 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, Lancashire, M16 0PG
Firm ID: 61877
Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.
Decision details

The Adjudicator decided to grant Mr David Paul Young a practising certificate for the practice year 2010/2011 subject to the condition:
That he is not a sole signatory to any client account.
Reasons/basis

The Adjudicator had regard to Regulation 6 of the SRA Practising Regulations 2009 which sets out the purposes for which conditions may, in the public interest, be imposed on a solicitor's practising certificate.
Solicitors are expected to be able to pay their debts as they fall due. Mr Young was however unable to pay the judgement debt in one payment. The Adjudicator considered that gave rise to a risk, albeit a small risk, to client money such that Mr Young's access to it should be the subject to a degree of restriction. The condition that the Adjudicator imposed is not intended to cast doubt on Mr Young's integrity but is imposed as as a regulatory measure in the public interest (Regulation 6.1(a)). The Adjudicator is satisfied that the condition is necessary in the public interest and is reasonable and proportionate.

GFG

Quick update: still no word on the complaint, but Horwich Farrelly have now "returned to the creditor" my account. Not sure if they mean they've given up and I'll get another letter from Robinson Way shortly, or they've given up entirely, but I feel like its a small victory.