debt collector asking for admin fees to be paid?

GusA

Hi.

I hope someone can help with a small query.

I got a letter from a debt collection agency a few months ago about a small outstanding amount allegedly owed for a mobile phone bill from 5 years ago.

Given the length of time involved, and the fact I have no recollection of the debt nor any previous contact from any company (phone or debt collectors) I requested that information regarding the contract be sent to me for verification.

Today I got a letter from the debt collection company asking me to send them a cheque for £10 to cover their administration costs, and a photocopy of my drivers license or passport.

Is this legit? Can they really ask me to pay £10 for their costs, just to be sent information regarding an alleged outstanding debt?

I have tried looking around google for this information, but it seems hard to come by. Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Tixy

No they cannot charge you to provide documentation that you owe the debt. That would likely be a bill not a contract.
If you want to see all the information relating to an account (the contract, record of all bills and transactions) that is a subject access request under the data protection act - and yes they can charge a £10 fee for that (and they have to supply the info within 40 days of your written request). If you want that information then you need to send a formal subject access request or SAR template.

Don't send them a copy of your passport etc. No rights to see it at all. If they are chasing you for money its up to them to prove your are the debtor in question.

iolanthe07

Today I got a letter from the debt collection company asking me to send them a cheque for £10 to cover their administration costs, and a photocopy of my drivers license or passport.

What a bloody cheek. I would bin it - they are probably just fishing. Maybe someone with the same name as you does owe some money, so they are tring to recover it before the Statute of Limitations kicks in at 6 years (in England & Wales).

vax2002

Just inform them that it is a criminal offence to make a photocopy of either a passport or driving licence, it is crown copyright.

GusA

Thanks for these quick replies!

Is there some documentation or an act that I can quote to them in correspondence?

~Brock~

It sounds like that are treating it as a subject access request under the Data protection Act 1998, for which the fee is £10.

Mobile phone contracts do not come under the Consumer Credit Act so there is no obligation to provide information under this, however it would be simple good business sense to be able to provide a statement that confirms the breakdown of this debt withour resorting to a subject access request. Maybe its a sneaky way of getting £10 paid off the balance

Edit: bloody hell - the other replies came in quick - all whilst i was typing this!!

Bean_Counter

vax2002 wrote: »

Just inform them that it is a criminal offence to make a photocopy of either a passport or driving licence, it is crown copyright.

Is that true? We keep copies of both at work.

iolanthe07

Just inform them that it is a criminal offence to make a photocopy of either a passport

No it isn't. In fact National Savings ask for a certified photo copy of your passport the first time you apply for Premium Bonds.

rdwarr

vax2002 wrote: »

Just inform them that it is a criminal offence to make a photocopy of either a passport or driving licence, it is crown copyright.

Were that the case then the Post Office wouldn't do this

chanz4

Vax2002 you can make copys infact when you travel they advice you to, incase you loose it. For a subject access they have an obligation to identify you , it sounds like the op did a subject access request