Stopping debt collectors chasing previous tenant

alfababe33

Hi I have a debt collection agency chasing a debt for a person who moved out of the address 11 months ago. I send emails telling them they moved away and I know they are being read because i ask for a read receipt, however they are still sending letters and the latest one says they are sending a doorstep collector round. i am getting really worried as i am a single parent and have no other adults in the house to fend these people off. How can I stop them from trying to chase the person who doesnt live here anymore.
Will be grateful to hear from anyone who has successfully dealt with this problem or knows exactly what I need to do to make these people go away.

Tixy

Just keep returning the letters by popping them back in the post with 'not at this address' on the letter. There is not much more you can do.

If a debt collector does turn on the doorstop you won't need anyone else to fend them off. They have no rights to do anything other than ask for Mr x and if he is there ask if he would like to pay of his debt. Debt collectors are not bailiffs and if asked to leave your doorstop must do so (you could even call the police if they did not). Even if Mr x did live at that address and answer the door the doorstop collectors would still have no rights.

give_them_FA

I once had this situation, a chap called asking for a former tenant who had left some time before owing money to people. I just very politely told him X was no longer resident here, he asked if I had a forwarding address, I said no, he owes me money too, and the chap said thanks and left. Not threatening in any way and no-one ever came again. For all he knew I could have been X as I was never asked who I was.

Even in the unlikely event anyone really turns up (threat of a doorstep collector is usually just a ploy to get you to contact them) they can't afford to be aggressive, they wouldn't last long if they were. If it happens it might help you as this debt collection agency may finally be satisfied that the person actually doesn't live there any more.

alfababe33

Thanks to everyone that posted replies, you have really been very helpful and put my mind to rest.:T