Local Parking Security

SW01

I received a parking ticket whilst eating in a restaurant and aparently they rent their carpark out to this company.

After a quick look online, I ignored the parking tickets and their subsequent letters but now I have received letters from GPB Solicitors LLP with the subject 'Account in Arrears', threatening legal action etc.

Should I continue to ignore the letters?

I have made no contact whatsoever with any of the companies, and the car is no longer located at the address of their letters (there's not even a house at the address anymore).

They've caught me out once or twice on different numbers but when they've asked for me I've just said that they've got the wrong number etc. and then blocked that number from calling me again.

Your advice is needed!

ManxRed

Continue to ignore - you have an 'account' with them? I don't think so, its just more usual crap from a PPC.

If you are getting fed up of the calls, simply tell them that the debt is denied, that they must now refer the matter back to their client, and any future contact from then will be considered as harassment and action will be taken accordingly.

Do not enter into a discussion with them, at that point end the call. By rights they MUST leave you alone at this point, let us know if they do not.

SW01

Their letter states that the debt is no longer being dealt with by the original company and it is nothing to do with them anymore.

I believe this means that they have 'bought' the debt from the original company, Local Parking Security.

Does this mean that I can still deny the debt and ask them to refer back to the original company and then also claim harassment if they contact me?

ManxRed

Yes.

The original owner of the debt really ought to have notified you that they had sold it on.

Until such time as the landowner or an officially appointed solicitor takes you to court and they win (pigs will be flying over the court at this point), the debt is always 'alleged' and you can dispute / deny it. They cannot do anything else other than issue court papers or shut up. (Or send more junkmail). Either way, any further contact at that point (including the junk mail) other than actual stamped court papers, is harassment, provided you have put them on notice as such.

SW01

Thanks for the information it's very helpful.

Would you suggest denying the debt and sending a notice that any further contact will be considered harassment (and is there a template for such notice?), or to just continue ignoring their contact until they give up?

ManxRed

I would ignore them personally. Unless they call, in which case tell them the debt is denied and to leave you alone or you'll consider it to be harassment. There is always a danger when you write to them that you might say something you shouldn't.

give_them_FA

They are talking the usual baloney. It isn't a "debt" and they cannot sell it. This is all part of the scam. If you look closely you will probably find the "solicitor" is the same company.

Just ignore these pathetic chancers. They will do absolutely nothing and the less input they get from you the sooner they will go away.

By replying you will only give them the impression you take their rubbish seriously and that just encourages them to keep contacting. If they phone then just hang up, they will soon get fed up of that game.

Coupon-mad

Not a reason to pay but this outfit do sometimes try Small Claims Court:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3265444

same case continued on pepipoo:

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?showtopic=63599

BobDole hasn't been on MSE since Sept (I checked) so no point sending him a pm.

Maybe Alexis knows if the Small Claim died out when defended?

Kite2010

I hope that restaurant has lost at least 1 returning customer.

give_them_FA

Looking at the pathetic statement of claim filed by the sorry company I wouldn't be surprised if it was kicked out of court without a hearing. Yes, you have a chance rather less than you have of winning the Lotto Jackpot, of being taken to Court by one of these crooks.

However, your chance of losing if you involve us (and there will be a queue forming to help you).... well, you have more chance of winning £70 million on Euromillions.....

peter130465

Hi newbie here so be kind.I have watched this thread and taken the advice to ignore the various letters and phone calls from this company.Today I received a claim form from Northampton courts,I have been online and discovered that it is legal!I intend fighting this as I,m not sure who was driving the car at the time but I need help as to what my legal defence should be .Many thanks in advance