Texts from Fredrickson International - Help!

19lottie82

I have just received a text message

“This is an urgent message. Please contact Fredrickson International on 02031478164 quoting ref num xxxxxxxxx. Thank you.”

A little research shows it is a debt collection agency. However, I am an active and proud MSE with no unpaid / ignored debt that I am aware of.
Should I ignore it, or call them?

If it is genuine, it seems a bit odd that they are sending me texts? Why not a letter?

fermi

As you say, if it's genuine they would write to you.

In general I would say wait to see if they do write. If it's a genuine debt, mistaken or not, then they will.

If they don't, then the are clearly "phishing" for someone else.

If they do write, you can make a considered decision and get advice on how to react and respond.

Debt collectors like to phone them as it doesn't allow you that opportunity to think, get advice, check out the legitimacy or legal status of the debt, etc etc. They hope to panic people into paying.

19lottie82

Good advice, thanks Fermi.
As I said I don't have any "bad" debts or unpaid bills that I can think of, hence why I'm a bit freaked out!

WRINKLES

19lottie82 wrote: »

I have just received a text message

“This is an urgent message. Please contact Fredrickson International on 02031478164 quoting ref num xxxxxxxxx. Thank you.”

A little research shows it is a debt collection agency. However, I am an active and proud MSE with no unpaid / ignored debt that I am aware of.
Should I ignore it, or call them?

If it is genuine, it seems a bit odd that they are sending me texts? Why not a letter?

If i were you i would ignore this / if they had a genuine reason to contact you it would be by letter containing details ..eg account number etc / they are trying to get you on the phone so they can bully you into paying a debt whether you owe them anything or not / NEVER EVER PHONE A DCA .

19lottie82

Thanks guys. This is what I thought, just wanted some confirmation that ignoring it was definitely the right thing to do.

fermi

Only thing I would say is perhaps check your credit files.

It's not unknown for Freds (and other DCAs) to incorrectly record defaults against your name, even if the debt isn't yours.

It's unlikely, but if they have you would need to take some action to have them removed.

19lottie82

fermi wrote: »

Only thing I would say is perhaps check your credit files.

It's not unknown for Freds (and other DCAs) to incorrectly record defaults against your name, even if the debt isn't yours.

It's unlikely, but if they have you would need to take some action to have them removed.

I have just checked my credit report, and my score is 917 / 999. Pretty good I guess, and no negative marks (or unpaid debts) against me.

19lottie82

Hmmmmm odd one.

This bunch just called my mobile and asked for a “MRS John Smith” (the first and last name being my boyfriends). I asked who was calling and they said Fredrickson International.

“I’m sorry there’s no one by that name at this number”

“Oh OK, please can you confirm your address?”

“Can you tell me what this is concerning?”

“A personal business matter” (slightly contradictory!) “Please confirm the first line of your address”

“Sorry, you’ll need to give me further information before I give you any of my personal details”

“I’ve just told you it is a personal business matter”

“Well I’m not divulging any information without some more in depth info sorry.”

“If you confirm your address then I’ll tell you.”

“No, sorry I’m not prepared to do that.”

“OK, thanks. Bye.”


I spoke to my boyfriend and he has no idea what it’s about. He has no outstanding debts to his knowledge either. We don’t live together. Obviously “John Smith” isn’t his real name, but his actual name is something almost as common……

I don’t know how they have linked my number with his name (or assumed that I’m his wife?). I very much doubt that he has been applying for anything in my name. He earns good money (enough to help me out when I need it!), and has no debt that I know of.

He has suggested that he calls them to try and straighten it out, but I told him not to. Is this the right thing to do?

19lottie82

PS He does have an ex wife - I don't know if this makes any difference?

Gordon_Hose

Definitely don't speak to them.

If they are that desperate to speak with him let them put it in writing.

19lottie82

Thanks GH - This confirms what I thought!