BPO collections - Unknown debt?

Jiffster

Hi there

This morning, I received a letter from BPO Collections, stating that I owe money to Glasgow City Council to the tune of £338.72
I haven't lived in Glasgow for almost 10 years, so it came as somewhat of a surprise to me.

The letter reads as follows -

Dear Sir/Madam.

FORMAL NOTICE - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

BPO Collections Limited have been retained by our above named client to act on their behalf to recover the outstanding balance you owe them.

Payment is due immediately and may be made by:

• Credit/Debit Card or Direct Debit by telephoning 0141 301 8070
• Or Online at... *website address*

Failure to pay this amount will leave us no alternative than to recommend to our client that legal action or a home visit may be the only option we have to recover the outstanding balance due.

Should you be in financial difficulty and require further advice or assistance, this is available from the Glasgow Advice and Information Network (GAIN) on 0808 801 1011 or alternatively visit the website... *website address*

For and on behalf of
Illegible scrawl
BPO Collections
Recoveries Department
(Calls may be recorded for quality & training)

I understand that there have been some similar situations raised in the past, but from what I can tell, not for a while, and none relating to city council.
I'm assuming its referring to some sort of council tax bill or something, but as far as I can recall, I settled everything to do with Glasgow years and years ago. It seems odd that this should suddenly rear its head.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I genuinely don't know what this debt is, or that it even belongs to me. Some of you wonderfully helpful people have in the past written template letters, and I was wondering if anyone might have any advice on how to lay out such a letter with up to date legislative text?

Just seems strange that there's no reference to what it might be, and no timeframe for me to respond... it just says payment must be made "Immediately", which is rather threatening language to receive out of the blue.

Besides the fact that I have no idea what this debt is, and that I have no evidence at all that it's even mine to begin with, isn't there something about a debt that is older than 6 years not being viable anymore? Or something to that effect?

Any help or advice would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks
Jiff

fermi

First make them prove what it is.

Once you do, you can they work out if it is time barred etc. Depending on what exactly it is and what jurisdiction and enforcement would need to be taken under.

Jiffster

Thanks fermi

I've copied your "prove it" letter from another thread, and I'm about to send that.

It's quite cheeky to demand payment without any given proof of liability!

Amazed

I'll keep this updated as to how it pans out

-Alan

ams1_3

Jiffster wrote: »

Thanks fermi

I've copied your "prove it" letter from another thread, and I'm about to send that.

It's quite cheeky to demand payment without any given proof of liability!

Amazed

I'll keep this updated as to how it pans out

-Alan

Just got back from holiday and received an identical letter for a similar amount phoned them up to say the debt wasn't mine and was accused of lying and asked for further information ie contact number, needless to say told them nothing and asked them what info they had on me which was met with the threat of her putting their 'tracker' dept on to me if I didn't accept the debt charming people! Will keep u updated

ps also havn't lived in Glasgow for many years from what I can gather from the address she accused me of running up the debt from must be council tax they think I owe.

chanz4

If its old council tax remember it does not go SB

fermi

ams1 wrote: »

ps also havn't lived in Glasgow for many years from what I can gather from the address she accused me of running up the debt from must be council tax they think I owe.

They have 20 years to take legal action.

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/scotland/factsheet.php?page=23_prescription_and_limitation_act#chapter4_3

If you owe it of course. If you don't, then they can take a hike.

weaz1981

I got two of these letters today in my name and my old flat 'mates'. I only lived with him for 4 months but the bills are for £269 and £2020...

To be fair, I didn't pay anything during that period due to disputes with the flatmate, his dad (the owner) and another flatmate (who was refusing to contribute as he had been a student for 5 mins then dropped out - i wasn't going to grass him up).

So, I reckon I am due for a partial payment but no way the larger amount and as it is named in both I'm not sure what to do. I have requested an appointment with CAB but it's going to be a worrying weekend until I hear back.

I'll keep checking back to see if you guys get anywhere

sniper786

Sorry to hijack the thread, but i also received a letter from them around 1 week ago.

I underpaid council tax almost 10 years ago due to Glasgow City Council underbilling me. I had an arrangement to pay that off with Scott and Co per month so i suspect maybe they have sold the debt over, but i have had no notice from BPO, Scott & Co or Glasgow City Council to inform me of this.

Should i continue to pay Scott & Co or should i just ask BPO what the debt is for?

weaz1981

I'm not contacting them until I speak to CAB - If I were you, I would ring Scott & Co seeing as you have a relationship with them.

CIS

so i suspect maybe they have sold the debt over,

Council Tax debts aren't sold to companies, any collection is done directly on behalf of the council. You need to speak to the council for the details as the collectors are just given a balance to collect rather than any background details or specific dates.

weaz1981

Can I ask, given that the letter is not just in my name, if I made contact, would they stop persuing the other person?