Creditor Hassle - Ringing Neighbours

scottiepud

Wondered if anyone has had similar experience/knowledge of why this might be happening...
My o/h was made BR just under 6 years ago & has recently started receiving a number of letters from companies asking him to ring a number to discuss payment of outstanding debts. They don't include details of the debt and are always from a company he does not recognise. He's sent some of them back to the companies concerned but has now discovered that they have been trying to get in touch with him by ringing his parents and just recently, even a neighbour that lives two doors away. Does anyone know why this is happening now as he has not had any correspondence for at least four years and hasn't had any further debt since the BR. Has anyone else had any experience of this/know why it is happening now?
Have tried returning letters saying this person is BR, contact the OR for further details...

fermi

It sounds as if the original debt has been sold on. This may sound strange, especially if it was included in a bankruptcy, but these are commonly bought in large job lots for a very small amount each. The debt collecting [STRIKE]scum[/STRIKE] agencies are gambling that they can con a few people into paying up and therefore swing a profit.

If the debt was included in a BR, then they can do nothing apart from be a pain in the bum with letters and phone calls.

The 'Office of Fair Trading' has a set of rules for how collection agencies should conduct themselves:

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/consumer_credit/oft664.pdf

The upshot is don't be bullied, and if they breach the above guidelines report them.

Also see this advise on Harassment from Nationaldebtline:

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=03_harassment

Good luck....

AlanD_3

I saw something about this on the DFW board too. They are avoiding the regulations on the data protection act by simply leaving a message for the debtor to call them with no further details.

Nasty and horrible but probably legal.

BUT if the debts are discharged due to bankcruptcy... HAHAHA!!!!! Not only are they going to get no joy from you BUT they will also be getting themselves into trouble for harrassing a BR!!!! Take 'em down!!!

rog2

Not only will the 'debts' be more than likely covered by your OH's bankruptcy, but also, if it is almost six years since he was declared bankrupt, any 'debt' being pursued by a DCA is probably covered by the statute of limitations act, and will be un-enforceable.
Another point to remember is that, as a bankrupt, your OH is not allowed to discuss his 'debt' with the original creditor, or their agent. ANY communication regarding any debt included in bankruptcy MUST be addressed to the OR/Trustee, from whom these lowlife thugs can expect short shrift indeed.

Jonto_3

rog2 wrote: »

Not only will the 'debts' be more than likely covered by your OH's bankruptcy, but also, if it is almost six years since he was declared bankrupt, any 'debt' being pursued by a DCA is probably covered by the statute of limitations act, and will be un-enforceable.
Another point to remember is that, as a bankrupt, your OH is not allowed to discuss his 'debt' with the original creditor, or their agent. ANY communication regarding any debt included in bankruptcy MUST be addressed to the OR/Trustee, from whom these lowlife thugs can expect short shrift indeed.

What he said really, will have been included in you bankruptcy (even if they didn't prove), but if for some unknown reason it isn't covered they would be statute barred.

Laugh in their face next time they call.