Would you give debt collectors your details?

ostrichnomore_2

I've recently moved and there was a huge pile of post for couple of previous occupants. Put it all in postbox with 'no longer at this address' written on them. Soon after got a 'we called to see you' card through door for previous occupant from debt collectors - stuck that in post box as well with same message.
Debt collectors have now written to me (addressed to 'occupant') and are saying that I need to send them copy of my council tax bill to prove who I am and that debt person is no longer there. And if I don't will continue to write and visit the address and won't try to trace the debtor until I do that.

I don't really want to give them my information; this is nothing to do with me. Can I write back without my name etc but confirming that the person they are looking for is no longer here - would they have to accept that or can they still send people round? I don't feel like obliging, I don't want my name etc connected to this or in their records in any way, but I also tend to leave windows open a bit so I'm worried they might break in or something! Well, I know only a bailiff could do that, but suppose this person has a CCJ and court does send a bailiff? Could they still gain entry even though I'd advised the debt collectors the person no longer lives here, but not provided my own details?

Any advice on wording of letter - isn't there something to do with withdrawing right of access or something?

I live in a rented flat.

halibut2209

They have no powers so just tell them "Tried to help you. Bring it on"

gb12345

Refer it to your landlord or letting agent and let them sort it out.

esuhl

I wouldn't, personally. They can't write to "the occupier" saying "you owe us money" -- they have to name the debtor.

Sure, you could tell them your name and hope they say, "Oh, right -- it's not you we're looking for"... but I'd worry that they'd incorrectly update their records and put your name as the debtor's!

Paranoid, maybe, but I can't see how it would help you at all to give them your name.

I found some interesting bullet points about bailiffs rights to enter your property and withdrawing their implied right of access (just a quick web search):

http://info.fmotl.com/RemovalOfAccessRights.htm

LeeSouthEast

I spent months playing with Rosendale's Bailiffs under similar circumstances. Was awfully good fun... you can do the same!

I kept a diary here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3709635

paddyrg

Letting agent or landlord can deal with it, just give debt collectors their details and no more need be said our done.

spacey2012

Inform them your name is not the occupier ask who they seek, do not tell them your name and if you are not who they seek, demand they leave the curtileage of the property as they are trespassing and causing you alarm and distress.
When they refuse inform them they are under citizens arrest for aggravated trespass and call 999.
Do not let the police officer act as go between and do not let them divulge your details, just demand they remove the trespasser or arrest them. Warn them they must not return and ask the police to enforce the warning.

This is how you deal with these pests.

brightonman123

up to creditors to prove the debt, not for you to disprove it. Make up a name if need be, when calling (141 first!)

Saveitandsee

If they really want to know who lives in the property, they need only check the electoral register. You do not have to prove your identity or who lives in the property; you have no obligation to them.