Letter from Arrow Global

Gotaheadache

Hi, I hope I'm posting in the right place. I received a letter from Arrow Global this morning telling me I owe £1,023. The original debt was supposedly Shop Direct Finance Company (which I have googled and found to be Littlewoods, Very etc). They also quoted an account number.

I have a vague recollection of having a Littlewoods account but I'm talking 10 (ish) years ago. I have no recollection of owing them anything. The account was also in my maiden name and I have been married 4 years. I have never received any communication from Shop Direct Finance telling me I owe them money. The letter also says that if I pay in 30 days they will reduce my 'debt' by half (which rang alarm bells for me).

I don't know what to do and am worried sick about having to pay this!

Please help! Thanks.

fermi

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=34906257&postcount=5

iancrt

Is the letter correctly addressed to you in your current name?

they need to prove it. read carefully:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247
Care must be taken to not hint in anyway that you suspect the debt may be yours - so I would not claim anything about statute barred unless they have given dates in the letter.
Don't be worried at the moment, the burden is theirs

The other side of this is someone else running an account under your name. Could be worth you getting your credit reports to look for any accounts you don't recognise.

Given the length of time if the debt is yours I would be tempted to check credit files first - https://www.noddle.co.uk first as its free and if there something on there you can take immediate action. Then £2 stat reports from the others

Sinhanada

Is Noddle any good? I worry about putting in bank card details for a free service?

Gotaheadache

Thanks for the reply. No, it is addressed to my maiden name. I will check my credit report. Thanks

iancrt

Sinhanada wrote: »

Is Noddle any good? I worry about putting in bank card details for a free service?

Noddle is fine - the card details are just for ID. make sure you are doing the 'free credit report for life' thing. They will send you emails offering other services but nothing too invasive on your inbox (well not on mine anyway compared to the rest of the crap I get)

Its about time equifax and experian offered the same system!

iancrt

Gotaheadache wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. No, it is addressed to my maiden name. I will check my credit report. Thanks

Sounds like they are trying it on when its over 6 years then, especially with the 50% off for quick payment.

Proof needs to be something you have done that proves you know about the debt within the last 6 years.
a payment made, letter sent, statement queried, telephone conversation (if you were told it was being recorded)

fermi

No. It is either a payment made by you or signed acknowledgement in writing by you. The legislation is very very specific on those points. Nothing else counts.

Phone calls do not count, even if recorded. Acknowledgement must also be a signed unequivocal written admission clearly acknowledging that the obligation still exists.

Gotaheadache

Thanks for the help. Do I need to send the letter by recorded delivery?

happy_bunny_2

Gotaheadache wrote: »

Thanks for the help. Do I need to send the letter by recorded delivery?

Best had. They have a habit of ignoring letters that they don't like to receive.

happy_bunny_2

And if it turned out not to be SB, the chances of them having a valid CCA signed by you are very slim