debt sold on, should i ask for proof before setting up payment?

mrelephant_2

I have just received a letter from Marlin Financial Services informing me that they have bought my bad debt from my original creditors Northern Rock.. my outstanding balance is £2995 and have previously been paying a reduced agreement for the last 7yrs after i fell onto hard times of £11 per month. Marlin say that they wrote to me informing me of the change over about a month ago although i don't recall getting a letter, and that this months payment still went to Northern Rock instead of them. They say i must contact them to set up future payments to themselves. I have read on various sites that they can be very forceful and difficult to deal with and i've also read that you should alwasy ask for proof of debt purchase by asking to be sent a copy of the original contract you signed with the original lender.

So can anyone advise what i should do, should i change my standing order details of £11 a month to go to Marlin (i have their sort code and account number) or should i first ask for proof of debt purchase along with copies of my payment records to Northern Rock.

Also, a relative has been kind enough to offer to help me settle my debts if i can negotiate reasonable reduced final settlements, would now be a good time to make an offer to Marlin if they do have my debt, or would i be better waiting for a few months and in the hope may get a better deal?

Tixy

Have you had a letter from NR saying the debt is being passed to Marlin?
If not then I would start by sending the prove it letter to ask for not only proof of the debt but also proof they have a right to collect it. Letter when you know nothing about about the debt - AKA "Prove it" letter

They should supply you with a notice of assignment.

I'd then write to them to offer the £11/m payment stating that this is still all you can afford and that your circumstances haven't changed (if they haven't).

I'd likely wait a couple of months to make a F&F settlement offer.