Visit from Debt Collector

Anniek1969

I'm looking for a bit of advice regarding a company we had dealings with last year. Posted about them yesterday on another thread but I need advice regarding a postcard I got through the post about a visit tomorrow.

We had a company called Credit Solutions LTD call us last year about a debt from several years ago, so I sent them the letter with £1 and asked them for the paperwork. They cashed the cheque but never sent any paperwork.

Haven't heard anything from them since. Yesterday got a card through the post from a company called Power 2 Contact Ltd and all it says is "I confirm that I will be calling to discuss the recent communication from CSL on Wednesday between 9am and 9pm. I have had no communication from CSL since May last year and in fact had to google CSL to find out who they were.
I also found on CSL website that Power 2 Contact are a part of the same company.

What i'm worried about is what to do if someone comes tomorrow as I can't really not open the door as i'm waiting for someone to fit an aerial socket and we also have visitors coming tomorrow night. I also don't want anyone calling when we have visitors in as it will look a bit weird if we don't answer the door.

Can anyone advise me what to do as i'm really nervous about having to face someone tomorrow as my DH will be at work all day. They also have his middle initial wrong on the card so would I get away with saying that no-one of that name lives here? I'ts a long shot I know. I was going to email them and tell them that CSL failed to supply the paperworked that proved the debt and can no longer try and claim the money.

Help please.

Thanks

Tallulah_Chicken

When they got in touch with you last year, how long was it since you had any contact with them? Do you actually know what any of this is about?

The reason I ask is because the Office of Fair Trading have previously stated that they believe that debts have a shelf life - usually 6 years - and that if no contact has been made with the debtor during this time they are on very rocky ground indeed. You are within your rights to refuse them access to your property - in fact I would advise you do so and ask that they put their reasons for contacting you in writing. If they won't leave call the police. Simple as. Don't lie to them or pretend you are not in - it'll just make things worse. Most importantly though, don't worry about it!! Easier said than done I know...

hur575

Iam sorry Annie but if they said they are coming then they are coming, I would advice you not to open the door but if you have guests then it will be weird and if you deny that anyone live with that name they will ask for prove. Like letter addressed to you etc they are trained not to be nice, they are there to get money. I worked for one so I know but my job was office based.

hur575

Sorry Tallulah police can not do anything they have the right to collect the debt they can not force themself in but police will not stop them.

Shineyhappy

Can you call them now and tell them you asked for the paperwork but it has not come even though the cheque has been cashed?

aaroncaz

hur575 wrote: »

Iam sorry Annie but if they said they are coming then they are coming, I would advice you not to open the door but if you have guests then it will be weird and if you deny that anyone live with that name they will ask for prove. Like letter addressed to you etc they are trained not to be nice, they are there to get money. I worked for one so I know but my job was office based.

from other threads on this, i have been told they rarely do call, cost involved etc.....just scare tactics.

hur575

sorry to say it again they are not intrested in dispute they heard it all before. my advice was to ignore them and sort the paper out before you get a second visit. they will not listen or understand. i hope you get nice person though.

hur575

aaroncaz wrote: »

from other threads on this, i have been told they rarely do call, cost involved etc.....just scare tactics.

that is also true but my company if we send letter then someone will come to visit.

southernscouser

Anniek1969 wrote: »

We had a company called Credit Solutions LTD call us last year about a debt from several years ago, so I sent them the letter with £1 and asked them for the paperwork. They cashed the cheque but never sent any paperwork.

Firstly you need to act on this Annie. You can't assume because you've heard nothing that it will sort itself out.

You need to report them to the relevant people because they have broken rules placed upon them. By failing to respond they are potentially admitting they have no case against you.

When you say you've had no dealings for several years can you be more precise? If it's 6 years or more then the debt becomes statute barred and you are not obliged to pay it.

As for the people coming round tomorrow they sound like representatives of the company, not ballifs. They have absolutely no power to enter your property or take any of you belongings.

You could always phone them and ask them to make the appointment for Thursday as you won't be at home tomorrow then just not open the door when they come.

But you must act upon the letter you sent them. You are following procedure and they are not. It's time to start playing them at their own game. They couldn't give a !!!!!! what impact this has on you so start getting angry at them women and go get the barstewards!

SSB

Hi
Are they debt collectors coming to discuss repayments or are they bailiffs? If they are bailiffs, you can deny access. Bailiffs are only entitled to peaceful entry ( you let them in, or there is a door/windw open etc.). They often demand access and threaten you with a police but you do not have to let them enter your house.

Just say ( through the letterbox) that you have not received any paperwork regarding this debt and cannot acknowledge it until the paperwork has been provided.

hur575

Can I also add please do not be rude to the debt collector in the phone they will not help you otherwise. I use to help people as much as I can but if people are rude for no reason and become abusive I have no time for them. When someone is very nice I even give them the loopholes, you might find debt collector aggressive because they are used to stressed people who just love to have a go.