Help - How to contact companies on credit report before DRO

KevinSAFC

Hi,

Im in the long process of helping my mum sort out her finances and get things back on track.

She is unemployed got about £7,000 worth of debts and various stuff on her credit report.

I have her credit report and list of companies. She does not have account numbers etc and all letters went straight into bin :mad:

I need to get account numbers before can apply for a debt relief order but dont people suddenly knocking on door for money she does not have.

Im planning using my friend google to find address of all of people on credit report to write and ask for details of account numbers and then start the ball rolling with DRO, but unsure the best way to word letters etc

what is the best way in doing this? like i said i dont want to communicate and suddenly have people knocking on her door

National_Debtline

Hi Kevin

Don't know if you've got a reply elsewhere since posting this but I've only just seen it.

I can't speak for other organisations who offer DROs but we would not need specific details like account numbers straight away in order to send a DRO application out to someone. We would just ask them to gather that information before returning the completed application forms.

Has your mother moved since she was last in contact with these companies? If so, perhaps she could call them and confirm the old address details they have on file, purely in order to get those account numbers. If not, well if they haven't contacted her for some time despite knowing her address, they're not necessarily going to start all over again now just because of one phone call.

The important thing to remember is that these various companies would have no special powers. It is very unlikely that they would go to the trouble of doorstep visits when it is far cheaper to simply send letters or make phone calls. Even if someone were to visit, they would have no more legal power than you or I, and your mother could choose to ignore them if she were home at the time.

Dennis @NDL

National_Debtline

KevinSAFC wrote: »

I need to get account numbers before can apply for a debt relief order but dont people suddenly knocking on door for money she does not have.

Im planning using my friend google to find address of all of people on credit report to write and ask for details of account numbers and then start the ball rolling with DRO, but unsure the best way to word letters etc

If you (or strictly speaking your mother) want to do this in writing, you can make a "subject access request" under the Data Protection Act. This is a request for copies of all paperwork relating to your dealings with a particular organisation, and any reply should make it clear what that particular account/reference number is. However, bear in mind that an organisation is entitled to charge up to £10 for complying with the request, though there are many that waive these costs. It may therefore be quicker and more efficient to chase these numbers over the phone. If they begin to badger you for payment while on the phone you can simply end the call if you so wish.

Dennis @NDL

KevinSAFC

National_Debtline wrote: »

Hi Kevin

Don't know if you've got a reply elsewhere since posting this but I've only just seen it.

I can't speak for other organisations who offer DROs but we would not need specific details like account numbers straight away in order to send a DRO application out to someone. We would just ask them to gather that information before returning the completed application forms.

Has your mother moved since she was last in contact with these companies? If so, perhaps she could call them and confirm the old address details they have on file, purely in order to get those account numbers. If not, well if they haven't contacted her for some time despite knowing her address, they're not necessarily going to start all over again now just because of one phone call.

The important thing to remember is that these various companies would have no special powers. It is very unlikely that they would go to the trouble of doorstep visits when it is far cheaper to simply send letters or make phone calls. Even if someone were to visit, they would have no more legal power than you or I, and your mother could choose to ignore them if she were home at the time.

Dennis @NDL

thanks for your helpful responses. she has moved him so that is a good way. she has a couple of big bills with eon (£3000) and northumbria water (£1000) so thats the reason thinking the debt relief order comes into play. she has no money to pay these and will also give me a peace of mind knowing once and for all they are all taken care of