Opening previous house owners mail

RickyStrickland

i think you should put them back in the post box and say they have the address mistaken, or try calling the previous owners if you have any details, phone numbers or their new address to let them know

lexilex

Hi everyone,

So, still receiving the letters. I have been opening them, and contacting each company in my OH's name (I thought since I have the same surname things may get a bit confusing if I contact them in my own name) and then putting the letters back in the postbox.

It's become clear that this family are still using our address, despite the fact they were repossessed over a year ago. We know this because they owe money to a company that has only recently opened.

Is there anything we can do about this?

Thanks

Eviesmummy

After months of sending back unopened letters for the previous occupants I did get a knock on the door from a big scary man. But big scary man was actually very nice once I explained that I was the new tennant. I just showed him a utility bill as proof and not only did he go away, but all the letters stopped from that point on too.
So I say don't be too worried, the debt collection agencies arn't out to get innocent folk, just hose who haven't paid their dues.

TBagpuss

lexilex wrote: »

Hi everyone,

So, still receiving the letters. I have been opening them, and contacting each company in my OH's name (I thought since I have the same surname things may get a bit confusing if I contact them in my own name) and then putting the letters back in the postbox.

It's become clear that this family are still using our address, despite the fact they were repossessed over a year ago. We know this because they owe money to a company that has only recently opened.

Is there anything we can do about this?

Thanks

I think all you can do is keep informing the companies concerned of the circumstances. Where possible, do it in writing.

You can put a fraud alert on your files with credit reference agencies - this warns companies to take extra steps to verify ID and address - it's primarily designed to address identity theft but it may be worth contacting companies such as Experian to ask whether it would be appropriate in your case, or whether there are other steps you can take (possibly having a note added to the file) to make clear that the former owners are no longer at the address and have no association with you or it.