Advice on Doorstep Collector

aroomofonesown

Hello all,
Long time reader of this site but just joined so go easy on me.

A bit of background, a few years ago I was incredibly stupid, got myself in to a bit of a mess and buried my head in the sand. Since I've been sorting myself and my debts out and I'm not doing too badly if I do say so myself.

Anyway, today...I left my mothers house (I moved out 2 weeks ago but staying here the weekend whilst some construction work is being done on the house) and got in my car when a man approached my car window and said he was looking for "my name". I said "yes that's me" (this bloke looked like a school teacher not some scary debt collector) and he said,

"I'm from Moorcroft and I'm here to talk to you about a debt you have with with o2". Now, I'd forgotten about this, like I said, I'm still sorting things out but getting there.

I recall NO letters coming from Moorcroft about this. Now,I know I'm in the wrong,I owe the money, that's fine, I'll pay it but...

I said to this man "Well I'm certainly NOT discussing this in the street" to which he responded "well, I don't usually discuss things in the street I usually come in to people's homes". I explained there was NO way he was coming in to my home, that he has no right to just turn up and that I'll call the company directly.

He then leaned in to my car and started saying "well what are you going to do about it". I picked my phone up and said,I'm calling the police because you're harassing me. This was in the street, SO embarrassing!!! People had their windows open etc.

Anyhoo, when I said that he started edging back so I said, I'm calling them right now and put phone to my ear.

This man then scurried to his car on the other side of the road and I KNOW that I was wrong to do this but I opened my door and took a photo of his registration, in which he yelled over "do you want the number for moor croft". I maintained my confidence (whilst feeling SO sick) and said no no it's fine I'll google it, but thought the police may like your registration.

He got in and sped off like a bat out of hell.

I know I was wrong and childish and defensive but it come as a bit of a shock to me.Like I said, I don't live here anymore and don't want to risk them coming and harassing my mother as she lives on her own.

Any advice on what I should do next?

aroomofonesown

just giving this a wee bump...any advice anyone?x

happy_bunny_2

Write to Moorcroft, complaint, stating what you said above.

I presume they are collecting for O2? Check your credit file to see who's reporting it.

Then send a complaint go O2 about the tactics Moorcroft are using to collect their debt.

I would consider reporting to the police also.

moohound

If you report it to the police on the non emergency number they will give you an incident number, if it happens again you can quote that number and the date, and they add it to the file, multiple incidents are then evidence of harassment and intimidation.

There is a template letter that tells them not to call in person, its on here somewhere.

FireWyrm

aroomofonesown wrote: »

This man then scurried to his car on the other side of the road and I KNOW that I was wrong to do this but I opened my door and took a photo of his registration,

Why were you wrong? You were approached by some bloke in the street purporting to be from a debt collection agency who then proceeded to intimidate and harass you. You did nothing wrong at all in taking his registration details in order to identify him with a view to pressing charges for CRIMINAL behaviour.

For the record, this is a CIVIL debt. He has no more authority than any other person in the street. He has no right to enter your property and certainly has no right to discuss your personal financial affairs in such a cavalier and public way. I would be writing a stiff letter of complaint to Moorcroft telling them that you REQUIRE them to contact you in writing in future, that you will not tolerate the behaviour of their collection agent and that if they do this again, you will be pressing CRIMINAL charges against said individual in particular and Moorcroft in general.

aroomofonesown wrote: »

Any advice on what I should do next?

Yes, tell them to prove the debt or pi$$ off.

aroomofonesown

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm worried he's going to come back tomorrow. Although, he did think I was calling the police so maybe that will put him off.

Lensman_2

aroomofonesown wrote: »

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm worried he's going to come back tomorrow. Although, he did think I was calling the police so maybe that will put him off.

I think you did a great job on him yesterday. I don't think he will be back.

If he does, start videoing it on your phone before you cut him down to size again.

Regarding your Mum's address, get a complaint in to Moorcroft ASAP and make it clear where you now live in the same letter. At least that will divert it from your Mum.

sourcrates

Yes you did exactly the right thing, they are called "doorstep collection agents" usually self employed, they get paid on a commission basis, you have to remember, they are NOT bailiffs, they are just ordinary people, they have no more rights than anyone else.
If he comes back (unlikely) do as others have said, film him on your phone, that usually gets rid of them.
Advise Moorcrap that you will only deal with this matter in writing.

matttye

You did nothing wrong. At this point in time I think you should tell the police for information only and advise that you were only letting them know in case he keeps coming back - at which point it becomes harassment.

Linda32

Hi, I didn't want to read and run. Just wanted to add again that you did nothing wrong what so ever.

You have been treated terribly and to be honest if it was me I'd be on the phone to the police to inform them and for advice.

Very best of luck.

GWilso7

Well done you, he has no power whatsoever its just another intimidation tactic! good luck