"Equidebt"

Sarah-Jane_2

Hi

Don't know if this is the right place for this

My Dad received 4, yes 4(!!) letters from these this morning saying he owes various amounts from a Co-Op bank account - but he's never in his life had a co-op bank account
The person on the phone has been really un-helpful and won't say when the "debt" relates to or anything, only that it's from a co-op bank account
It's the first time he's had any letters from them and they're threatening to come around to collect the money

How can he owe money to a bank he's never been with? And also why has this "debt" never shown up on any credit rating thingymabobs? Also, any idea why they've kept quiet until now when they're threating to come and collect the money?

Just wondered whether the company were legit and everything as obviously if he's never been with the bank he can't owe them money

James&Shell

Ive read on here before that when a person goes awol and leaves a debt some debt collection agencys wrigh to all of the John Smiths that they can find in the country even if the other details ie date of birth are diffrent in the hope to find the real debter.

Stand your ground though as most debt colectors are t$%^&£" !!!

Good Luck

Sarah-Jane_2

That's outrageous! We have a weird surname so I don't think that's what's happened this time though

I don't understand why it's been nothing at all them four threatening letters when he doesn't owe a penny and never has :mad: (apart from mortgage!)

He will stand his ground, and has already told them he refuses to pay for something he knows nothing about.

Are they a proper company?

alwaysonthego_2

http://www.equidebt.co.uk/index.php

It is a debt collecting company trying their luck, just ignore it. If they continue then it can be classed as harrasment I would pay the CAB a visit, but tell your dad not to worry.

Sarah-Jane_2

Just bumping this as it's still going on :rolleyes:

After posting here my Dad phoned Equidebt and they said they'd send a copy of a credit agreement on a credit card (he's never had one with the co-op bank as far as he remembers) if he sent them a copy of his drivers lisence or a passport to verify it was his signature on the forms first. He sent that off and about a month later they sent a copy of the agreement he'd signed. It's from 1994 (I think, can't remember off the top of my head and it's all filed away in his cupboard somewhere and he's not home to find it for me!) so obviously very old. He took the forms to CAB and all the letters he'd been sent by them and they told him to send a letter requesting copies of the account statements within 30days, and they said enclose a cheque for £1 as proof they've received the letter CAB said if they didn't send them within the 30days he wasn't responsible for the "debt". Anyway, he did that last December and the cheque was cashed a few days later but that was it. He has since had a few letters from them asking for the money, but despite further requests hasn't received the statements. Today though he's received letters from another company called CAS who Equidebt have passed this debt on to saying he has to pay the money.

He doesn't remember anything about it. What happens now? Equidebt haven't sent the statements as requested nearly a year ago, and CAB said if it wasn't done within 30days then that was it? Is that right? Also it's over 10 years ago, how long can they wait before chasing a "debt"? There was never any letters from the bank, statements or anything until the letters from Equidebt in July 2007.

Who would he have to see to get this sorted out once and for all? He's reluctant to go to CAB again in case they just give him the same advice re the statements.

Anyone got any advice?

Sarah-Jane_2

Bump. Anyone?

Jesthar

Don't have a huge amount to suggest (not my specialist subject!), but if it is from that long ago I think it might be statute barred anyway? Someone else will know for definite.

Second thing - compare the signature on the copy of the 'agreement' you have been sent (if there is one) with the signature on the document he sent them a copy of ASAP. The good people around here advise against ever sending anything signed to these companies, as they're not above forging signatures if provided with an original sample. If you find it is an exact match (or extremely close) I'd be suspicious.

Incidentally, what other details are on the 'agreement' they have provided? Others may be able to tell you whether or not they are kosher.

Sorry I can't be more help.

~Jes

10past6

Sarah-Jane wrote: »

they said they'd send a copy of a credit agreement on a credit card if he sent them a copy of his drivers lisence or a passport to verify it was his signature on the forms first.

He sent that off and about a month later they sent a copy of the agreement he'd signed

Have a read of what you’ve posted, are you surprised they’ve produced a signed CCA.

I’m not criticising you, but this is some of the tricks these DCA get up to, let this be a warning to anyone where a DCA / creditor requires confirmation of your signature.

The number 1 rule when dealing with DCAs / Creditors, NEVER, EVER, EVER SIGN ANYTHING only print your name.

10past6

Sarah-Jane wrote: »

Bump. Anyone?

Send this leter of to them:

Dear Sir/Madam

Account no:

You have contacted me regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.

I would point out that I have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert company name).

I amare familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

I would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

I would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my/our liability for the debt in question.

I await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

I/we look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully



(Your Name) Print do not sign

GeorgeUK

As the account was in dispute it should never have been passed on to another DCA. Also, if no payment has been made for 6 years then the debt is statute barred - the £1 they cashed cannot count as a payment to the balance as it was a fee required under CCA74.

I would send the letter above - if there is a debt owed, they first need to prove it belongs to your father (remember not to sign the letter - only print your name).

10past6

GeorgeUK wrote: »

if there is a debt owed, they first need to prove it belongs to your father

And then you can issue the "Statue Barred" letter