Lowell Group chasing a debt that isn't mine

chereney21

Wow I can't believe that anyone would do that. Makes sense though so I won't be signing it, even if I do have a different name now. Thanks.

chereney21

Well today I sent off a prove it letter to see what they think they have. I also called the police fraud line and reported it (I got a crime reference number too). When I called Lowell to tell them that I had contacted the fraud line and had a reference number the guy was really ratty with me and didn't seem to happy at all that I had done that. At the end of the day someone has used my identity fraudulently so I don't see why i shouldn't report it because they told me not too. So it's just a waiting game now. I'm trying not to worry about it but it's easier said than done.

scratchyrat

chereney21 wrote: »

Well today I sent off a prove it letter to see what they think they have. I also called the police fraud line and reported it (I got a crime reference number too). When I called Lowell to tell them that I had contacted the fraud line and had a reference number the guy was really ratty with me and didn't seem to happy at all that I had done that.

That's because doing that makes it harder in his eyes for them to make you pay up.

Lowell are bottom feeding scum. I've been in the same boat with them myself. They chased me for a £60 debt that wasn't an actual debt, they trebled it due to fees and late payment charges to over £200 (illegal).

I sent them the provit letter and they replied with a single page from an old phone bill showing £60. It wasn't even an overdue one (because it never was). I ignored them from there on out. The letters didn't stop and they even started sending out letters on coloured paper saying "VERIFIED ADDRESS!!!" trying to scare me.

The other trick they do is send you letters claiming to be from a solicitors, debt recovery firm or other agency, when actually it doesn't take much to find out they own those companies too. Also threats to send bailiffs round to recover from my property (they can't), and threats to go to court. It's all posturing.

You don't owe this money so don't let them bully you into paying. I'd also stop talking to them on the phone and only communicate with them in writing, sent 2nd class recorded and no signatures. Check your credit report too.

You've done nothing wrong here, just keep reminding yourself of that.

thewhiteavenger

chereney21 wrote: »

When he came back he told me that they were putting a freeze on the account until they have investigated it as there are a lot of anomalies (of course there are!) and I should receive their findings in about 30 days?

chereney21 wrote: »

When I called Lowell to tell them that I had contacted the fraud line and had a reference number the guy was really ratty with me and didn't seem to happy at all that I had done that.

All the indications are that they know this is not your debt but they tried to pressure you into paying it anyway. See what happens next but you might be doing a useful service to report this to the FCA and FOS.

Scratch is correct that Lowells have traditionally used letterheadings 'Red' and 'Hamptons Legal' to scare people. They should not be still doing this after FCA comment, so something else to report if it happens.

chereney21

Well today I received a letter from Lowell dated 5th of December saying that they have just passed the account to their fraud investigation team and that it will take 45 days (possibly more) for them to give me a decision.

I am sick of this company now. I can't understand why they would need so long to investigate. Has anyone won against Lowell when it has come to fraud or should I be gearing up for more of a fight with them? Is there anyone else I can take this to that might be able to help?

fermi

8 weeks after you first sent your complaint take them to the FOS.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm

Anyway, even if it somehow was yours the debt would be statute barred in both England and Scotland, so Lowells are blowing in the wind.