help with dodgy debt collection letters

hello1508

Hi!
My elderly grandfather is getting debt collection letters asking for money on a mobile phone bill. My grandad has never owned a mobile in his life however. He has received this letter a few times and these letters (the exact same one) sent to different initials but with his last name. It is from the PO Box 189 Huddersfield address that I think some other people have had trouble with. He sends the letters back every time but he doesn't know what to do. My mother who also lives at the same address is getting these letters too but being sent in her maiden name, a name she has not used in almost 20 years. Does anyone know what we can do?

Originally posted on another topic

sourcrates

Hi,
Yes, they are on whats called a "fishing trip", they will be after someone with a similar name, maybe even a previous tenant, if its rented accommodation.

They send these computer generated letters to anyone with a similar name in a certain area, hoping to get a bite, next time they receive any of these letters, if its specifically addressed to him, send them this in response :


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247

adapt to your own circumstances.

Gladioli

Hi, just wondered if I could tag a question on the end in relation to the above letters to send the person chasing the debt. What if the debt is for a housing association, chasing a former tenant who no longer lives at the address, would the above letters still stand or are tenant arrears not covered by the Consumer credit act? Are there any letters which are appropriate?

sourcrates

Gladioli wrote: »

Hi, just wondered if I could tag a question on the end in relation to the above letters to send the person chasing the debt. What if the debt is for a housing association, chasing a former tenant who no longer lives at the address, would the above letters still stand or are tenant arrears not covered by the Consumer credit act? Are there any letters which are appropriate?

No,

You should just send a simply worded letter stating the person they are after no longer resides at this address, and ask them to please update your records accordingly, as further correspondence will not be answered.

If they continue to write, either return to sender, or recycle bin, unsecured debts are not attached to properties, and you cannot be held liable for someones else`s debt.

Gladioli

Thank you so much for the advice. :beer: