phone call from bayliffs re tax credits

missscousemouse_2

Hi everyone, ive just received a phone call from rossendales who didnt have our names right and asked for my address i wouldn't give it as they wouldn't tell me what it was about, only that they have sent letters (which we havent had) and its a private matter.
i googled the number and found its a dept collection agency.

The only thing i can think is that we owed tax credits after an over payment, we had written to hmrc wanting clarification it wasn't a mistake and last week my partner rang them and set up a payment plan and now we get this number from what i can see hmrc use them for collection.

Now im scared people will be tuning up at the door, we both have very good credit ratings and haven't owed anything before

What action am i supposed to take or do i ignore them?

thanks

pmlindyloo

missscousemouse wrote: »

Hi everyone, ive just received a phone call from rossendales who didnt have our names right and asked for my address i wouldn't give it as they wouldn't tell me what it was about, only that they have sent letters (which we havent had) and its a private matter.
i googled the number and found its a dept collection agency.

The only thing i can think is that we owed tax credits after an over payment, we had written to hmrc wanting clarification it wasn't a mistake and last week my partner rang them and set up a payment plan and now we get this number from what i can see hmrc use them for collection.

Now im scared people will be tuning up at the door, we both have very good credit ratings and haven't owed anything before

What action am i supposed to take or do i ignore them?

thanks

This could be a case of a 'fishing exercise' by Rossendales trying to find a debtor especially since they had the incorrect name and no address.

However, since you acknowledge an overpayment then it could also be a case that the debt was passed to them before you set up your payment plan. (especially if you moved during this time)

Ring Tax Credits and ask them.

Johno100

You maybe putting two and two together and getting five here. It is common practice for debt collectors when looking for an errant debtor to call individuals of the same or a similar name in an area hoping to track down the person they are after. A fishing exercise really. Think about it, if they were acting for HMRC they would certainly know your correct name and address.

mel48rose

Johno100 wrote: »

You maybe putting two and two together and getting five here. It is common practice for debt collectors when looking for an errant debtor to call individuals of the same or a similar name in an area hoping to track down the person they are after. A fishing exercise really. Think about it, if they were acting for HMRC they would certainly know your correct name and address.

A agree they would at least have your correct details.

NYM

Don't panic
It is quite likely to be connected to the HMRC debt as it seems too coincidental especially if you have no other debts.
If they call again, refer them back to HMRC and that you've made an arrangement directly with them.

[Deleted User]

When I had a similiar thing happen, I told them I would not give any personal details over the phone. If they had my name and address they could write to me giving full details of any money they think is owed. If they have 'already' written, supposedly, they can do it again.

As has been said, it may not be tax credits. It could also be a mistake or identity theft. But until you have more details, there's nothing you or they can do. Do not give personal details over the phone.