Wescot Credit Services Ltd Something not right

beavertron66

Hi,

I've received a slip in the post to contact Westcot Credit Services ltd asking me to phone the enclosed number, there was also a reference number, no further details. After carefully researching the company its clear they are used for debt recovery. Here is the unusual part. I phone the office and they asked me to confirm my details which they have already, along with them wanting my previous address from a couple of years ago. I asked what for, they said for my Bank has requested these details. They knew who my bank was. Upon asking what this was about, the person on the phone said, that is all the information they have and they are working to get these details across to my Bank. But my bank already has all of these details, following this I contacted my bank straight away to see what this was about. Speaking with a senior adviser in the Branch, I was assured that everything is ok with my account and they would never try and contact me through a company like Westcot Credit Services, especially when they have all my details anyway.

This is really concerning activity from them. I called them back and they assured my it is for my bank again. Been asked to call back to speak to someone more senior when they are in.

The really unusual thing is, I have no debts, i have no missed payments or owe money to and persons or purchases. My account is in credit, all previous bills from any property payed off and accounts closed correctly.

I'm really concerned what is happening here and would appreciate advice on the matter or what this could be related to. Surely if it was an actual debt then they would have told me there and then on the phone?

Thanks in advance

sourcrates

Don't be concerned, Wescott are on a "fishing trip", this is one way they try to connect a debt they have on there books, with a debtor.
You may have a similar name, as the person they are looking for, they will of sent out hundreds of these "slips" hoping they get a hit, don't phone them again.

Unless you get a proper letter, addressed to you, detailing what the debt is, you can ignore them completely.

andyfromotley

Hi Beaver,

they re on a fishing expedition, they have someone with similar details they cant find and are trying to check if its you. Trouble is to put it politely they are scum sucking bottom feeders, they have been known (frequently), to lie, misrepresent and hound the wrong people.

First rule, DO NOT engage with them on the phone. At all, EVER. Ignore everything they send to you until you get a letter which says that YOU owe THIS amount to THIS company, pay up. Assuming from what you say that you don't you then send them a 'PROVIT' letter, you can find the template on here.

The problem is that you, as a reasonable person want to jump on the phone and sort this out. DONT!! You are not dealing with reasonable people, and now your details are already all over this file!

Don't worry about this, it happens all of the time. Its a pain but if you don't owe anything you will prevail. Just remember do NOTHING on the phone, only ever contact them by signed for letter. Keep a record of EVERYTHING you do or say to this company.

beavertron66

Hi,

Thank you both for your prompt replies. I thought it might be as much. I'm so careful with everything, always pay bills on time and work hard to keep my balance in credit always along with a good credit score and always keep copies of letters as you never know. Which is why I could smell a rat.

Its good to hear this advice as I've been seriously concerned about this over the last 2 days and will ensure any further correspondence is in writing from them. I'll post back if I see or hear anything more from them as it might be good advice for anyone else who is experiencing this.

I thought these company's were monitored accordingly now to prevent such activity. I guess not as well as it should be.

Thank you again.

sourcrates

beavertron66 wrote: »

I thought these company's were monitored accordingly now to prevent such activity. I guess not as well as it should be.

Thank you again.

Keep a close eye on your credit file, just in case they may record this account as been yours, has been known.

fermi

Wescot are frequently either incompetent or untruthful in what their staff claim.

As said, it's up to them to prove what they are up to or want, and it's not your problem to give them any info or engage with them.

I agree with the comment to keep an eye on your credit files though. A mis-trace, as it sounds likely this is, can sometimes result in adverse info being added to your credit file, even when they have not actually proved it is you who owes anything.

Yes, these companies are supposed to be regulated, but historically the regulators have not held them properly to account, so they know they can get away with this nonsense more often than not.

beavertron66

Thank you I'll check the credit file. Also I agree with the written letters only. I shouldn't have called them, but when you've got nothing to hide you'd think it would be ok. Trying to do the right thing can be wrong. Speaking with a Barrister friend of mine. He agrees, shouldn't have given any details if they can't tell me exactly what its for. They should have sent an initial letter with proper details, not a call this number prompt.