DRP, now Gladstones - paying less than being asked for?

MunkyHeed

Hi all, I know repeated posts have been made on here regarding these, so I'll keep it brief.
I ignored loads of DRP+ messages for their client G24. I've now got a letter from Gladstones saying they may take legal action.

Admittedly the car was parked in a store car park over several occasions as my work car park was full. The claim is for several hundred pounds.

Am wondering if its likely that I could offer to pay less than the amount being requested. I'm wondering if there is a general amount I could offer that they would accept. E.g. 75% of the total amount is normally accepted?

Thanks.

fisherjim

Good grief why would you pay a scammer?
They will not accept less they want the maximum they can get out of you don't waste your time, and focus on the word "may"!

Fruitcake

Do not pay.

End of discussion.

Grimble

G24 do not do court.

The_Deep

This is a well known scam, and judges are cottoning on to that fact.

Do not pay them a penny unless a judge so orders, which is highly unlikely.

Coupon-mad

I'm probably going to pay them,

Then you are a total mug with more money than sense and should not be on this forum! Get real and read relevant threads:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5433044

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5463815

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5258171

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5467085

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5454395

DO NOT offer the PPC any money. DO NOT ring up Debt Recovery Plus. DO NOT pick up the phone AT ALL.

Herzlos

I can understand wanting to get rid of the thing entirely. These companies have been known to settle for much less, like £25.

The only reason they are sending debt collector letters is because they don't want to do court - it costs them a lot and it's uncertain who will win. Well defended you should beat the PPC most times, and in any case, the PPC will spend more than it stands to make.

Not that I suggest you pay up at this stage - Gladstones are acting as just another debt collector here ("may take action").

beamerguy

You must read what the Prankster says about Gladstones.
http://parking-prankster.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=gladstones

At best, Gladstones are cowboys and at worse they are donkeys.

warning to G24 ....... Gladstones will cost you a lot of money and you will be the loser. Only fools follow a loser

MunkyHeed

Thank you for the replies. I shall read the links provided above. I presume my next question will be answered in one (some) of the links, but I'm of the understanding I should at least acknowledge receipt of the letter, no?

Coupon-mad

Yes, a letter from a solicitor should elicit a short reply from you, even though we know G24 have never tried court. Especially as you say:

Admittedly THE CAR WAS parked in a store car park over several occasions as my work car park was full. I guess THE DRIVER was XX XXXX XXXXXX. The claim is for several hundred pounds.

EDIT YOUR FIRST POST TO REMOVE WHO WAS DRIVING AND REMOVING ANY ADMISSION OF 'WRONG'. NOW!

The fact it is several PCNs mean a parking firm *could* decide to try a small claim but with G24 you'd be the first!

So, just in case they break the habit of a lifetime you could write and state that any claim would be robustly defended as the registered keeper and you are aware that G24 do not own the car park and that the Beavis case would not save such disproportionate charges from being a penalty, due to the lack of clear signage at that site.

I wouldn't go into any detail but would go there and get some photos to show how unreadable the signage wording up on poles is, just in case they change it in the meantime. Keep all letters and tell us if you get an actual Letter before Claim.

AND EDIT THAT FIRST POST NOW!

Umkomaas

@MunkyHeed - your forum name has a slight Scottish sound to it (Heed as in Head), you're not based north of the border by any chance?