Debt Collector House Call AFTER Settling Account In Full

jennifereckles24

So today it's my 1yo's birthday, we have family and friends round, and I am 3 days overdue with my current pregnancy. About two hours ago there was a knock at the door, and lo and behold it was a debt collector from Grosvenor finance, insisting that I had an outstanding balance of £306 and it needed to be paid right away.
Only thing is, I paid this balance last week, in full, as soon as I received the letter telling me about it! This obviously meant that I had it on my bank statement ready to show him, because he didn't believe me.
Only thing is, my other half was stood at the door talking to him for a while because he didn't realise I had paid it (he doesn't listen ) and everyone heard. Once he came back in and told me who it was I ran (waddled) after the bloke and had a go at him when he was getting into his car - he called the office who confirmed it had indeed been settled LAST WEEK.
My question is, why on earth would he not ring the office and check prior to knocking on my door? He was saying to my partner that we would be taken to court and they could force entry and install meters etc etc - why come in all guns blazing without all the facts?? Having worked in debt recovery myself I thought it was policy everywhere that the account should be checked prior to making a house call. If I had been here on my own, with two little babies and very very heavily pregnant, the stress could have caused me all sorts of problems.
More to the point - what if it were an elderly lady who heard the word 'court' and simply paid it rather than arguing?
I don't think I've ever been so embarrassed - I'm not exactly a serial debtor, and yes I missed my direct debit I'm guessing, but I paid the balance in full as soon as I realised - more than most would probably do. My family were all asking questions - did we need money, were we struggling, my mother is going to be panicking for the next 150 years because she thinks we will have our house taken away!
Any advice on how to pursue this further?? It was their company that I paid directly - no third party - so there should have been checks carried out prior to the assigning of my account, surely?
Thanks in advance.

Stevie_Palimo

Paperwork was probably issued a week or so ago prior to you making the payment and at best all you will get if you complain is an apology letter and something stating that it is cleared in full. Personally I'd just forget it and move on to save wasting anytime on this one.

National_Debtline

Hi

I think Stevie is right here. You have grounds to complain but I don’t think you’re likely to get anything out of it unless you feel strongly about it as a matter of principle.

James
@natdebtline

Smodlet

I just wanted to wish you all the best. There are far too many people on this forum who kick off without checking their facts (I have probably been guilty myself, on occasion) but "heavies" coming around after a debt has already been paid? Unacceptable, imo. Having said which, I imagine James and Stevie are both correct in that complaining probably won't get you anywhere except, perhaps, to make a point.

Congratulations on the little one and best of luck.