I've been scammed

pennypincher2013

I don't know if I've posted this in the right place. I hope someone can help.
I had a letter this morning from bw legal saying they represent PRAC Financial and have acquired the debt I previously owed to The Money Shop (hundreds of £s).
Thing is I have NEVER had anything to do with The Money Shop. I didn't even know they existed until this letter and looking them up online.
They have my full name and address. Have bw legal made a mistake or has someone been using a fake id with The Money Shop? This is the first contact from any of these companies.
Please advise on how I should deal with this situation.

PixelPound

You could send a "prove it" letter or see them for more information, like original debtor's address. It might not be scammed but miss traced to you

DCFC79

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

I don't know if I've posted this in the right place. I hope someone can help.
I had a letter this morning from bw legal saying they represent PRAC Financial and have acquired the debt I previously owed to The Money Shop (hundreds of £s).
Thing is I have NEVER had anything to do with The Money Shop. I didn't even know they existed until this letter and looking them up online.
They have my full name and address. Have bw legal made a mistake or has someone been using a fake id with The Money Shop? This is the first contact from any of these companies.
Please advise on how I should deal with this situation.

Have you lost any money ?

If not then you havent been scammed.

Have you checked your credit files with the 3 agencies for entries from Money Shop or anything you dont recognise ? If you haven't then do it.

pennypincher2013

Sorry for being stupid but what does a 'prove it' letter involve?
I've found out that you can apply for a loan with The Money Shop online. !!!!!!?!?! I've getting phone numbers and calling all companies involved.
I haven't had any loans or credit of any sorts in my entire life!

pennypincher2013

DCFC79 wrote: »

Have you checked your credit files with the 3 agencies for entries from Money Shop or anything you dont recognise ? If you haven't then do it.

How do I check my credit files? I've never had credit for anything in my life.

heartbreak_star

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

How do I check my credit files? I've never had credit for anything in my life.

Not even a mobile phone contract or utilities?

HBS x

pennypincher2013

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Not even a mobile phone contract or utilities?

HBS x

No, I have always had PAYG and still live at home with my parents.

pogofish

You probably have a name similar to someone who does owe them money. Debt collectors are notorious for taking a scattergun approach when pursuing people. All they care about is money and not that the actual debtor pays it. Thankfully their chances of doing anything meaningful against you is slim.

Get on to the Debt board - you will find plenty of help, info, sample letters etc and a fine appreciation of the bottom-feeding antics of the Likes of BW Legal!

National_Debtline

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

Sorry for being stupid but what does a 'prove it' letter involve?
I've found out that you can apply for a loan with The Money Shop online. !!!!!!?!?! I've getting phone numbers and calling all companies involved.
I haven't had any loans or credit of any sorts in my entire life!

Hi

There is a template for a ‘prove it’ letter here. It disputes liability and threatens a complaint unless evidence that you owe the debt is supplied:

www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/sampleletters/Pages/Complaining-to-debt-collection-agencies-that-you-do-not-owe-the-debt-%28sole-name%29.aspx

James
@natdebtline

National_Debtline

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

How do I check my credit files? I've never had credit for anything in my life.

There are three main credit reference agencies in the UK – Experian, Equifax and Call Credit. It’s best to check the information held by all three to get the full picture. You can access a statutory copy of your credit file for £2 from each of the credit reference agencies through their websites.

Alternatively you can access the Experian credit report information here - www.moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub

The Equifax credit report is free through www.clearscore.com

The Call Credit information is free through www.noddle.co.uk

James
@natdebtline

DCFC79

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

No, I have always had PAYG and still live at home with my parents.

You will have a credit history, you have a bank account right ?