Log Book Loans

Pinzy

(Apols. This has turned into a long post!)
Please ignore the accusations, the latest one hasn't even got the facts right that you've written!

A lot of people simply won't believe something shocking, just because it's never happened to them or their friends.

I can't imagine the thought and panic that must be going through anybody's head when bailiffs turn up at the door. Let alone particularly nasty private ones who appear to be shoving personal documents in your face you never realised were missing. Half of your brain must be screaming "THIS IS WRONG!" and the other half saying "IT MUST BE RIGHT, THEY'VE GOT DOCUMENTS!" (as most of us seem to think that official folk know what they're doing - else this site wouldn't be quite so needed!). Complete confusion running through with serious adrenaline! I would challenge anybody to think clearly in such a situation. Especially when you've got got children indoors.

Unless people have got helpful information, as far as you should be concerned, they can shove off and not come back until they know what they're talking about.

Going forward, your situation could get complicated, but just deal with everything one step at a time.

Have the locks been changed? (Forgive me if you say they have in the thread but I've just realised the time and have to head off to work soon so can't read through it all again!) If not, do so, now.
Some people are super-organised and have everything in files minutes after it drops on the mat from the postie. Many others will have post on the floor, or near the front door for a while, very easy for somebody to grab a handful quickly and quietly if they've got a key to the door.

The loan company, although by many accounts not the most scrupulous, may truly have been victims of fraud obtained by identity theft. However, if this is the case, then they still may have, in effect, stolen your car.

Seek advice, if you have not already done so, from as many people as possible who know what they're talking about. You say you live in a council flat, you may be entitled to legal aid. This website appears to be a good place to start:
http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/

If Logbook think you will owe them money (or the debt collectors), you need to find out what you can do legally (injuction etc.) to stop them trying to get it from you.

I wouldn't bother going for No Win No Fee, they're only in it for the money, and really won't care about the other serious issues such as...

Identity theft
One person mentioned on here that other things may have been taken out in your name. This is equally serious as getting some recompense from Logbook. Go to the three main credit check agencies and get your statutory reports through as soon as possible. Get the CAB to go through them with you if they don't make a lot of sense.

The statutory £2 by post method

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Consumer Credit Act 1974 gives you a statutory right to see your credit reference files by simply writing to the agencies, with a £2 fee.

To apply you can complete an online application or download and fill in an application form, either being preferred by the agencies to help make sure they have all the relevant information, but beware they'll often try and flog you more expensive online products.

Alternatively if you prefer you can write a letter detailing your past addresses, enclosing a cheque / postal order, and although there was a time when some of the agencies did not accept letters, they have now confirmed to us that this is ok.

Links and template letters for each agency:[/FONT]

• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Equifax. [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Equifax Online[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] OR [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Equifax template letter[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] (cheque payable to Equifax Plc).
  
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Experian. [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Experian Online[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] OR [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Experian template letter[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] (cheque payable to Experian Ltd).
  
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Callcredit. [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Callcredit Online[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] OR [/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Callcredit template letter[/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] (cheque payable to Callcredit Plc).[/FONT]

Check all your accounts to make sure there is no unusual activity. You will also need to find out what you need to do to ensure this won't happen again.
This website will also be very helpful.
http://www.identity-theft.org.uk/

I'd go to the police and see if you have make an appointment to have a chat with someone to ask their advice. In particular, why they decided it was a 'civil matter' and couldn't come out. Can they be relied upon if bailiffs turn up at your door again, trying to take things they have no right to take.

Try and deal reasonably with Logbook, it may not be their fault.

Unfortunately, this will take quite a while to sort out. But if you are in the right, persevere.

As other posts have said, there are people here interested in what happens to you, rather than pointing fingers.

Lastly, I'm no expert, you may have done any or all of the above. I'm just a big fan of getting as much info. as possible! Hope this helps.

d72

Thought I would share my experience with these people. TO set out briefly, I took out a loan as I was desperate for cash - usual story - when I lost my job last year. Should have taken more time to find out what I was getting into. Everything was ok in the beginning until my partner left me. This left me with a lot of debts and I couldnt pay them. He took the car so I told LBL this and where he was. They thanked me for letting them know and everything was ok for a while. Shortly after I started receiving calls from them and being bothered by people that work for them. I was able to reach some sort of agreement with everyone I owed money to apart from LBL. I made an offer to pay but they werent interested.

They sent a firm round (Anglian?) to get car even though I said I didnt have it. I told them the same info as to where my ex was but they still continued to bother me and said they couldnt find him or car. I know he is at the address i gave and that the car is left on the road. To get them off my back I gave the guy my number so he could ring if he still couldnt find the car. He seemed ok at first but he continued to pester me and to turn up at the door and wouldnt leave me alone and was quite creepy. This made me feel vulnerable - I was on my own with my kids and didnt need anymore stress. It was all getting me down. LBL werent interested. I havent heard anything for a while so am still a bit nervous. Have reported them to trading standards as to their tactics but dont know if it will do any good.

Wish I had never had anything to do with LBL.