CapQuest: same old story, maybe a twist

Tommy647

Hey everyone,

Long time listener, first time caller. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, google searches led me here.

Over the past couple of years I've been receiving numerous letters claiming a debt I don't owe, all relating to 4 accounts with Shop Direct Finance. Every time I ring the company writing to me, explain the situation and they go quiet for 6-8 months and repeat. 2 of the accounts, through Lowes, have now been closed but two persist through CapQuest.

The four accounts in question were all set up in the same time period (Jan/Feb '13) using my name and DOB, but at my parents previous address. I've not lived at that address since '01 and my parents sold in '08.

I have, probably incorrectly, informed CapQuest of this during telephone calls which just leads to them moving this account to their Fraud Team, who request documentation from me (ID, proof of DOB, proof of my address during said period) which I'm led to believe isn't allowed and I'm reluctant to provide given the circumstances.

This morning I've received a further letter as part of an investigation in to my 'complaint', regarding their 'harassment' and my asking them to 'prove the debt', stating they've done nothing wrong, and still require further information (as above), they also provided copies of the two Credit Agreements for said accounts, again with my Name, Previous Address and email address that I don't recognise.

I'm not sure what actions I should take now to try resolve this.

I'll be the first to admit I've probably not dealt with this in the best way possible, so came here searching for some experienced help.

sourcrates

Hi,

Stay off the phone to Capquest.

You need to report the accounts as identity theft to action fraud, and the police.

Inform Capquest you have done this, give them the action fraud ref number, and the police crime number.

Granted it can be confusing, but thats the correct way to deal with it.

Tommy647

Thanks for the quick response, have reported with Action Fraud and got a reference number to pass on to cap quest

peteuk

Something similar happened to me when we moved in 2001. They used my first name, my wife's maiden name and our old address. A year later I was contacted by a debt collecting company by letter, who when I called them were very good and listened to me. It wasn't difficult to see who the debt was with so I also contacted them...

Seems familiar so far....until the company said...

We know who it is and this it the fourth account he has opened in someone else's name. At that point everything stopped, no contact from either the debt collecting company or the original mail order company...

Things have changed and I was told the police could do little at the time. But it was easily sorted.

Good luck! Lets hope you get it sorted.

Tommy647

Good to hear I’m not the only one.

Seems certain companies in need little information to create an account...

Hope you got sorted and it didn’t adversely effect your credit

patman99

The problem is, personal information is too readily available on the net. Also, companies still send junk mail addressed to you at previous addresses as that is where their out of date database says you live.

Tommy647

That’s my biggest issue with the whole situation, someone was able to set up multiple accounts with the same company using just my name, DoB and former address...

hycz

Hi,

I have been contacted by Capquest in relation to owing money for a burton's store card I've never had! I asked for proof and they sent through information which showed a person of a different address, DOB, signature but the same name.
I assumed it was just a case of mistaken identity but having provided my driving licence as proof that I am in fact not the person there looking for. and asking them for the source of the data that gave them my address, mobile phone number which differs from the proof they provided they said they got it from Equifax.
now that's impossible as it's a different DOB but that's not my biggest gripe there now asking me to prove I've never lived at the address in question. i have proved i'm not the person there looking for but yet they seem convinced it's ok to continue to harrass me with details obtained illegally and most definately against GDPR.
my questions is how can i take legal action against them? they must be taught a lesson that mistakes can be forgiven in this case mistaken identity but to continuing harrassing with data incorrectly obtained.
what should I Do?

sourcrates

Do you have sufficient funds to start legal action against them ?

The usual process is to complain to the ICO/FOS who have regulatory powers to investigate your complaint and award compensation if judged appropriate.