Armtrac letter after 4 years!

Sickofscams

Hi all,
So sorry if there is already a thread for this - I've searched previous threads & newbie guide and i can't find one & I desperately need help.
I received a PCN from Armtrac in 2014. I researched what to do at the time and the advice was to ignore all communications. (I'm aware this is now not the case) I got 3 letters then heard no more... until today!
I have today received a letter (4 years later!) Saying as i have 'failed to make arrangements to pay your account balance it has now been sent to BW legal' i also have a letter from BW legal saying KBT Cornwall/armtrac security have instructed them to recover £160 within 16 days otherwise they will take me to court.
The other factor is that i no longer live at the address the letter was sent to, the letter is in my maiden name and relates to a car i no longer own.
What do i do?!
So grateful for any advice!
Thanks in advance

Redx

there are several similar threads posted on here recently, plus ARMTRAC have 6 years to try a court claim, so 4 years means they got around to you


see these threads for the correct advice for a start


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5933501


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5933323


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5906043

Sickofscams

Thank you that's really helpful.

I'm just wondering if they have an old name, an old address and an old car if it can be enforceable or whether I should return the letter as 'no longer at this address'? Or is that a bit risky?

Umkomaas

You must inform both Amtrac and BWL of your new address - in writing via Royal Mail, first class, with free Certificate of Posting from your local Post Office (not Recorded/Signed for or Special Delivery) - requiring them to amend their records and ensure that anything further is sent to the new address.

Whether you want to update them on your change of name, in my view, is neither here nor there - they might start asking for proof of change, copies of marriage cert, passport, utility bills etc, which is a hassle you could do without. Your choice.

'No longer at this address' is more than risky. They are likely to ignore that (they've seen it all before) and plough on with their court case knowing that if you do not see the court documents, you can't defend, they'll be awarded a default judgment against you - and you'll have a CCJ and your credit rating (and possibly your life-style) will be trashed for the next 6 years.

The car was yours at the time of the parking event - that's all that counts, there's no escape there.

Sickofscams

Thank you very much - I will do that and send of the SAR.