Unknown debt from Lantern debt recovery

Ariddell90

Hello,

Last week my husband received a letter from Lantern stating he owes just over £800, which he does not recognise.

From researching online he sent a 'prove it' letter to them via email.

Today he received this response:

"Dear Sir / Madam

Thank you for your recent email.

To ensure the ongoing security of your personal data and to comply with the current data protection laws, we must verify your identity before we can discuss your account. Please can you confirm:

• Your full name;
• First line and postcode of your address;
• Your date of birth;
• Your email address.

Upon receipt of this information we will be able to complete your request. You can contact one of our agents by telephone on 0113 887 6876 (Monday to Thursday 8am to 7pm, Friday 8am to 6pm or Saturday 10am to 1pm).

We look forward to your speedy response.

Yours sincerely

Lantern "

Is this acceptable for them to ask? I just want to make sure he responds appropriately as I have read how crafty some of these debt agencies can be.

Thanks in advance!

Ben8282

No. Ignore them if you are sure that you don't recognise the debt.

DCFC79

Anything on his credit files from Lantern, like a search carried out ?

Ariddell90

No nothing on his credit file.

[Deleted User]

No - he’s asked them for details not the other way around.

Ignore them - they’ve likely matched his name against someone else’s who does owe money

DCFC79

Ariddell90 wrote: »

No nothing on his credit file.

Checked all 3 ?

I agree to ignore anymore letters.

Ariddell90

Thanks for the replies. My worry is they'll keep sending letters. Is there any legal legislation I can quote which states they don't need this information to prove the debt?

twhitehousescat

arkell v presdamm

http://www.lettersofnote.com/2013/08/arkell-v-pressdram.html

Ben8282

Ariddell90 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. My worry is they'll keep sending letters. Is there any legal legislation I can quote which states they don't need this information to prove the debt?

Let them send them. Bin them. Do not enter into correspondence with them. Just ignore them.

DCFC79

It looks like Motormile finance is now Lantern, has he had finance from MotorMile Finance ?

sourcrates

Hi,


Sending the "proveit letter" by post, not email, would have avoided this situation, email is not secure, so anyone could of been the sender, a letter tells them they are dealing with the person they believe to be the debtor.


Send a proveit letter, in the post, it may be his debt, it may not, DCFC79 has got it right with Lanterns past, they used to be Motormile Finance, a particularly nasty DCA.


Although the temptation is there to just ignore them, they could very easily obtain a CCJ by default against him, if he dosent reply to their letters.