Urgent query regarding debt collection agency

Ian_875

Hoping someone can help here. I've received the below to my e-mail address:

From: C & L Collections <clientqueries@corporateandlegal.co.uk>
Sent: 25 February 2019 12:58
To: [removed]
Subject: Your Ref: [removed]




Urgent Contact Request



Dear Sir/Madam,

RE A/C Reference:[removed]

This is not a marketing email

We have recently tried to contact you with no success in respect to an important matter.

We would be very grateful if you could contact us as a matter of urgency at Corporate and Legal Collections, on our Freephone number which is 0808 208 4484.



Yours faithfully,





The C and L Group of Companies Ltd

1000 Great West Rd Brentford TW8 9HH

Email clientqueries@corporateandlegal.co.uk

https://www.candlcollections.co.uk

I've not got anything on credit, nor have I had anything through the post. The e-mail doesn't mention me by name at all.

On the face of it it's a spam e-mail, but the email header and company are legit.

The only thing I can think is that Outfox The Market currently owe me just shy of £200, although I can't see it being related to that?

Should I give them a ring?

I'm a bit stressed with it as I'm in the process of applying for a mortgage so very careful about my credit file.

[Deleted User]

Check your credit files to make sure nothing appears there.

If you're confident it's not yours, I would ignore it, but keep an eye on your files.

parking_question_chap

Go on to their actual website and use a phone number on there. Otherwise you might be victim to a phishing scam. Having said that, the phone number you have given also appears on their website.

Ian_875

I'd like to consider myself savvy with these things, like you say on the face of it it's all genuine.

Nothing on my credit report though..

Ian_875

Just phoned them.

Turns out they've "mis traced" my search, and my DOB doesn't match what they've got. They've advised to disregard it.

EDIT: The plot thickens. They said they were chasing a debt on behalf of Sheffield Credit Union. Obviously not me, but it got me thinking.

About 2 years ago I started getting e-mails (CV's, appointment reminders, PAYSLIPS!) for someone with my name living in Sheffield. At one point I even got 'his' CV, with my e-mail address on it. Each time I replied back to the sender informing them they had the wrong person, and they stopped.

I suspect this *other* Ian 875 has defaulted on a debt, and somehow they've found his/my e-mail address from somewhere and sent out a hopeful e-mail.

Anyway, crisis averted!

sourcrates

Ian_875 wrote: »

Just phoned them.

Turns out they've "mis traced" my search, and my DOB doesn't match what they've got. They've advised to disregard it.

EDIT: The plot thickens. They said they were chasing a debt on behalf of Sheffield Credit Union. Obviously not me, but it got me thinking.

About 2 years ago I started getting e-mails (CV's, appointment reminders, PAYSLIPS!) for someone with my name living in Sheffield. At one point I even got 'his' CV, with my e-mail address on it. Each time I replied back to the sender informing them they had the wrong person, and they stopped.

I suspect this *other* Ian 875 has defaulted on a debt, and somehow they've found his/my e-mail address from somewhere and sent out a hopeful e-mail.

Anyway, crisis averted!

Glad you sorted it quickly.


But for future reference, you only need respond to letters through the post addressed to yourself, you do not have to respond to phone calls, emails, or texts.

fatbelly

Also keep an eye on your files with the 3 main credit reference agencies in case your address becomes mysteriously linked to one in Sheffield.

Edit: the credit services association tells us that mis-traces are a myth and never happen. Are C&L members of CSA? Of course they are.

chanz4

Never call a debt collection agency, also I 100% would never an email one

D_M_E

Never, ever contact a DCA by phone or email - ALWAYS do it by posted letter, and Never ever give them any information about yourself, particularly DOB and past addresses.

It's for them to prove you are the one they seek, not for you to do their work for them and prove you are not.

Good result, though.

Ian_875

Thanks for the replies everyone. Normally I'd have just ignored it and waited for a letter in the post, but I was applying for a mortgage the very same day so was a bit on edge!

For what it's worth, I didn't provide them any information when they asked - I asked what it was in relation to first. As soon as they said the company name I advised it was nothing to do with me. I was mindful that it might have been a scam aimed at getting personal info so kept my cards close to my chest.

Appreciate the advise from everyone