SMS Text Messages from Equita Debt Agency
DolphinThumbs
Posts: 2 Newbie
I got a text message a few months ago from Equita saying that I owed money. The text quoted a reference number, their website and had a phone number to call. I felt it seemed fishy and could be part of a scam as the message did not have my name or any further identifying details.
As far as I am aware, I owe no one any money so this was another reason why I put this on the "ignore" pile. I have since had 2 more texts. One saying that my case has been referred to enforcement agents and one today saying I am going to get a visit from an enforecment agent and this person's name and mobile number were included.
I have not recieved any written letters from this company in the post. I'm not sure if this is a scare tactic, some scammer cloning this company's number or something I should be concerned with.
Some background, I looked up Equita and it says they deal with council tax and benefit claimant debts. I have never been on benefits nor owe any council tax payments.
I must also note that I have a "Text Door Neighbour". Every couple of months I get a text or voicemail for a man who I assume has a very similar phone number to me. One of them was from a court in Manchester about his court date.
These texts are verging a bit more on the intimidating side and I'm not sure what I should do. Any advice would be helpful please.
As far as I am aware, I owe no one any money so this was another reason why I put this on the "ignore" pile. I have since had 2 more texts. One saying that my case has been referred to enforcement agents and one today saying I am going to get a visit from an enforecment agent and this person's name and mobile number were included.
I have not recieved any written letters from this company in the post. I'm not sure if this is a scare tactic, some scammer cloning this company's number or something I should be concerned with.
Some background, I looked up Equita and it says they deal with council tax and benefit claimant debts. I have never been on benefits nor owe any council tax payments.
I must also note that I have a "Text Door Neighbour". Every couple of months I get a text or voicemail for a man who I assume has a very similar phone number to me. One of them was from a court in Manchester about his court date.
These texts are verging a bit more on the intimidating side and I'm not sure what I should do. Any advice would be helpful please.
0
Comments
-
If it were me, I would block the number so that you stop receiving the SMS messages.I work within the voluntary sector, supporting vulnerable people to rebuild their lives.
I love my job
0 -
Mobile numbers also get recycled, mis-dialled, mis-quoted etc etc.
Just so you know, anyone, no matter who they are, thats chasing you for an alledged debt, MUST first write to you telling you what you owe, who to, and give you options for repayment, depending on what stage enforcemnet has reached.
They can send as many texts/emails/ or call as much as they like, it makes no difference, legally, they must write to you.
Equita are a bailiff company, so keep an eye out for any further correspondance from them, as it could be something, or nothing, but best to be prepared.
They will most likley be after someone with similar details to yours.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter0 -
Equita also deal with parking charge cases.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 449.7K Spending & Discounts
- 235.2K Work, Benefits & Business
- 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 173K Life & Family
- 247.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards