VSC reinstated fine weeks after cancelling it on instruction of Landlord.

Umkomaas

It would be best if you could upload redacted scans of the letters you refer to - 'Court' letter and VCS letter so we can attempt to unravel the confusion. 

elaine_88

Just an update and thanks for everyone replying.
Apparently I have already been given a CCJ and I have until 29th August to pay or it will stay on file. I have decided I am going to pay the £185 to avoid having the CCJ sticking because at this point in my life I need a clean credit file.

I am in contact with UKAS who VCS and Excel use to give them a semblance of propriety.
UKAS are interested in my version of events and my assertion that this is a common MO for these scammers. VCS were awarded certification from UKAS in terms of their management systems so this type of behaviour ( continuing with a fine even though landlord has rescinded and ignoring proof) would go against their accreditation standards. If anyone else has this happen to them they should also write to UKAS.

elaine_88

nosferatu1001 said:

Your account is still utterly confusing. 
You got a court letter in April? Do you mean you got the N1 county court claim form? If YES, then why on earth did you not defend it? 
Getting a set aside for stupidity is tricky. 

Because after I got it, I went onto the VCS  payment page and it had no option to pay saying the matter was settled. I even rang VCS and they confirmed the matter was closed. This is why I never answered the Court letter as I presumed VCS would contact them to end the matter. Little did I know what scammers they are! I have never dealt with a CC letter before so just a bit niave.

Ralph-y

Please wait and do not pay today ... just in case anyone wants to comment.

Ralph

Fruitcake

You could pay it and then make a claim against the scammers for recovery, but the best advice so far is to wait and see what others advice at this stage.
There are a few (but not many) legally trained regulars on this forum will be able to give you much better advice than the rest of us.
You have plenty of time so do not rush into paying anything just yet.

Have you contacted the landowner again since discover the CCJ?
Have you complained yet to your MP about this unregulated scam?

DoaM

To be honest, in the circumstances described the OP may have a difficult time getting a set aside - they received the claim but ignored it. (For good reason, but they still ignored it). Even if they did get one they may struggle to get back the £255 set aside claim fee. Paying it so it doesn't get registered, and then seeking a recovery claim is probably the best way forward.

Fruitcake

It might be possible for the landowner to put pressure on the scammers to get a set aside with consent, which I think costs £100.
The best idea though is to wait for the court savvy regulars to comment.

nosferatu1001

Ignoring a claim form isnt going to work
Next time dont ignore a court claim form. By not filing a defence, they win. Its that simple. I dont know why you would think otherwise. Ten minutes research tells you what happens ifyou dont defend a court claim
What is the date of the judgement?  Unless you are within 1 month of this date, and a date in april for a claim form suggests you are not, paying will not remove the CCJ from your record. So, give us actual, specific dates. No "apparently", no guessing, specific confirmed dates from the document from the court stating yo uhave a judgement against you.
ALso, when we ask for specific names, give them. This is a text only forum, 

Coupon-mad

Apparently I have already been given a CCJ and I have until 29th August to pay or it will stay on file.

We know this and we've told you what to do.  You ignored a N1 claim form.

I like your fightback in reporting them to UKAS - I didn't know Excel and VCS has UKAS accreditation. This is a VERY good and novel form of attack and UKAS will listen.  We should do that more often.  We've missed a trick.

Let's all remember this, regulars, for EVERY Excel & VCS thread now!

MothballsWallet

Coupon-mad said:

Apparently I have already been given a CCJ and I have until 29th August to pay or it will stay on file.

We know this and we've told you what to do.  You ignored a N1 claim form.

I like your fightback in reporting them to UKAS - I didn't know Excel and VCS has UKAS accreditation. This is a VERY good and novel form of attack and UKAS will listen.  We should do that more often.  We've missed a trick.

Let's all remember this, regulars, for EVERY Excel & VCS thread now!

I had to Google UKAS - United Kingdom Accreditation Service - and their website is here.