Irrelevant information request by Barclaycard?

onegreen

I have a claim in progress against Barclaycard for mis-sold PPI, this has been 'in-progress' now for some time.  I have received periodic letters by post from Barclaycard explaining how busy they are and assuring me that they are dealing with the claim. They have now contacted me asking for information that I regard as irrelevant to my claim, including payslip details from 16 years ago when the PPI was sold to me. They also ask what financial savings I had 16 years ago and ask for documentary evidence of my employment, including the hours I worked per week, etc.
May I ask if I am obliged in law to provide such information (even if I had it, who saves payslips for 16 years?)?
I suspect Barclaycard are simply dragging out the process.   I have tried to speak to them on their helpline but without success.
I would appreciate your advice, many thanks.

brettcta

They are as relevant questions as they can possibly ask, presumably they’re linked to your complaint points so they’re asking for more information to base their decision on.

you’re not legally obliged to provide the information, of course you’re not, but if you make allegations of wrongdoing on a 16 year old policy, it’s reasonable that they might ask you for evidence to back those claims up.

if you don’t have certain pieces of evidence then tell them. Don’t be tempted to make things up in lieu of the truth.

[Deleted User]

It's odd you suspect them of dragging out the process, as this would only serve to increase any amount they need to pay you.

Perhaps they particularly like you and are looking to pay you a bonus.

[Deleted User]

I suppose the flip side is no consumer has ever gone to prison for fraud despite putting in complaints about how they were miss-sold stuff they agreed to and wanted or didn't even have. Almost like dishonesty pays...

dunstonh

May I ask if I am obliged in law to provide such information (even if I had it, who saves payslips for 16 years?)?

No you are not obliged.  However, they can use your refusal to supply information against you by saying there is no evidence to support any wrongdoing in those areas.

I suspect Barclaycard are simply dragging out the process. 

There is absolutely no financial gain to them dragging out the process.   

In your complaint to Barclaycard, did you make specific allegations?  such as having a job with sick pay or having sufficient savings etc?