Overdales solicitors a part of Lowell’s? Updated with response

Dottydoolay

I can’t seem to find much info on them.
I have now received a letter from them on behalf of Lowell’s but it appears it’s Another Lowell’s office?
Its threatening legal proceedings anyway so I guess now is the time for head out of sand. 

Do I now request the info needed and try to make a discounted offer to pay it off or side step that with monthly payments?(no idea how to proceed for the best outcome as can’t pay in full) 
Thankyou 

Grumpelstiltskin

The reason you can't find out much about them is because they only changed their name to Overdales earlier this month. Before  that they were known as Lucas Credit Services.

Dottydoolay

Thankyou for that no wonder I was drawing a blank, every search was also just bringing up Lowell’s.
So am I right in thinking Lowell’s have just sold the debt to someone else who are heavier mentioning County court claims and possible added costs? 

I was biding my time hoping Lowell’s would come in with a better discounted final payment offer..but obviously not.

sourcrates

They are just another debt collection agency, much like any other.
Have you asked them to provide you with evidence of your liability for this debt ?

If not then you should, they cannot proceed with anything until they provide you with said proof, once its asked for.

Do it in writing, and that should keep them tied up for about 3-6 months whilst they attempt to obtain it from the original creditor.
Plenty of time for you to formulate a strategy, and if they come back saying they can`t provide any evidence, well all the better.

Dottydoolay

No I haven’t yet Sourcrates but I will do now Thankyou. I got the letter from them yesterday, with the title name having the word solicitor in it and a breakdown of possible court costs I panicked then googled then obviously found nothing.

I did originally think I was riding it with Lowell’s and with them offering a 20% discount in Dec after no communication from me anyway was holding out.

Are debts often passed around like this? Why don’t they keep their own? Just thinking if you think somethings worth taking on in the first place why wouldn’t you see it out yourself. It was originally a Shop direct group bill then a Lowell’s debt and now Overdales.

Thankyou again 

fatbelly

Looks like Shop Direct  just sold it to Lowell then and they are using this new company (which is probably still part of the Lowell Group) to chase it.

A Prove-it letter is a good first move. If they do have evidence but not a copy of the original signed agreement then you can require them to produce that (as this is a Consumer Credit Act debt) and it remains unenforceable until they comply.

Saving a lump sum on the side might be a wise move while all this is going on.

Dottydoolay

Thankyou Fatbelly, I will do that. Depending on outcome would I still be able to negotiate a payment plan going forward or do you mean lump sum to try to negotiate a full final payment offer also going forward? 

I’m new to all this but have received support from here and read lots of information on here to try to find my way. 

fatbelly

You could do either but it's more cost effective to do a settlement deal, knowing that Lowell probably bought this for a pittance.

There's never been a six-year gap in payments here, has there?

Dottydoolay

Yeah that’s my thinking, they haven’t paid the real amount for it no it’s only been a year. 

Dottydoolay

Stupid question alerts here I’m afraid as sorting this today.

I have looked at the template letter on Stepchange is it ok if I send that handwritten(printers broken) and I assume it’s sent recorded delivery?
The pound fee,  is that a postal order? 

And you don’t sign it you just print your name? 

Thanks again and sorry for stupid questions I just need to get this right and am clueless.

fatbelly

You're talking about a cca request. I think we were just suggesting a prove-it in the first instance (no fee needed - just sign normally)

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter

Handwritten's fine - just quote the section reference numbers if you want to shorten it.

If you do get a pre-action (30 days to reply, 6 pages) letter then you do need to respond properly to that.- it's headed REPLY FORM YOU HAVE 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE AT THE TOP OF THE ENCLOSED LETTER TO FILL IN AND RETURN THIS FORM. IF YOU DON’T, IT COULD RESULT IN COURT PROCEEDINGS