Gladstones Text/Letter Before Action

DrRJ

Hi, 

I've received a text message from Gladstones "Solicitors" claiming that I've not responded to a Letter Before Action (which I've not received). I do not know what this relates to (but assuming a parking fine as I had a couple of letters letter a long time ago-  2 years, maybe?) and ignored them). We moved shortly over a year ago so I guess it is possible that they've written to my old address, although we did have mail redirect for 6 months. I've tried calling the number but the phone just rings out so I can't speak to anyone. I don't want to go via their website as it involves setting up an "account". I am not sure what action would be best for me to take, since I gather that a LBA means they are planning to take me to court! I'd be really grateful for advice. 

TIA, 
RJ

Fruitcake

Never ever try to 'phone a scammer or their agents of scam.

It is not a fine.

Who is the PPC? You should send their DPO a Rectification Notice instructing them to erase your old data and replace it with your new address for service. Use the exact word I have highlighted.
You should also separately send an SAR as per the NEWBIES to the DPO of the scammers.

Include a form of ID such as your V5C or two redacted utility bills or bank/card statements, but never send photo' ID.

Umkomaas

Unless you inform them of your change of address, they can only write to the last known.  Send the PPC a data rectification notice with your new address and tell them to inform any of their agents who are handling/managing your personal data. Send it to their DPO via the Privacy page of their website, sometimes you need to access it via the 'Contact Us' button.  

I'd send the same message to Gladstones to try to head them off at the pass, you do not want a court claim served on your old address - that will be a potentially expensive and administrative mess for you to untangle. I'd also, on a belt and braces basis, reply to G's text with your new address. 

DrRJ

Thanks both,

I have read elsewhere that the details for gladstone's are legitimate and so I do not think that it is a "scam" (in the loosest sense, given my view on ludicrous parking charges!).

I have emailed them as per the newbies thread and I will be sending a subject access request to Euro Parking Services (the PPC).

Thanks again. 

All the best,
RJ

D_P_Dance

 so I do not think that it is a "scam" (in the loosest sense

I think that most here wuld disagree, read this

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/scam#:~:text=A scam is a deceptive,security number over the phone.

Have you complained to your MP?

Umkomaas

I have read elsewhere that the details for gladstone's are legitimate and so I do not think that it is a "scam"

I think you'll find that The House of Commons might disagree. 

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018-02-02/debates/CC84AF5E-AC6E-4E14-81B1-066E6A892807/Parking(CodeOfPractice)Bill

D_P_Dance

Not to mention the AA and the RAC

Fruitcake

DrRJ said:

Thanks both,

I have read elsewhere that the details for gladstone's are legitimate and so I do not think that it is a "scam" (in the loosest sense, given my view on ludicrous parking charges!).

I have emailed them as per the newbies thread and I will be sending a subject access request to Euro Parking Services (the PPC).

Thanks again. 

All the best,
RJ

It IS a scam.

Don't forget the rectification notice. That is the most important thing to do at the moment.

Coupon-mad

It was described as an 'outrageous scam' in the House of Commons as the new law passed through (it's currently being finalised to regulate the rogue industry:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/parking-code-enforcement-framework/outcome/parking-code-enforcement-framework-consultation-response

Charges are not 'illegal' but this industry is skating on thin ice. These are some of the comments made by the MPs in Parliament concerning the unregulated parking industry (Feb 2018):

''Rip-offs from car park Cowboys must stop''; unfair treatment; signage deliberately confusing to ensure a PCN is issued; ''years of abuse by rogue parking companies''; bloodsuckers; ''the current system of regulation is hopeless, like putting Dracula in charge of the blood-bank''; extortionate fines; rogue operators; ''sense of injustice''; unfair charges and notices; wilfully misleading; signage is a deliberate act to deceive or mislead; ''confusing signs are often deliberate, to trap innocent drivers''; unreasonable; a curse; harassing; operating in a disgusting way; appeals service is no guarantee of a fair hearing; loathed; outrageous scam; dodgy practice; outrageous abuse; unscrupulous practices; ''the British Parking Association is as much use as a multi-storey car park in the Gobi desert''; and finally, by way of unanimous conclusion: ''we need to crack down on these rogue companies. They are an absolute disgrace to this country. Ordinary motorists and ordinary residents should not have to put up with this''.

These are the exact words used, so you should quote them to your MP in a complaint.  Change is coming.  Make sure your MP is aware of the latest MHCLG update and that the debates in 2018 unanimously denounced the industry and the debt collector hangers-on, as well as the robo-claim solicitors and the Trade Bodies, too.

DrRJ

Thanks all. I have now discovered these messages will stop I didn't get any notifications so apologies for lack of acknowledgement. 

patient_dream

DrRJ said:

Thanks both,

I have read elsewhere that the details for gladstone's are legitimate and so I do not think that it is a "scam" (in the loosest sense, given my view on ludicrous parking charges!).

I have emailed them as per the newbies thread and I will be sending a subject access request to Euro Parking Services (the PPC).

Thanks again. 

All the best,
RJ

You do understand that Gladstones set up the scam IPC/IAs ..... don't you ?

The plan was to reject appeals at the IAS and Gladstones would take over by taking people to court ?

Gladstones are real solicitors who have entered the dark world of scamming. They are still under investigation by the SRA.   And, Gladstones have shown themselves to be incompetent