Bailiffs chasing but not my debt

luckybert

Who do I complain to if my mother is being hassled for a debt which isn't hers?
She moved into a house and the previous owner (who died) racked up a debt but she is getting hounded about it. One company went away but now another company is getting in touch, I guess its regarding another debt he had. My mother has sent details confirming she lives there but I want to be ready to strike should they contact her again. I want to threaten them if they get in touch again but not sure the best way to do this. Ideally I want to say that they will be fined/reported should they bother her again but not sure who controls this?

sixtyfoothigh

If the same company keeps contacting her even after being told the debtor is no longer at the address, then you can raise a complaint. If the deceased had numerous debts and it's a different company contacting her about a different debt, then as annoying as it is, your mum will need to tell them all separately. Step Change has advice here: https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/your-rights/debts-not-in-my-name.aspx

sourcrates

Are they bailiffs, or just debt collectors ?
Big difference.

Either way, the best way to deal with this is to ramp down the threat level, write to the companies concerned, enclose copies of some ID and a covering letter stating that you/she is not the debtor they are looking for, and you can only assume its the previous tenant they are after.

This person was unknown to you, and in any case is now deceased, please remove your address details from their systems with immediate effect.

Reiterate that any further contact in connection with this matter will result in an official complaint, and you will also involve the FOS and report their actions to the FCA, ask them to provide you with a copy of their complaints procedure, end your letter with the sentence - "you now consider this matter closed".