This may sound crazy, but…

Terninalvelocity

Several months ago I received 3 parking charge notices from a company called DCBL.

These were for a total of £420.

They relate to a car parked at Scunthorpe General Hospital and have an attached car licence plate number.

I looked up the car online, it’s a red Ford Focus.

I have never owned a Ford Focus of any colour, never owned a car with this licence number and have never been to Scunthorpe Hospital or indeed Scunthorpe.

DCBL insist the only way to appeal is by phoning them, having now spent several hours waiting to get through, all unsuccessful, I have today been threatened with being taken to court.

I am at a loss as to what to do next.

Any advice?

Umkomaas

DCB Limited or DCB Legal?

Which parking firm do they say they are representing?

Snakes_Belly

DCBL are a debt collection agent for a private parking company. Who is the parking operator. It should say that on your letters.

Terninalvelocity

The company they represent is called First Parking.

Terninalvelocity

direct collection bailiffs limited, DCBL.

Jenni_D

It may be a plate misread ... is the listed VRM in any way similar to a vehicle you've previously owned? (Forget about the make, model and colour for now).

Alternatively they've got a name from DVLA for the registered keeper of that vehicle and are on a fishing exercise to find the actual person. (i.e. your name may be the same/similar as what they've got).

You could send an email to the DPO at DCBL (email address should be on their website) informing them that they are writing to the wrong person and must erase any data they hold on you. Failure to do so will lead to county court action for compensation due to their data protection breach and also harassment. Send the same email to the DPO at F1rst Parking too.

Snakes_Belly

This is what happened to a PPC that pursued the wrong motorist.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6285333/vcs-hit-for-1-500-counterclaim-5-years-worth-of-harassment/p1

Fruitcake

Terninalvelocity said:

direct collection bailiffs limited, DCBL.

A powerless debt collector who can safely be ignored.

Never, ever, ever 'phone anyone to do with a parking charge notice.

Complain to the PPC direct that they have got the wrong person, and have unlawfully obtained your personal details. Make the same complaint to the BPA, the DVLA, the ICO, and your MP.

Terninalvelocity

Dear All

This particular company make it impossible to contact them in any way except for phoning.

I have tried this but have not been able to get through at all.

The queue is never less than 20 and moves at glacial speed.

All other forms of communication state they will only accept appeals over the phone.

The letters received are quite threatening in tone.

It seems ridiculous that they can simply make threats.

Will this have an impact on my credit rating.

I will write to DPO etc.

Never even had a parking ticket before.

Fruitcake

If by "this company" you mean DCB Limited, then the advice is still, never, ever, ever, 'phone them, or anyone else involved in the parking charge for that matter.

Only ever contact them in writing. A 'phone call is not worth the paper upon which it is writ.

Terninalvelocity

Thank you all.

I will gratefully take your advice.