Certified enforcement agents.

moreenmcguire

Over 5 years ago while n Italy, we paid an entry toll, but didn’t pay the exit toll. A year or so later we received a letter from the creditor (NIVI SPA). We ignored it, daft or otherwise. However over the past couple of months, we’ve received letters asking for £60 then £100 then £163 from ZZPS. We didn’t take any notice at 1st, then I tried calling them, but never ever got through. I wasn’t paying if I couldn’t talk to them. 

Today, we got a letter from GCTT. I attach pics of the letter. Should I be worried/just pay them or ignore? 

MalMonroe

They certainly want their pound of flesh, don't they? (Sorry, I was reminded of the Merchant of Venice there). 

Out of interest, how much was the toll you didn't pay and how did you manage to get out without paying? I regularly have to pass through a bridge toll here in England and although it doesn't cost much, pence rather than pounds, there's no way anyone can get through without paying. And they're very strict as well!

It might be worth a call to the number they've provided to discuss your options to see if you can get the price lowered if you pay up now. 

If you do ignore and it goes to court and you lose, you could end up paying more than the figure above, plus court costs. Also once they have the blessing of the courts, being bailiffs, GCTT have the power to remove items from your home to cover what they say you owe.

That is all just my opinion, of course. In the same position, I'd just want to try to negotiate a lower price and then pay as it's been dragging on for years and they don't appear to want to go away.

moreenmcguire

@MalMonroe, thank you! 

The original charge was 7€. I’ve tried calling but can’t get through. I’ve emailed them, but no reply so far. I’ll keep trying to get a hold of the.  I just wondered how far they’d go, & how far they’d get (small claim, court, etc) for an originally small amount. 

TOP_CAT

ZZPS have form that is very well known over on the private parking forum .

So they are going to be able to point you in the right direction before you put your foot in it based on opinions.

Dont ever contact scamming debt collectors get the correct advice first rather than act incorrectly.

(I dont actually know but my gut feeling is the letter is 100% smoke and mirrors so needs people in the know to advise )

Benixir

moreenmcguire 

Hi there,  I have received the same today for the same story. The only difference is that I have not even noticed that I did not pay for the toll as we always do. I am surprised that in Italy there is always a gate and you cannot go through unless payment is made... Anyway,  It was in September 2016... so 6 years next month. I received 2 letters from ZZPS, I emailed them asking for evidence, no reply. I finally  managed to call them after being an hour on hold. Very rude lady over the phone telly me that they are only debt collector company and there is nothing they can do when I asked for evidence. I have never received any letters from the Italian authority as I moved shortly after our trip to Italy.  Just got the letters last month when I went to visit my tenants. 
Now I have just received a letter from GCTT for the exact same thing. 

I was wondering what is the outcome of this? What did you do eventually? 

Thank you

Ben

TOP_CAT

You never contact scammers such as ZZPS or any other debt collectors .
Everything they say,write or do is manipulation based with the sole purpose of eliciting money out of you .

I wouldnt do anything until you get a LBC which I dont think is possible since italy isnt the uk .

You can get advice in the motoring section 

Benixir

Hi Top Cat, 

Thank you for your comment. I have received another 4 letters from GCTT noticing that they will transfer to QDR Solicitors Limited. There will be 6 years on the 12 of September since that happened. I wonder why they have contacted so late?
Is this QDR threat to be taken seriously? I don't mind paying the original 4.91 euro fee but now they want £148.38, no way! I will make a statutory declaration at the court stating that I have never received any thing before. 

Thank you . 

TOP_CAT

This thread today sums it all up better than I could but is what I was thinking 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6386819/letters-from-gctt#latest

fatbelly

Benixir said:

Hi Top Cat, 

Thank you for your comment. I have received another 4 letters from GCTT noticing that they will transfer to QDR Solicitors Limited. There will be 6 years on the 12 of September since that happened. I wonder why they have contacted so late?
Is this QDR threat to be taken seriously? I don't mind paying the original 4.91 euro fee but now they want £148.38, no way! I will make a statutory declaration at the court stating that I have never received any thing before. 

Thank you . 

It's 6 years because under English law (Limitation Act 1980) they have 6 years from 'the cause of action' to start a court claim.

Since today is 13 September they are out of time.

Under Scottish law (can't remember the name of the act) they only have 5 years

I've never heard of QDR actually starting a claim on something like this. In theory they could but they would have to be paid to do so 

TOP_CAT

Except a Italian fine doesnt come under english law I would suggest ?

Just because some micky mouse try hard solicitors send out demands on what is no more than  toilet paper you dont buy into it ....you get advice from experts that do know.

Thats how I see it (ie.opinion) and lightly warned of this in the earlier post which seems confirmed in the more recent link above by people that are in the know (as Im not a expert ).

What you constantly see is people buying into PPC,s and the solicitors hollow threats and paying up .... thats why its so profitable to do so in the uk to the tune of millions/billions .
Its a unregulated industry.... they just make it all up as they go along with the sole purpose of manipulation for financial gain.

To get the bigger picture .....and educate yourself although its quite alot to read and take in ...

Read the views and real world court experiences of the Private parking regulars on MSE.
This is something anyone who drives/parks in the uk seriously needs to do if only to become more aware  . 

The regulars deal in fact not opinion and dont suffer incorrect advice and opinion that is on other boards.
Even MSE staff dont post as they are just ...not up to speed on the subject as the regulars are .
Thats nothing new as most people are out of ones depth so need advice .

The regulars can see right through fake legal demands and help posters fight a winning case although it can be stressful for the average person you need to put your faith in the private parking mse regulars .

They are a highly valuable source .

pogofish

ZZPS are not an Italian company, so this is NOT an Italian "fine"!

The MO for these shonky private UK debt collectors is to buy-up tickets for a pittance that overseas authorities have absolutely no interest in or ability to enforce and pass them-off as genuine.  Title will now be with the UK company and there is no way to transfer it back to the original issuer, so the advice already here in Post Four of the Newbies Sticky in the parking tickets forum covers these jokers completely.