Previous owner using our address for banking, DVLA and setting up new accounts

YoungBlueEyes

OP you say you've had debt collectors on the doorstep, what happened there? Did you show them proof you're the new owner and they accepted it and went away? Did you leave them outside or let them in?

Skiddaw1

YoungBlueEyes said:

OP you say you've had debt collectors on the doorstep, what happened there? Did you show them proof you're the new owner and they accepted it and went away? Did you leave them outside or let them in?

I don't think the OP has had debt collectors on the doorstep- that was someone contributing to the thread. It's all become a bit lost in the mix.

OP, if you're still with us ( ) I suggest you just continue doing what you're doing currently. The message will get through eventually though I get that it's both frustrating and concerning.

Jonboy_1984

YoungBlueEyes said:

OP you say you've had debt collectors on the doorstep, what happened there? Did you show them proof you're the new owner and they accepted it and went away? Did you leave them outside or let them in?

Had them at ours chasing council tax debt for the previous owner. Showed them the completion letter form our solicitor from our purchase at the door step, and they made some notes on their tablet and never returned.
 

jrawle

Norburgh said:

Hi, Not sure I've put this under the correct category but here goes. We bought our current house 18 months ago and have since then continually received credit card bills, bank statements, NHS letters, DVLA communications, finance company letters, debt collector letters etc.

[...]

Have you tried to look up the previous owner to find out where they currently live? It's surprising what you can find out using web searches, Facebook, etc. You can then give the new address to anyone who needs it, return letters to sender with a sticker giving the new address. If not, you may still find them on Facebook and send a message to ask them to stop using your address.

ThisIsWeird

Clearly there is more going on than a lazy former owner who failed to inform a change of address. "They have also recently set up a business account with a hotel chain using our address as the billing address" and some of the mail would suggest that this is an ongoing attempt at fraud.

Not sure it's beefy enough for the police to become involved, but have you contacted them to ask for advice, or just to let them know what is almost certainly going on? (Or is all 'fraud' reported on-line these days?)

Have you tried any DIY investigation to try and find them, using - say - the name of their new 'business'? Facebook? Any idea where they used to work when they lived in your house?

YoungBlueEyes

Norburgh said:

Hi, Not sure I've put this under the correct category but here goes. We bought our current house 18 months ago and have since then continually received credit card bills, bank statements, NHS letters, DVLA communications, finance company letters, debt collector letters etc. We have also had debt collectors on the door step looking for the previous owner. They have also recently set up a business account with a hotel chain using our address as the billing address. I contacted the hotel chain and got it stopped thankfully and the last I heard was that their fraud department were looking into it, but it does concern us what else is going on. I've returned the letters continually marked as no longer a this address, but no one seems to take notice, I can't open the letters as that's illegal. I've now sent a letter with the bills/letters received this month to the individuals lawyer asking them to sort it out. My concern is that debt is being wracked up on our home address, as I mentioned we’ve already had Bailiffs at the door looking for them, how does this affect our credit rating? I'm guessing that if you search our address a load of debt is going to be showing up. We've now got DVLA chasing up unpaid Car Tax..... any advice gratefully received. Thanks 

My boldings. Gawd Skiddaw you had me doubting myself there  

I was trying to ascertain if they’ve been inside once, in case that allows them to get themselves in again. Both bailiffs and debt collectors are mentioned… 

[Deleted User]

Every question about this devolves into the same arguments.

The only thing you can do is contact some of the organisations sending these letters and ask them to stop. Some will, some won't. Beyond that, throw the letters away (don't waste your time sending them back) and try not to worry.

thegreenone

We had a spate of letters addressed to unheard of people at our home, all from different banks.  I had no hesitation and opened them.  'Someone/people' were opening bank accounts online with a small overdraft, spending it and then not repaying (surprise!).  I took the letters to the individual banks with proof that the house had been my home for over twenty years and didn't hear anymore.

OP, I would open and then write to the co's Fraud Dept (if they have one) with proof and that you don't know where the people are now.  Time consuming, yes, and I know it shouldn't be you proving they don't live there anymore but for peace of mind? Anything after that goes in the bin. 

Skiddaw1

YoungBlueEyes said:

Norburgh said:

Hi, Not sure I've put this under the correct category but here goes. We bought our current house 18 months ago and have since then continually received credit card bills, bank statements, NHS letters, DVLA communications, finance company letters, debt collector letters etc. We have also had debt collectors on the door step looking for the previous owner. They have also recently set up a business account with a hotel chain using our address as the billing address. I contacted the hotel chain and got it stopped thankfully and the last I heard was that their fraud department were looking into it, but it does concern us what else is going on. I've returned the letters continually marked as no longer a this address, but no one seems to take notice, I can't open the letters as that's illegal. I've now sent a letter with the bills/letters received this month to the individuals lawyer asking them to sort it out. My concern is that debt is being wracked up on our home address, as I mentioned we’ve already had Bailiffs at the door looking for them, how does this affect our credit rating? I'm guessing that if you search our address a load of debt is going to be showing up. We've now got DVLA chasing up unpaid Car Tax..... any advice gratefully received. Thanks 

My boldings. Gawd Skiddaw you had me doubting myself there  

I was trying to ascertain if they’ve been inside once, in case that allows them to get themselves in again. Both bailiffs and debt collectors are mentioned… 

Yep- missed that- you're quite right....

YoungBlueEyes

I agree about threads getting muddled. I’m sure I just read on here (but can’t find it, naturally) that as a bailiff had gained entry once they were entitled to …let themselves in…. again. 

I didn’t say that cos I didn’t want to freak out the OP given they’re going on hol. Plus it might not apply in this case. 

More info needed. 

Edit - @Norburgh