Identity Theft/Fraud

Peter_James66

I'm a newbie here and would like some help on identity theft and debt recovery companies. I sought assistance from Action Fraud and neither The Law Society, Citizens Advice, or LBHF Law Centre could help me. I thought I might give MSE a go at resolving my issue that seems cyclonic every 6 or so years when I receive a Debt recovery letter, dating back to 2004.

I had an email from OPOS Limited back in early August and since had a series of emails and most recently a letter from them. This constitutes intimidation, psychological harassment and deceptive and unfair methods, even though the Police stated that it does not constitute Fraud!

I'd like to state that this debt is not mine as I have never taken out loans or credit.
Also, it seems that MSE does not have a category for this issue so my thread may look out of place a bit.

Anyone here been getting these kind of letters and email threats and if so, what can be done to get these people off our backs?
(Removed by Forum Team)

Brie

Have you checked your credit history to see if anything is listed on there related to this?  Might be better on the debt board as there's knowledgeable folk there that may have a way to deal with this.  I'm thinking a letter before action to ask them to cease and desist.

Peter_James66

I did email them to say this is not my debt and to cease any further correspondence as the matter is now closed however, they continue to insist I pay, even reducing the bill down to £300.41. I don't have credit cards and therefore, I would not have any knowledge of my score as I'm financially ok.

Brie

Yes but your credit history (not your credit score which is meaningless) may list things that you don't know about.  Like this debt.  Or maybe it doesn't.  If it doesn't i'd simply bin the letters.  If it does I'd send them a subject access request which means they will need to respond with every single bit of info they have on you that suggests you owe this.  Then you'll know better how to address the problem.

Peter_James66

That would make perfect sense given I had taken out loans in the past with credit however, as I have just explained, this is not the case. I don't even know where I would go to ascertain such credit history?

Brie

You could start with this....Check your credit rating & report for free - MSE (moneysavingexpert.com)

And you have suggested this is identity theft.  I doubt that it is.  I think more likely it's someone who has a similar name to yours who has lived in a similar area and there's been a case of someone taking 1 + 1 and coming up with 7.  This might show on the credit history/report which will normally show any possible links to other individuals.  

Peter_James66

Well if that is the case, They also have the same DOB as me. Their last address however, seems to be different owing to OPUS requesting my previous address and after submission, then informing that is not showing on their records!

Peter_James66

Thanks for that. I've just used the MSE free credit rating but shall take two days to verify.

Peter_James66

Just tried 'Clear Score' and this was my result...

Brie

Well then everything looks to be a fishing exercise on their part.  They are trying to get money from you on the off chance you'll cave in just to make them go away.  This works with lots of people unfortunately.  

Next time you get something from them put in back in the post unopened saying "addressee gone away".  

Peter_James66

Yes, good idea! I'll put it back in the post unopened saying "addressee migrated overseas"! The problem lies with Shop Direct who are allowing customers to buy items with new credit, while not requiring it to be sent to their billing address. Madness!