Unexpected Debt Letter

Notahipster

Today I received a letter from Capquest who have taken over an alleged debt from Intrum Poplar Designated Activity company. This alleges a debt of £7491.86 regarding Barclay Bank. The only memory I have of dealing with Barclays is having a current account in or around 2004 that was closed owing a small amount of £300 or £400 pounds. I can not remember paying it off or not, but I am reasonably sure no one has chased or contacted me over the years. The letter is written in a way to suggest they have acquired the debt from Intrum as though I have been in regular contact with them, which I haven't. I don't have any paperwork regarding the alleged debt or account. I am not sure how to deal with this, any help would greatly be appreciated. Furthermore, I would add, I am not entirely sure of the timeline.

RAS

This is a regular query here because Intrum acquired Capquest earlier this year.

So they are dragging out all sorts old statute barred debts for new airing. Ignore unless you get a letter before action, in which case send a prove-it letter. Expect a response admitting that the debt is unenforceable but still exists.

Which is true, but they bought it for peanuts, are hoping you might be scared into paying, you might prefer to feed the birds?

EssexHebridean

OP - RAS above gives good advice on this one. Chances are that it is indeed the case that they know full well that the debt is unenforceable, so sitting tight and waiting to see if they take any further steps is a safe way forwards. As RAS says, this is far from the first time this one has been mentioned on here -  Capquest are trying to make their money back, and really won’t care overmuch whether they get money from those who no longer need to pay, or not! 

(And I see that the user whose posts originally appeared between mine and RAS’s has already departed, speedy intervention from the forum team there then!) 

jlfrs01

Excellent advice from hamiltonlaw, one other thing to add - do not call them - ever, nor should you provide a telephone number or email address in any correspondence you provide. If you receive any phone calls (which you probably will), do not answer and do not call back. They may use landline numbers or mobiles without user i.d, if you get phone calls which are unidentified, do not answer them. Keep everything above board, formal and traceable, no good can come of engaging with them this way as they may use phone and email to intimidate. 

Notahipster

Thank you all for your advice, it was similar to my thinking, and it's good to have that validated. I will sit and wait it out. I will post again if any developments occur.

DjangoUnchained

jlfrs01 said:

Excellent advice from hamiltonlaw, one other thing to add - do not call them - ever, nor should you provide a telephone number or email address in any correspondence you provide. If you receive any phone calls (which you probably will), do not answer and do not call back. They may use landline numbers or mobiles without user i.d, if you get phone calls which are unidentified, do not answer them. Keep everything above board, formal and traceable, no good can come of engaging with them this way as they may use phone and email to intimidate. 

not always practical to not answer unidentified calls. Some friends and family might use anonymous id phones. I suggest answering and as soon as they say who they are or what its about just say loudly you will have to put it inwriting, then immediately hang-up. If you stay on the line they will want to confirm your address and try and engage, just hang up.

fatbelly

Just to be clear. Is this just a letter for information?

I.e. They are not actually asking for payment?

sourcrates

I would say it was a "for your information only" letter, noting the change of ownership of the debt.

Unless they ask you for payment, do nothing.

If it was a demand for payment, then sending the "provit letter" would be the appropriate response.

If it did indeed turn out to be a statute barred account, then the "statute barred letter" would be sent next.

Notahipster

fatbelly said:

Just to be clear. Is this just a letter for information?

I.e. They are not actually asking for payment?

It is a letter stating they have ownership of the alleged debt, they are asking if I would get in contact. They have written in a style they are implying that I am aware of it and how friendly and cooperative they are. It, as though they are putting out feelers to try to get me to take the bait. 

RAS

You've got the right idea. They may not even be sure it is your debt, but if you respond, they'll try and get money out of you.

And of course if you phone them, they can subtly suggest dire consequences for not paying. Every thing will be peppered with may. This may lead to further debt collection action, yep their computer is programmed to call, text or write at specific intervals.

Notahipster

I have now had two texts messages asking if I could call them or access their online portal. Wrongly or rightly, I have decided I will wait until they give me proof of said debt, but without contacting them. Again, thank you for the input!