Unexpected Debt Letter

Notahipster

Sorry, I haven't been on here recently and missed the great advice, I am still biding my time. If anything else occurs, I will report back.

chriscript1952

I have just received a similar notification letter from this bunch. It's the first one I've had in around three years after I moved from the East Midlands to East Anglia I suspect they trawl 193 or some other Address Data Base to locate people with similar names, initials and then write with the speculative letters described by MSE Correspondents. I have never had dealings or credit/purchases from any of the companies listed and although not an "expert" what I have discovered over the years is that this group of companies are forever buying, selling and transferring companies within their group of companies. Some years back, whilst living in Hampshire, I searched Companies House and discovered just how interlinked they all are and even wrote to the Managing Director of the Company listed on their letter by name pointing out I hade no information, paperwork or records of the initial "debt" and believe is relates to a J Williams Account held by my late mother, who died in February 2008.  My research raised my belligerent levels because of how these "demands" might affect vulnerable, innocent and unsuspecting people and so I requested copies of all the paperwork and files relating to this matter going back to its inception! 
Needless to say, to day, 15 years or so  later I've not had an acknowledgement or reply of any sort but they still send the letters every few years! 
As a Charity Manager and Fundraiser (retired) I know that a mailshot that returns 1% is the norm and 2% is a bonanza. I fear that a great number of vulnerable people respond which gives these chancers a decent return on the amount they spend on printing, stationery and postage. Time to have yet another go at Politicians but they seem preoccupied with Nautical Matters and Excursions to Rwanda.
Sorry for the long read but this bunch really do get my proverbial goat.

CJH

freedomlass

I have received such a letter today, well it was actually addressed to my hubby who passed away nearly 2 years ago, it was only for a small amount £88.15 but only states it was a Mail Order account, he didn't have a Mail Order account for well over 10y but it had always been my understanding that if there had been no activity for more than 5y then they (whoever they are) have no claim to collect outstanding money if in fact there is any, but good luck to them getting anything out of him now.

fatbelly

freedomlass said:

I have received such a letter today, well it was actually addressed to my hubby who passed away nearly 2 years ago, it was only for a small amount £88.15 but only states it was a Mail Order account, he didn't have a Mail Order account for well over 10y but it had always been my understanding that if there had been no activity for more than 5y then they (whoever they are) have no claim to collect outstanding money if in fact there is any, but good luck to them getting anything out of him now.

If there has been no 'acknowledgement' of the debt  by payment or in writing, for a period of 6 years in England, 5 years in Scotland, then the debt is statute barred. In England it still exists but you have a complete defence to any court claim. In Scotland the debt is 'extinguished'.