Contacted by ACI

VenomVR

I’ve received 2 letters from ACI with 2 different references and balances for old debts about a week ago, and again they sent reminders again today.

They state that if they don’t hear from me, they will use Verify and are saying someone will come to my house. I have Autism and severe anxiety so this is really stressful for me.

The debts are really old and they were for purchases on finance, but I never made any purchase. A family member used my name and address to buy some things and then never paid. I never did anything about this due to the stress of it and the fact it was a family member.

I’m not 100% sure how old the debts are but I’d say at least 10 years and long enough for the default to no longer be on my credit history.

I was hoping I could just ignore it but I’m not coping with the stress of the thought of them coming to my house.

From what I’ve seen on here, my best bet is to send the prove it email? Should I send it twice for each balance? I see ACI contact email is the reference number followed by the domain. If so, is it ok if I send the replies here and someone can help me with next steps?

Brie

Yes send the prove it letter rather than statute barred as being more appropriate given the circumstances.

Personally I would send just 1 letter and include both reference numbers. And I would send it by snail mail rather than give them your email address and thus another way to harass you. Tell them "The only way I will communicate with you is by post" which will make it clear that sending someone to your address won't be tolerated.

VenomVR

Thank you for the advice. I have copied the email and ready to send, is it appropriate for me to also include in the same email my request to only be contacted via email?

I have multiple email addresses so I’m not worried about spam, I am however worried of relatives who live with me asking questions about my influx in letters.

RAS

The vast amount of debt collection communication is programmed, with computers churning out escalating just about legal threatograms about what could, might, maybe, in circumstances that don't even apply to you, happen if you were not to take any action in response to the important communications.

By law all the important communications have to be sent by snail mail to your last known physical address.

Obviously, they'll be less inclined to pay postage but that's what you need to monitor.

fatbelly

Yes you can request email contact only. Verify are nothing to worry about - they just leave a postcard. They are not bsiliffs and have no legal rights.

Prove it first, then statute barred letter, seems to be the way to go

VenomVR

thank you everyone for the advice. I have sent the email requesting proof and also requested email only contact. I’ll update here when I get a reply.