Debt Collectors pursuing a Settled debt??

MentalMinnie

Hi

I'm new to this so please bare with me!

I recently recieved a letter from Red Debt collections saying they were collecting a debt on behalf of Vodafone/Singlepoint from 2002ish.

I emailed them to say i didn't know what the debt was about, and could they please ammend the details. I never heard from them again til i got a lettter from another debt agency (can't remember know at the moment) at the weekend saying i know owed them. i rang them up and told them that i knew nothing of the debt, i already had a mobile phone in my dads name at that point, and wanted a copy of the signed credit agreement. The bloke on the phone then hung up.

i sent off for my credit reference file, on friday, and got it this morning. Where it lists Voda/Singlepoint as a credit agreement, it actually says " Settled/Satisfied" with a current balance of £0.

So they're basically say i still owe the money, yet my credit file says otherwise.

Can anyone give me some advice on what to do next please?

fermi

Is the account on the Credit Reference File listed as being defaulted at some date?

And has the information been recorded by "Vodafone/Singlepoint", or does it mention Red/Lowells/etc or another collection agency.

tostao

Sit tight, don't worry and write to them. if they come back, in your letter continue to state you have no recollection of this debt and ask them to send a full statement of account and copy of the credit agreement.
if they continue to hassle you, go to your nearest C.AB. and ask for help to make a complaint.

fermi

tostao wrote: »

Sit tight, don't worry and write to them. if they come back, in your letter continue to state you have no recollection of this debt and ask them to send a full statement of account and copy of the credit agreement.

Mobile phone contracts are not usually credit agreements.

Plus, they need to check whether a default was issued, since although settled this would adversely effect their credit record. They may need to take action to get the entry removed.

MentalMinnie

fermi wrote: »

Is the account on the Credit Reference File listed as being defaulted at some date?

And has the information been recorded by "Vodafone/Singlepoint", or does it mention Red/Lowells/etc or another collection agency.

I'll type out exactly what it says:

Vodafone Ex Singlepoint Communications Supplier

Terms 0 @ £0 Monthly
Balances Limit £0
Start £0
Current £0
Default £138
Effective Dates Start 20/04/2002
Default 08/2003
End 04/08/2003
Birth 14/05/.....

Last Updated 31/08/2004
Monthly Status S000.......SD21043210000000


Thats it ^

fermi

Ok. Assuming as you say that the debt and account was never yours, you need to get in touch with Vodaphone/Singlepoint to tell them that they have recorded adverse/incorrect information on your Credit Reference Files.

The default will harm your credit rating until August 2009 if you don't.

See on how to complain: http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/practical_application/credit_explained_leaflet_2005.pdf

Q? I have my credit reference file but some of the information is wrong. What can I do?

If your query is about other credit information, you can write to the lender or the credit reference agency. If you write to the credit reference agency, it will normally need to contact the lender and ask it to investigate your complaint. You may therefore find it quicker to write directly to the lender yourself.

This will also save you having to write to each of the agencies that hold the information you think is wrong.

Writing to the lender

• Give your full name and address. It may also help to give any relevant account numbers or reference numbers to help them find your information.
• Explain what information you think is wrong and why.
• Provide any proof you have to show the lender why the information is wrong.
• Keep a copy of any letters you send.
• Give the lender a reasonable time to reply, say at least 28 days. This will enable it to investigate the problem.

If you do not get a response, you should send the lender a follow-up letter.

Writing to the credit reference agency

• Give your full name and address. It may also help to give your credit reference file number.
• Clearly explain what information you think is wrong and why.
• Provide any proof you have to show why the information is wrong.
• Keep a copy of any letters you send.

By law the agency must tell you within 28 days of your letter if it has:

• removed the entry from your file;
• amended the entry;
• taken no action.

If the entry is amended, the agency will send you a copy of the amended entry. The agency will also send the details to any lender that has searched your credit reference file in the last 6 months.

If, after writing to the lender or the credit reference agency, the information is still wrong or you do not get a response, you may wish to contact the Information Commissioner.

See pages 22-24 for who the Information Commissioner is and how to make a complaint.

MentalMinnie

Ok thanks. I'll get a letter sent out ASAP. What should i tell the DCA's who are trying to claim the money?

fermi

Donnap83 wrote: »

Ok thanks. I'll get a letter sent out ASAP. What should i tell the DCA's who are trying to claim the money?

Tell them to get lost.;)

However, the information I posted above ONLY applies if the debt was genuinely never yours.

You need to be very certain of that, since sometimes entries on your Files can be marked as settled/satisfied by the original creditor when a debt is sold to a company like Red/Lowells.

rog2

Would just like to say that I wholeheartedly agree with the advice given by fermi. :T :T

Tell them that you dispute the debt, and to 'get lost'. :mad: :mad:

MentalMinnie

I just rung Vodafone- They said i don't have an account with them, which she said means i don't owe them anything. I'm gonna fax The DCA with a copy of the credit reference entry and tell them to take a running jump!!!

chappers

you also need to get vodafone to ammend your credit file