Identity theft

sebastianj

I have just come across someone who had a lot of relationship problems. An Orange mobile phone contract was taken out in her name and subsequently was chased by debt collectors. Due to the fear of the unknown, she paid the debt collector monies
which she did not owe, this was in January 2007.

Although she has split up from her partner there are other demands coming through the door and she is so stressed not knowing what to do. Mobile phone companies are not very helpful as the user has put passwords on the phones.

Can any one help? has someone had similar problems?

rgd
seb

geordie_joe

I'm no expert, but the first thing to do is get her to never speak to anyone over the phone. Get them to put it in writing, they are less likely to bully, tell lies etc, in writing.

Next get them to prove she owes the debt. There are laws about this, but basically they can't make you pay the debt unless they can prove you owe it. The proof they need differs with the debt, so you need advice about that.

But my advice would be to admit to nothing, do not speak to them on the phone and get them to put any claim in writing.

Once you have it in writing show it to the CAB and get advice.

Also get yourself over to the bankruptcy board, and the debt free wannabe board, the people in there will give you much better advice than me. Although I'm sure they will say that if you (she) don't think you owe the debt then don't pay it unless they can prove you (she) does owe the debt.

sebastianj

Many thanks for this Geordie Joe.
I am trying to recover the money she has already paid to the Bailiff acting on behalf of Orange. The next demand from 3G arrived on Thursday, which I have responded to on her behalf today, hoping for the best/ Two young children and expecting a third in November has restricted her from doing any thing except calling on the phone.

Her partner was a scum of this Earth, she is also getting a lot of letters from Bailiffs, addressed to various names as though living at her address, I will try and speak to the Post Office to stop such letters as she becomes very nervous not knowing what to do. I myself did not think such things were possible but am learning now.
seb