HELP NEEDED - Debt agency (Mackenzie Hall) chasing settled debt!!!

Tankgirl-2007

Please help me I'm a newcomer on this site.

In Jan 2006 I began the task of becoming debt free, I got a credit file from equifax and began contacting companies who I owed money to.

It was a task and a half as some were quite old. But the begining of this year I became debt free (apart from mortgage).

I have received a letter from Mackenzie Hall this morning saying they've been trying to locate me regarding a personal matter. I contacted them as I was concerned what this was. They are trying to chase me for an outstanding balance of £298 from they say an old mobile account (2002-2004). I was shocked by this as I left Orange with no problems and re-joined them a few months later when 3G were very poor. I have been an orange customer ever since. The agency were no help and made me feel like I had done something wrong. I ended the call as I was getting no where with the rude adviser I decided to investigate myself.

I dug out my credit file from Jan 2006 and found the account on here and it is showing as a settled account (as I thought). I contacted MH back and they said that it doesn't mean that it's settled???? The woman also found it strange that I didn't keep bills from 4 years ago.......who does!

No more help from MH received so I've tried Equifax.......no help as it's a 2006 file....tried to explain that another one was purchased in Jan 2008 - all clear - just told to buy a new file then she'd help!!

Orange - no help - guy advisor said nothing showing on account and collections say if agency are in touch need to speak to them!! No help - even the guy advisor at orange said sounds like payments been made but somethings gone wrong somewhere!!

Left with no explanation of what to do even though I have credit file from 2006 saying account settled.....please help. I've spent so long sorting myself out and now it feels like someone is taking advantage and trying to get more money out of me............:(

dancingfairy

I'm not sure but hopefully someone with more knowledge will be along shortly. I think you can dispute the debt - ie you say you have paid it. They then should suspend the debt collector until the matter has been investigated. I think there might be a letter somewhere you can send them. Hope someone knows where it is.

MrsTinks

It could even be MH are chasing you for someone elses debt - ask them to prove the debt is yours and only speak to them via letter (recorded).

Tankgirl-2007

Is there any letter templates for this???:money:

fermi

Tankgirl-2007 wrote: »

Is there any letter templates for this???:money:

This is one.

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully





Mrs A N Other