Debt Collection agency. How do i respond?
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Got a letter today from a debt collection agency telling me that i owe Bell car insurance £78. I paid my insurance in full last year and have no idea what this is for, as Bell themselves haven't contacted me (they may have but i've moved house since my policy expired).
Anyway, the letter says i either need to pay the money in the next few days or i will receive a home visit. I am convinced i don't owe a penny, and when try and ring bell they can't tell me anything now as obviously they have sold the debt on to this agency.
Do i need to e-mail them and ask for full proof and evidence that i owe any money? Or shall i just ignore it? Will they try and take it further for the sake of £78? They are already trying to add their own fees on for this which i will NEVER pay!
If i am going to reply, what's the best thing to say? I've drafted something out, but i know the PH experts will know what to do much better than me!
Got a letter today from a debt collection agency telling me that i owe Bell car insurance £78. I paid my insurance in full last year and have no idea what this is for, as Bell themselves haven't contacted me (they may have but i've moved house since my policy expired).
Anyway, the letter says i either need to pay the money in the next few days or i will receive a home visit. I am convinced i don't owe a penny, and when try and ring bell they can't tell me anything now as obviously they have sold the debt on to this agency.
Do i need to e-mail them and ask for full proof and evidence that i owe any money? Or shall i just ignore it? Will they try and take it further for the sake of £78? They are already trying to add their own fees on for this which i will NEVER pay!
If i am going to reply, what's the best thing to say? I've drafted something out, but i know the PH experts will know what to do much better than me!
Which debt collection agency?
It might be worth replying to them, saying
1) You do not believe anything is owed and asking them to prove the debt,
2) Withdrawing the implied right of access for them and any agency acting on their behalf to access your property.
3) The matter will only be discussed in writing and any telephone calls will be deemed harrassment and may be recorded.
You might also want to check your credit file with experian/equifax.
It might be worth replying to them, saying
1) You do not believe anything is owed and asking them to prove the debt,
2) Withdrawing the implied right of access for them and any agency acting on their behalf to access your property.
3) The matter will only be discussed in writing and any telephone calls will be deemed harrassment and may be recorded.
You might also want to check your credit file with experian/equifax.
Respond stating that you 'dispute' the debt and therefore require proof.
They should then put it on hold whilst they check with the original creditor what the ins and outs are.
When it comes to debt collection, most people complain about recieving letters and phone calls. So whilst you might be content that you don't owe the debt and are willing to let them take you to court - are you willing for them to keep sending you letters and phone calls?
If they cannot provide any proof of debt tell them you will not be paying and if they continue to contact you then report to Trading Standards.
Legally spekaing you do not have to do anything a sits upto them to prve the debt is woed and take you to court. In reality there is usually a benefit to you to actually take a step or two to get them off your back.
They should then put it on hold whilst they check with the original creditor what the ins and outs are.
When it comes to debt collection, most people complain about recieving letters and phone calls. So whilst you might be content that you don't owe the debt and are willing to let them take you to court - are you willing for them to keep sending you letters and phone calls?
If they cannot provide any proof of debt tell them you will not be paying and if they continue to contact you then report to Trading Standards.
Legally spekaing you do not have to do anything a sits upto them to prve the debt is woed and take you to court. In reality there is usually a benefit to you to actually take a step or two to get them off your back.
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