debt recovery advice please

[hobster1969]

Hi all.. Looking for some advise please...
I worked at a local company for a year or so before i was made redundant. Whilst there they hired me a car (to use for business purposes) via a local well known company. The car was hired using the company credit card and correspondance went to the company address (as it would).. On the day of hiring the vehicle i was put down as the named driver (which usually happens after you show your licence)... Now after ive left for well over two months i keep getting harrassed by a debt recovery company on my personal mobile phone because the last payment for the vehicle failed on the company card. I understand that my ex employer has now gone out of business or moved premises and the only contact they have is now me... I have explained to them numerous times that i was only the driver and that it was a company hired vehicle but they still ring, sometimes twice a day. I really dont know where i stand on this? am i really liable like they say? Advice please!!

[Androcles]

This isn't flippant, but what happens if you change your mobile phone?

[chelle7272]

If the contract was with your former employer then you are not liable. Ignore the calls or as Androcles suggests change your number.

[hobster1969]

Thanks for the reply.. Ive never had dealing with these reptiles before, so this is a first for me.. If iwas liable, i would have no hesitation in paying up but i definately dont think i am, so thats what i need to verify really. To change my personal number is an easy option to stop the calls but if im just being harassed for no reason then why should i? I have had the same contract phone for over 10 years now..

[chelle7272]

Perhaps you could speak to your phone contyract provider about blocking the number?

[hobster1969]

good idea! Thank you. The last time i spoke to them.. about an hour ago they said because im the only contact name they have, im the one who is liable. I explained the situation.. again.. and they said `tough`.. nice eh.

[chelle7272]

Yes they sound great!
I know it's not your debt but you might find some help on the harrasment part here:
http://www.nationalde...hp?page=03_harassment
Good luck :)

[jackthehat]

Do you have an address for them ?
If so, write explaining the situation, i.e. you are not liable.
Also inform them, in this letter, that unless they stop telephoning you within 7 days of the date on your letter you will charge THEM an 'administration fee for processing their calls'..........say £ 15 per call.
You will bill them on a weekly basis giving them 7 days to pay.

I ususally find THAT stops them calling :o)

[joko]

your phone may have a setting on it to block the number...mine has a block lost that you can just ad numbers too, it will automatically reject the call. check the phone and security settings

[cassa333]

You could block the number but they will get wise to that and call from a different number themselves.

If after you have written to them they still keep ringing you then contact the trading standards separtment at your local council. That might help.

[Eve]

Have you tried giving them the contact details of whoever was in charge of the company for them to go after them instead?

[hobster1969]

Thanks all.. Good ideas about blocking the numbers etc..
Ive spoken to a few people at trading standards and the national debt helpline regarding the harrassment issue, so will take the procedures they have now given me (they say im well in the clear)!.. fyi.. everytime they got in touch, i explained the situation and gave them all the contact details they needed to contact the business the car was hired from but like i said, after being made redundant i believe they went out of business so thats why they are pesistant in caling me now, i suppose im the only contact they have.. great eh..

[dh001]

http://www.insolvency...debt_by_creditors.php

[shero101]

Quote section 40 of the Administration of Justice act 1970. It's an offence to harasse people for money ...

http://www.opsi.gov.u...700031_en_5#pt5-l1g26