repayment of credit card debt

[poface]

Does a debt collection agency have to provide you with any evidence that the debt is yours? I've been told that they have to provide you with the original credit agreement signed by me, is this true?

[CheekyChops]

Yes - you can ask them to provide a copy of your credi agreement under the CCA, here is a template letter to use:

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

Dear Sir/Madam

Re:− Account/Reference Number 4563210025897412

With reference to the above agreement, we would be grateful if you would send us a copy of this credit agreement.

We understand that under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (Sections 77−79), we are entitled to receive a copy of our credit agreement on request. We enclose a payment of �1.00 which represents the fee payable under the Consumer Credit Act.

We understand a copy of our credit agreement should be supplied within 12 working days.

We further understand that under the Consumer Credit Act creditors are unable to enforce an agreement if they fail to comply with a request for a copy of the agreement under these sections of the Act.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully
Mr A N Other

[CheekyChops]

Forgot to add.... DON'T sign any letter that you send to them. Dodgy companies have been known to copy the signature from your request onto a 'new' credit agreement. For the same reason, send a postal order for the �1 rather than a cheque.

[awayman]

Spot on cheeky, so long as it is a debt for a CCA regulated debt.
Feel free to post the name of the agency poface; some of them are notorious for their, umm, interesting practices...

[roadheader]

I Iwent to the national debt helpline and downloaded one of thier letters and sent it to the collection company and asked for a copy of the agreement along with a cheque signed by the wife, I also sent a letter claiming that this issue was statute barred and i have recieved a reply from them along with my cheque stating that it had been investigated and i will not get any further correspondence and the matter is now closed I don't think that they have any documentation with my signiature on it, needless to say I have kept the letter in a safe place in case they try to take it any further