Scam from Debt Collection Agency?

[yummymum30]

Earlier this evening, I have had a phone call from a man claiming to be from a debt collection agency, saying I have an outstanding debt with Kays Catalogue dating back to 1999. He knew my name, address and rang me on my ex-directory home phone number. I was rather shocked as he said the debt for around �200 dated back to 1999. Apparently they sent a letter last December (!) and have left numerous messages on my ansaphone (NO) and sent another letter on the 23rd of this month (not received). I confirmed the address postcode and everything all correct. I had a Kays catalogue back in 2002 which was all paid in full. I asked why they had left it 10 months before trying to contact us again, he was very vague. I told him I await another letter and want to see exactly what is the debt in writing. Is this a scam, as nothing like this had appeared on credit checks I have had over the past 8 years. I did 1471 and the number is listed as a 0870 number with an out-of-hours answerphone at the moment. Is this a scam? Need advice please.

[Eve]

I'd ring Kays direct (not an number they gave you) to check it out with them to see if it is genuine.

[joggerjayne]

Even if you did owe money ...

... if it dates back to 1999, the latst that anyone could have taken action against you to recover the money was in 2005.

Tell them to stick it.

Send all their details to the trading standards office and, next time they contact you, tell them you have done so, and that the next people you are going to contact will be the Fraud Office.

[Eve]

They can still chase, if there is a debt, just not issue court proceedings provided you haven't moved and tried to conceal a new address from them.

This might help too...

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/sca ms/dont-get-trapped/

[Gormless]

Ignore it. If it is legitimate then it will continue in a legitimate way. It sounds like a scam. Ignore it, please.

[joggerjayne]

I agree they can chase Jenna, but they can chase all they like. The debt is statute barred.

Surely there is no lawful mechanism by which they can forcibly recover a statute barred debt ?

yummymum just says, "Chase all you like, but I'm not paying. So sue me. Oh ... you can't !!"

[mightyWBA]

Definately a scam.
0870 numbers are premium rate,everytime you ring them you earn the scammer money.
Report the number to BT.
If it was a genuine debt you would have had many letters in the post by now.

[Eve]

Indeed!

Just so long as it can be proved there was no contact from the company or agents or hiding of address.

[bobtheturkey]

I model cardigans for the over 50 age group for various catalogues so i will see what i can find out

[Panic Button]

Yes, but how did they get hold of the name, address and ex-directory phone number? Most scammers just try it on blindly - this sounds a bit more thorough.

All a bit strange.

I agree with Jenna, perhaps contact Kays to check on it.

[Gormless]

It is really simple. If you have no debt, then you have no debt. Ignore these people. What are they going to do, have the police at your door?

[joggerjayne]

Made some good progress with my Spanish contract today, by the way, Jen.

I just wish I could speak more Spanish than "I'd like a glass of wine please".

[Eve]

I'd rather know either way.

If a debt is owed or if I was being scammed as I would then wonder what kind of info the scammers may have about me and want to put a stop to any further potential scamming.

[cazzz1975]

have to say agree with gormless here, whoever they are has no power to do anything so ignore them and barr their calls

[danchip]

THIS IS A SCAM!

i've had a similar situation happen to me, companies buy your personal details ring you up and tell you they are debt collectors and are collecting an outstanding debt for someone and often inform you about further action being taken.

they do this hoping that you get in a panic about going to court etc and just pay the amount to get it sorted without questioning it, its a particular favourite to use on elderly people

[yummymum30]

I agree. I just told the caller I had no idea what he was talking about, and to send me another letter so I could refer it to my solicitor, and I asked why they had left it 9 years... and 10 months since the last letter (which I never received).. very odd. Thanks for your advice.

[dot.hawkes]

I agree too, but wait and see what Bob can find out, it's always good to have a man on the inside

[Panic Button]

Bob's not a man.

He's a turkey

[Ethel]

Debts are not statute barred if you have moved address and failed to notify the creditor of your new address - you could be taken to court at any time in that instance.

If he calls again, say you are not discussing it over the phone and hang up immediately. What was the 0870 number?

[yummymum30]

Hi. The number of the so-called debt collection agency was 0870 1125810. I have been at this address since 1997. Thanks for your advice.

[Eve]

Did you get the name of the company who called you?