Blackfriars breaking the code

[righty]

Blackfriars Debt Collectors which is a part of Wessex Water is sending out ALL letters on which the outside of the envelope it reads "Blackfriars Debt Collection" followed by their Bristol address

They have been made aware, as have TD, that their conduct is a breach of OFT guidelines AND may amount to harassment.

When contacted directly it was obvious they thought is was OK.

Do these eejits ever ever seek qualified legal advice before going off on one of their schemes, or even check the OFT guidelines

On the other-hand I believe this is intentional in that they want to discourage people falling behind & they think the thought of getting one of their letters might embarrass them into paying.

Another example of the DCA's mindset that ALL debtors are 'won't payers'

[pfloyd]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

An interesting one this.

Bear in mind that a water bill is not CCA regulated and as such a company collecting the debt may not need an OFT consumer credit license. Would this firm actually need to adhere to the debt collection guidance? I guess it's a grey area, you may find that a complaint under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regs would hold better weight with these guys.

[righty]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

An interesting one this.

Bear in mind that a water bill is not CCA regulated and as such a company collecting the debt may not need an OFT consumer credit license. Would this firm actually need to adhere to the debt collection guidance? I guess it's a grey area, you may find that a complaint under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regs would hold better weight with these guys.

It was NOT a water bill & Blackfriars ARE debt collectors they say so as evidenced by their writing on the letter & ALL debt collection is supervised by the OFT

[pfloyd]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

It was NOT a water bill & Blackfriars ARE debt collectors they say so as evidenced by their writing on the letter & ALL debt collection is supervised by the OFT

My apologies, that was simply an assumption that you're being chased for a debt in relation to water.

Are you positive that all debt collection is supervised by the OFT, do you mind if I ask for your source? I work in quite close proximity to the OFT and they seem to beleive that there is a lot beyond their remit. Any help with this would be really appreciated

[Tommy]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

I would agree to this being a breach of OFT regs. DCA's i work for are forever having to change the wording on there calling cards to suit them. One i remember vividly was Merit force debt recovery on the calling cards, which were business card type things and not placed in sealed envolopes on delivery.

Also at the door i cannot show company id unless its to the person in question as it says 'collection/s' on it and would therefore let anybody know i was there to collect.

TBH i think its madness, as when i tell people it would breach DP or whatever, but im allowed to tell them the company name, they only need to google it to realise what im there for anyway. So much room for complaint...

[Amethyst]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

Are you positive that all debt collection is supervised by the OFT, do you mind if I ask for your source? I work in quite close proximity to the OFT and they seem to beleive that there is a lot beyond their remit. Any help with this would be really appreciated

Debt collection practices - The Office of Fair Trading be a good place to start

[pfloyd]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

Debt collection practices - The Office of Fair Trading be a good place to start

Hi there, thanks for that! I know the DCG guidance like the bank of my hand. What I was referring to was debts that hadn't arisen from consumer credit agreements. Such as utilities, supplier debts for business etc.

Best wishes

[righty]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

ALL debt collection requires a CCL issued by the OFT & the fact that staff at the OFT don't think its anything to do with them doesn't surprise me one bit but I should tell them is does. Its they who issue the licences so you would think they'd be able to put 2 & 2 together wouldn't you.

This particular matter has been reported to TS who haver confirmed its a breach of guidelines & requested permission to forward details to the OFT. This request has been granted

[ODC]

Re: Blackfriars breaking the code

I really dont think it matters whether the debt is regulated by the CCA or not. The OFT Guidelines on the collection of debt refer to all types of debt collection practice