Lowell's idea of a "personal matter"

[noyouzaname]

Hey! New account; first post.
I found LegalBeagles while googling Lowell. They've just emailed me, using my correct name, saying they want to discuss a "personal matter." Is this a euphemism for "debt" and if so, can I ignore or would that be dangerous? I don't have any outstanding debt that I'm aware of, but I suppose it's remotely conceivable that I once forgot to completely close a phone contract or something years ago (I've had my current number for over 5 years); it wouldn't have been intentional if so, and I wouldn't have continued using the number.
But I digress. For now, can anyone please advise me on how to proceed?

[Guest]

As previously advised DO NOT CONTACT THEM.

[Celestine]

Lowell are a large debt purchase company - they purchase debts from lenders and phone companies. In this instance, given how long you've had your current phone, it is possible that the debt they are chasing could be nearly time barred under the Limitation Act, so making contact and acknowledging such an account could be risky. The creditor has had this debt a very long time, so they haven't been especially proactive. I would hold tight and see what comes next. An email address is all they seem to have currently, best keep it that way, but keep us posted on what they do next.

[ploddertom]

A lot may depend on how common your name is - they could well have sent the same message to a dozen or more hoping for responses and they get the correct one. If they are so sure then they should have written.

[noyouzaname]

A lot may depend on how common your name is - they could well have sent the same message to a dozen or more hoping for responses and they get the correct one. If they are so sure then they should have written.

Hah unfortunately I have an extremely uncommon name and they know my middle name too, which I normally only use in official documents. I do however have a vague theory involving a vindictive ex (who knows my email address and full name but not my new phone number). I have had a couple of missed calls from unknown numbers over the past couple of days, but I have no idea if this is Lowell as they didn't leave a message.

Thank you all very much for your advice and support, and I'll let you know if they make any further contact.