Regal Credit and Scotcall

[Stoop]

Hi,

I hope someone can help me here.

A little long winded but here goes:

Last December my son (who is away travelling the world right now) recieved a letter out of the blue from Regal Credit saying the had been instructed by their client, Hutchinson 3G Ltd, to recover a debt of £272.88. They requested immediate settlement but provided no other details other than threats of legal action. The letter had 'NOTICE' in big red letters at the top.

I sent them a letter (in my son's name but not signed) asking for a full breakdown of the account plus all interest charges applied and a copy of the signed agreement. I quoted the CCA 1974 etc and gave them 12 days to reply. I heard nothing.

Then on 2nd March they sent another letter - this time with the words 'LEGAL NOTICE' in big blue letters across the top stating that the debt had been passed to their legal department and that they would be recommending that their client should start legal action in 7 days unless the debt was settled.

I then decided to phone them and told a chap that my son no longer lived at this address and to stop sending threatening letters to my address. The guy quoted the Data Protection Act to me and basically said he could not discuss this with me as it was my son's account. I left it at that.

Now we have received a further letter from Scotcall saying that failure to pay or contact them within 7 days will result in the account being passed to their Field Representative. There is also a giro slip to help us pay the amount quickly if we wish to do so.

So where do we go from here? My son is away and cannot recall owing Hutchinson 3G anything at all. His mail still comes here and we have not had any correspondence from them so we have no idea what the debt is actually for. He could afford to pay the amount but unless they can prove he actually owes anything we don't see why he should.

The letter arrived Saturday 28th so we need to act fast.


Help

[Curlyben]

Re: Regal Credit ans Scotcall

Utilities are NOT covered by CCA, but how about a simple Prove It, should get the desired results.

Dear Sir/Madam

You have contacted me/us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.

I/we would point out that I/we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert company name).

I am/we are familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

I/we would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

I/we would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my/our liability for the debt in question.

I/we await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

I/we look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

[Mochamoo]

Re: Regal Credit ans Scotcall

Regal Credit are pussycats and generally tend to play by the rules, I would address the letter to Nigel Rutzler he is the director who runs the DCA team.

[Stoop]

Re: Regal Credit and Scotcall

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

I think the debt might have been 'sold on' to Scotcall so will writing to Regal be worthwhile now? Or are Scotcall working for Regal? Who would you write to?

[paul123]

Re: Regal Credit and Scotcall

cca request sent to regal credit on behalf of wife, regal credit totally have totally ignored request should wife withold any payment until they respond?