Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

[dollymay]

Morning, need help and advice please regarding the above company.

I have just returned to the UK as I have lived in Greece since March 2004. Prior to leaving Greece I updated certain details to show my temporary UK address (I am staying with family for a while).

Yesterday, at this address I received a letter from the above company accompanied by a letter from HFC Bank (very dodgy copy of their letterhead) unsigned, regarding an unpaid debt of £7790.55!! As far as I am aware, I have never held an account with HFC. The dodgy copy HFC letter states that they sold the debt on17/08/2006.

I have no recollection whatsoever of any monies being outstanding to anyone when I left the UK and I am more than intrigued to know how they would obtain this address as it is causing a certain amount of embarrassment to me and my family.

I am somewhat at a loss as to how to reply to Lowell Portfolio is email acceptable with suitably amended copies of letters contained in this site, or should I send recorded delivery hard copy without signature? Also, which letter should I use initially?

I would be extremely grateful for any help and advice as I would like to clear this matter up as quickly as possible although I sort of get the feeling from this very helpful website, that this is easier said than done.

Thanks again,

[Curlyben]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

In all honesty this sounds like a typical Lowell phishing trip.
As such I would simply ignore it and see if they can be bothered to write to you again.
Either way it sounds like it would be most likely either a case of mistaken identity or statute barred.

Have a read through the first link in my siggie for ways to deal with DCA's.

[nwyles83]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

Hi, I would be interested to hear how you got on with this? My other half has received a similar letter from Lowell today regarding a debt sold to them from the HFC Bank - the debt is for £4703 and he's never heard of them, let alone know what it is for. He is worried to death and we're not sure whether to write to them as some advise? My main concern is that this debt will appear on his credit score and affect us getting a mortgage in the near future?
Thanks

[bluebottle]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

I will interested to see if these alleged debts from HFC Bank are, in fact, genuine. If not, the Leeds Losers could be in serious trouble. Already I am beginning to sense forgery and fraud and if this is the case, I'm inclined to go straight for the Leeds Losers' collective jugular and take them out - without mercy.

On the other hand, this could be the Leeds Losers engaging in scattergunning, which the OFT Debt Collection Guidelines frown upon. Take a look at the Guidelines which I am attaching. These are the most up to date, having been updated in 2011.

Bluebottle

[bluebottle]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

Hello Nwyles,

Having reviewed your post and compared it with a similar post from another member, the figure quoted by the Leeds Losers is exactly the same on both, which makes me wonder what is going on.

Unless the Leeds Losers come forward with any hard evidence, I would tell your OH to stop worrying.

I would, however, advise you to go to the ICO website at Data Protection and Freedom of Information advice - ICO
and download a complaint form as it appears Lowells have got hold of your OH's personal details somehow and are using them for a purpose that is not entirely lawful. Wait and see what they do.

At this moment in time, this is the best advice I can give you. Once you know what Lowells are doing, please come back onto this thread and we will see how we can help you.

Bluebottle

[rainydb]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

I really am beginning to think they are deliberately sending out high figures to frighten people into calling them. I would not be surprised if on calling them, the figure drops to something much smaller. Sounds daft but I wouldn't put it past them.

My debt has an odd added figure on it. I've not contacted them as I know their info is incorrect and don't wish to communicate unless they have a genuine debt.

[Curlyben]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

Rainydb, for your safety and sanity it is best to ONLY communicate with these "people" in writing for the avoidance of doubt.
Once you are on the phone they will NOT let you go until your promise them our first born and several other appendages..
So NEVER call them

[rainydb]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

Thanks, I learned that after over a year of hell with Link. Lowell just stalk me normally by searching my credit file each month but have only just contacted me a year later for a 3 debt. Horrid people. I know people have to make money but honestly, I could never work for them. I'd rather eat turnips.

[teaboy2]

Re: Lowell Portfolio 1 Ltd

Off course if your able to record the phone calls, then i find it highly amusing to let DCA's go on and on and threaten me with this and that, before i finally turn round and inform them the call is being recorded and email them a copy of the conversation. I always get the impression that thye just **** themselves when i say that lol.