Westcot are chasing

[sprattjack]

Hello,

I'm wondering if any body can help me?

I keep getting letters from Westcot chasing debt owed to Alliance and Leic's.

This debt dates back to 1995, however, back then, as soon as I realised that I was in trouble and couldn't make my monthly payments, I approached the CAB, and they drew up a VA with all of my then creditors, I then made monthly payments to them.

To date, and despite all these years, I have never missed making a payment to any of these creditors, including Alliance and Leic's.

As time has moved on, I have moved house, but, still maintained my payments.

However, a couple of months ago, I started receiving letters out of the blue from Westcot, which I return unopened (I have not acknowledged anything to these people, just write on the envelope not known).

The latest letter received now states that it is a final demand.

I am getting very worried, as I am aware that because I have been paying this debt in good faith, that it is not covered by the six year rule.

Does anybody know what will happen next, can I be taken to court for not replying to them, despite paying my monthly standing order (which has always been taken from my account) to Alli & Leics or who ever was representing them at the time (not Westcot)?

Any help would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you

Sprattjack

[Curlyben]

Re: Westcot are chasing

Have a read of the first link in my siggie for guidance in how to deal with DCA's, then fire off a Prove It letter, on post #4.

Any DCA that demands payment fir a debt should be made to prove their lawful rights to collect.

[sprattjack]

Re: Westcot are chasing

Thank you for your prompt reply Curlyben, very much appreciated.

However, (sorry for going on) I have scanned through your link (re prove it letter, excellent advice), but, the problem is, if I do send a letter, then it confirms my new address, and then the trouble starts, what can I do?

Just one other point, not sure if this is relevant (noticed something similar in your link), as far as I am aware, I think that Alli Leic, at some stage in the past, passed the debt on to Equidebt, who I then made the payments too (I also think that Equidebt got me to increase my payments at some stage, but can't remember when).

Sorry to be a pain, and thank you for your very much appreciated help, so far.

Thank you
Sprattjack

[Curlyben]

Re: Westcot are chasing

How did Wescott contact you in this case ?

[sprattjack]

Re: Westcot are chasing

Sorry for the delay, Westcot have been sending letters.

However, being the tight wads that they are, the letters are sent out in the thinnest of white envelopes.

Which means....darkened room, torch behind envelope, voila...know the contents without opening it.

Thereafter, you recognise the style of envelope and po box on the back.

[middenmess]

Re: Westcot are chasing

Which means....darkened room, torch behind envelope, voila...know the contents without opening it.

Read more at: Westcot are chasing - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

I should read more espionage novels!

[Curlyben]

Re: Westcot are chasing

I know what Jack means here, you soon start to recognise DCA letters.

Anyway, Wescott clearly know your new address so a Prove It wouldn't do any harm at this juncture.
They have a tendency of running off when challenged.

[sprattjack]

Re: Westcot are chasing

I know what Jack means here, you soon start to recognise DCA letters.

Anyway, Wescott clearly know your new address so a Prove It wouldn't do any harm at this juncture.
They have a tendency of running off when challenged.

Thank you Curlyben,

I might just hold on (chicken) till I see whats in the next letter, before calling their bluff.

Anyway, thank you for your help, I will try and keep you all informed if anything else happens.

Again Thank you Curlyben

[Curlyben]

Re: Westcot are chasing

No worries.
Annoying DCA's is what I do

[sprattjack]

Re: Westcot are chasing

I should read more espionage novels!

Ha! Ha! yes, I am afraid that I have had to adopt knew tattics, since I heard rumours that the glue used on certain letters, could revel signs if the the old steaming kettle trick has been used.

However, theres always the old blowing through the gap technique (the gum is never completely sealed either side of the envelope.

You will generally find that once the envelope is inflated, a quick peer through the window of the letter will revel nothing but your name and address, normal companies will show at least a letter head or logo.

On top of this a return address is normally just a box number and postcode on the back (though you can't trace who owns the box, typing the post code, or at least the first part into google followed by the words credit agency, usually brings up who's in the area).

Then once the detective work has been completed, flatten envelope to expel air and in the immortal words of Elvis....return to sender

P.s disclaimer... I wouldn't try this myself !!!

[middenmess]

Re: Westcot are chasing

However, theres always the old blowing through the gap technique (the gum is never completely sealed either side of the envelope.

Read more at: Westcot are chasing - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

I thought that you were going to continue by inserting a pencil through one of those gaps and rolling the contents around the pencil and then sliding rolled up paper and pencil out through said gap!!

[sprattjack]

Re: Westcot are chasing

I thought that you were going to continue by inserting a pencil through one of those gaps and rolling the contents around the pencil and then sliding rolled up paper and pencil out through said gap!!

Never tried that one before, I'll have to see if it works with the next genuine letter that I receive (i.e. not from a creditor).

Also, Curlyben, my wife has spoken to a solicitor friend who seems to think that if Westcot were ever to take me to court, that they would look pretty stupid, as I have never defaulted in 15 years on the previously agreed VA and additional increase when Alli & Leic's must have first passed the debt on.

However, I'm not counting my chickens till I've done some more research.

Thanks Curlyben & middenmess

[Curlyben]

Re: Westcot are chasing

No worries Jack, it's what we do..