Phillips & Cohen Associates

[esther]

Hello,

My Father passed away last year. He and my mother were seperated for 10 years and he was living with another woman.
As they were still married, my mother became the executor of his estate.

It took us months to get all the info we needed with regard to who the creditors were. The woman he was living with would not give us any information. We had to have his mail redirected so that we begin to deal with his estate.

He had an account with Marshall Ward. I wrote to them, enclosing a death certificate and asking for a final balance.

They continued to add money to the debt after I had told them that my father was dead. So I sent another letter and they apologised and revalued the debt.

Lloyds TSB was dividing up what little money there was to these creditors, but until we knew how many we could not begin to divide the estate.

In the meantime Marshall Ward referred the debt to Phillips and Cohen. They have telephoned on numerous occasions are extremely aggressive reducing myself and my mother to tears.
The first time they phoned, I explained that I was the daughter- this did not deter them and they spoke to me as if I was a criminal who had committed theft. They had no idea how old I am- I could have been 15 for all they know.

They have left answerphone messages saying that this HAS to be resolved depsite the fact that Lloyds TSB accredited all the creditors with their money over a month ago. Marshall Ward were given £14.

These people are vultures and I don't know what to do next.

I really want to report them to someone because it's pure harassment.

What should I do?

[Pinky69]

Re: Phillips & Cohen Associates

I would refer the matter back to Marshall Ward's Complaints Department telling them you are being pursued by their agents for a debt that has been settled. They are responsible for whomever they allocate the debt. Give the date and amount of settlement. Don't under any circumstances speak to Phillips and Cohen on the phone. If you have caller display then just ignore them. Inform the OFT (you can email them at at enquiries@oft.govuk) and tell them this has happened in the aftermath of your Father's death. They don't deal with complaints but will use the information when considering Philips and Cohen's consumer credit licence. I would also inform the CSA, the debt collection agencies umbrella body - you will get their address on the web. Next make a formal complaint to Trading Standards - it's easier to do so in the area of Philips and Cohen's Office. No doubt they will be well aware of their despicable tactics.

It is hard enough dealing with the loss of you dear Dad without all this. It really is disgraceful. I hope you and your Mum will soon be free of this and able to go on with your bereavement in peace. My deepest sympathy.