Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

[djdemarco]

Hi girls and guys,

I have recently been passed two letters which were sent to my neighbours address (he lives next door) from CCS Collect with regards to an outstanding amount of £23.22 owed to the DWP. It was my name on the letters but his address.

The first arrived at his home on the 12th December 2014 demanding payment within seven days but I did not receive it until after this time had elapsed and, due to becoming unwell, had not responded to it yet. The second one was given to me by my neighbour today (7th January 2015) giving me until 10am on the 9th January 2015 to pay in full or face legal action.

Whilst the amount is very small and I would have no hesitation in paying it if I believed it to be due, I refuse to give money to what I consider to be conmen at best, out of principle.

I am making a few assumptions with regards to this alleged debt and am happy to send letters requesting proof etc from them but, as I understand it, the DWP would be responsible for overpayments of benefits or non-payment of crisis loans etc. I have been in employment for the last 20 years and have not claimed benefits during this time. I did get a crisis loan prior to that (24 years ago) but I believe that I paid this back in full.

As that is the case, I believe the best course of action would be to send a letter requesting that they prove the debt (which I would be very obliged if a template could be pointed to if that is deemed the correct course of action) and was wondering if I should also mention their obligation under the data protection act to ensure the data held is correct?

I am willing to accept any advice and thank you in advance for your time.

[nemesis45]

Re: Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

CCS Collect act as agents for the DWP and have no executive powers such as court action.
I'm afraid that the age of the debt is of no relevance the DWP can chase for ever.

A simple letter stating that you are unaware of any such debt and do not acknowledge any liability for it is all you need to do.

Otherwise you could seal the envelopes up and mark as " Not Known at This Address.

[djdemarco]

Re: Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

Thank you very much for your response.

I will happily take your advice and send a basic letter stating what you have suggested and also advise them to correct the address as it would not be fair on my elderly neighbour if they do decide to continue with their chasing.

If the debt is actually owed, and I am wrong in my assumption that I do not owe any such amount, I will happily pay the DWP directly as I am not one to shirk my responsibilities. With that in mind, would you believe it to be worth contacting the DWP directly to ask about it too?

[djdemarco]

Re: Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

Just wanted to give you a quick update on the situation regarding this very minor debt which nemesis45 kindly advised on.

Before sending the suggested letter, I decided to contact the DWP to see if they were able to confirm the debt and give some more information. It took several departments before anyone could find the information as it was a crisis loan which was taken out approximately 20 years (more than 50% of my life) ago.

They don't seem to have made any attempt to contact me in this time and have now employed CCS Collect to recover this, and many other aging debts nationwide, on their behalf meaning that, on this occasion at least, the DCA were acting correctly and within their mandate.

Once I had found that out, I decided to call them to update my details on their systems (so my neighbour doesn't get anymore letters) and will be paying the amount in full via bank transfer later today.

The representative for CCS Collect was a gentleman called Josh and he was exceptionally friendly, helpful and apologetic when I mentioned the incorrect address which he updated immediately.

My experience with CCS Collect has so far been a very good one but, if there are any issues between now and the final resolution, I will let you know.

Thank you once again for your advice.

[nemesis45]

Re: Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

Well done!
That cannot come back to haunt you in another 20 years.

nem.

[djdemarco]

Re: Help with response to CCS Collect letters sent to incorect address.

Thanks nem.

Let's hope so.

Mark