I have received a letter from a debt collector demanding immediate payment of money I don’t owe and threatening legal action against me if I


don’t pay. What should I do? From Pat Nutting, Debt Information Officer:


Don’t pay if you don’t think you owe the money. If you don’t think the debt is yours (or you don’t think you owe the amount being asked for, or if you have already paid the debt) tell the debt collector immediately.


to you - they can’t take your belongings, for example - so don’t be scared of them.


A debt collector has no power to do anything


Check you’re definitely not liable for the debt. Think back, it may be some time ago. The debt may have been sold on and you may not recognise the name of who is collecting it.


agreement such as a phone contract or credit agreement. This may have been jointly with someone else. Or if you signed as a guarantor for someone else.


Write to the company that has contacted you and say:


• you don’t owe the money they are demanding


• to stop contacting you immediately


• if they want to continue to demand the money from you, they need to prove you owe the money, by sending you a copy of the original signed agreement


• Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, it is an offence to engage in aggressive commercial practices, including the harassment of debtors by making demands for payment in a manner that causes unreasonable distress, fear or embarrassment.


• you consider their behaviour constitutes harassment under the Regulations


• if they continue to write to you in this way, say you will take the matter further.


If this doesn’t work, get further advice about who to complain to (this will depend on who is demanding the money). For more information see this OFT guidance leaflet: http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/consumer_leafl ets/credit/oft1299.pdf or contact your nearest CAB.


West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau www.westdevon cab.org.uk


TAVISTOCK Kingdon House, North Street PL19 0AN


Open Monday Wednesday 10-2pm & Friday 10-2pm. Drop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours.


OKEHAMPTON


The Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton EX20 1AR


Open Tuesday Wednesday 10- 2pm & Thursday 10-2pm. Drop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours.


West Devon CAB also offers “Drop In” Outreach advice sessions at Bere Alston Surgery and The Community Centre, Princetown, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. For further information, or to make an appointment, ring 01837 52105.


You’re likely to be liable if you signed an


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