Debt collectors’ error anguish for widow, 91
Friday 24th April 2009, 11:30AM BST.
A worried 91-year-old widow has been threatened with a fine and visit from debt collectors – who she says have got the wrong address.
Elizabeth Bailey’s daughter said she has repeatedly contacted Philips Collection Services to inform them of their error.
But the firm has continued issuing the letters – with the latest warning the grandmother-of-three that collectors would turn up at her Walsall home this week to remove property to cover a £525 fine. Daughter Sue Pickstone, of Norton Canes, said she contacted the company after her mother received the first letter at her house in Blakenall around a month ago.
“I spoke to workers and got confirmation that nothing more would happen,” she said. “I’ve even sent utility bills and a tenancy agreement to prove my mother is not the person they are after. But they sent a letter to say that because we have not answered any of their letters, they will be sending removal people round.
“My mother has had two letters like that and then a hand-delivered one. She has also told me there have been callers at her door. I have written to them and rang them up and spoke to them. I even suggested they meet me at my mother’s house.”
Mrs Pickstone added: “We don’t know what to do – we’ve had to warn her not to leave any windows open and not to answer the door.”
The Express & Star made several attempts to contact bosses at Philips Collection Services in Darlington. But despite speaking to a number of workers, each of whom would only give first names, including Charlotte, Dan and Lee, the firm flatly refused to comment.
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The same thing has been happening to my grandparents for the last 2 years, but I think that the company is based in Scotland. I think that this kind of practice is wrong and I can not understand why the companies persist in contacting the OAP’s when they have been told repeatedly that they have the wrong address.
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They are looking for money and don’t really care who pays it as long as they get their commission. Just tell them to get lost and don’t let them in. call the police if need be.
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They are looking for easy targets, these people are the scum of the earth! Time to form some vigilante groups and start giving this kind of scum a taste of their own medicine!
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These debt collectors are nothing but scum.Think their all big and bad threatening old age pensioners and defenceless women.When we first bought our house we had some send letters for the man who lived their before.I rang em up and was spoken to like sh*t.Next we had a letter saying they were coming to take goods from our house! I rang again and told em to check land registry and see who owned the property and if they set foot on it I would sue the boll*x off them.Also told them any debt collector called he wouldn`t be coming back!!! Never heard from them again.
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Report them to oft & trading standards!
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This is outrageous and a breach of the OFT guidance on debt collection. a formal complaint should be made to Trading Standards who should investigate. Also a formal complaint to the OFT should be made as this firm will be consumer Credit Licence holders and if they breach the guidance then the OFT can revoke their licence.
there is also a breach of the CPUT Regulations 2008
If they turn up at the property tell them to leave, they are committing the tort of trespass and legally a claim could be brought against them in the court. Best route id say though is to ring the police if they turn up on your doorstep and advise the police that a breach of the peace is imminent
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I believe they are based in Darlington, I noticed testimonials on their site from employees of Local Authorites I intend to e-mail as many councilors as possible with a link to this story.
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