Forums Forums Lost & Found People posing as debt collectors

This is probably the first post but i needed someone to be aware of this.....
In the last few weeks I heard about it but choose to ignore it as I thought it wouldn't happen to me. But it did!
Came home from work on Friday...to find two very burly guys knocking on my door. When I asked them what they wanted, they told me they were there t collect a debt for their client. I asked them who there client was and after looking through their papers told me it was for a company I never heard of Burleys...they said they collect debts on behalf of major companies including local governments. They said I needed to pay £256 or they would be forced to remove possessions and auction them. My car for example....I told them I wasn't paying anything as I owed nothing to anyone. My debts are up do date, I had no credit cards or store cards, and all my finances and bills are direct debit. One the guys seemed to make a phone call to a tow truck and then said the tow truck will be here in 40 minutes to take the car, and "are you going to give us any problems in getting the keys from you". I told them as debt collectors they should know that the law states they cannot remove any property connected with or used in the course of employment...his reply was "you'll have to prove that afterwards" I then said "no..I'll call the police now and prove it to them" and proceeded to make the call. This bit is unbelievable. He then said his boss has called and realized they had gone to the wrong house and apologised for disturbing me...then left!!

A lesser person might have been intimidated by such action, well done on standing your ground. http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/
is a website which tells you exactly what bailiffs can and cannot do, knowledge is power so I'd recommend everyone have a good read.

I would also report this to Merseyside Police, if you havn't already done so

you should have asked for ID mate.report it to the police.

Oh this is so worrying especially for those vulnerable people. I know plenty of people would prob just pay to get rid of them without checking as they would panic so well done for knowing your rights. And thanks for the link missj too I think I will post this on Facebook too as I think it needs to be brought to people's attention!

Very informative website MissJ. Just one thing which is dubious. The helpline phone number is 0906...a premium rate number. There is always someone out to make money from others misfortunes. Grrrrrr!

In this case, the police should be made aware and thanks Afiglea,for bringing your nasty experience to our attention. Hoping you have got over it now.

I wouldn't ring any numbers as most of the information you'd need is actually on the site. The most important thing to remember is that anybody telling you that they can seize goods must be a bailiff, and they will have court stamped documentation with YOUR NAME and address on. They will need to show you their licence which must not be confused with the plastic ID card. The licence is a paper document, is authorised by the courts and they are duty bound to produce it on request when carrying out their duties. This type of debt collector relies on people not knowing the law - in many cases the police aren't that familiar with the rules governing debt collection saying it is a civil matter. In the current climate it is important to arm yourself with this type of information as debt collection is going to be a massive problem in months to come.