do have a thread, but read all other threads too, I have a dispute with Lowell, complained through Consumer Credit Association and Financial conduct Authority, awaiting their response. But thought I'd check if the agreement was unenforceable, so requested CCA from both parties. the agreement was pre 2007 with Barclays, sent of SAR. thanks for replies

read this thread with interest, tried Lowells with CCA request, (original creditor was Barclaycard) Lowells sent a copy of a letter notice of assignment, they state that this is sufficient notification that they have purchased an account and can collect monies owed. They also state they are 'tracing' specialists and more likely to ensure customers receive notification. They do not hold deed of assignment as debts are purchased in bulk Barclaycard refused stating 78 (3) (a) anyone know what this clause is?

Financial Ombudsman finally refused to act for me, took ages, even after I appealed. They cannot consider complaints that have been subject to court action. Even though my complaint is about the failure to comply with the FCA, not the court action Taken legal advise, waste of £120! Still battling on, I made a complaint to both the FCA and CCA, still waiting for response. Sent my complaint about the actions of Lowell's to Sara de Tute, no reply. Complaint letter CEO at Barclays re not responding to my FF letter, they cannot locate the offer but are sure they wouldn't have accepted. Good job I have a copy. Still working on a suitable reply and the return of the £50 cheque they enclosed.

hi, I read some where that Banks etc are responsible for the actions of debt collection agencies, even if a debt is sold, been looking through financial conduct authority regs for this. Am I mistaken?

thanks for the information, I scrutinised the Code and Practice and forwarded 'loads' of info to the Ombudsman, I will certainly quote the info from you in my next email to Lowell's thanks

Wow! think this is something that the Financial Ombudsman needs to look into, I've been in touch with my local MP, he was boasting about the Labour Party backing estate agents who demand large sums up front for putting names forward for rentals. Perhaps he can jump on this, The Office of Fair Trading no longer exists, however, Lowell are going against Credit Collection Agency Code of Practice.

Not posted for some time, my home was sold as part of my estate, only one debt and Lowell, COOP Bank so much for ethical banking. Really interested in post regarding Barclays bank and their use of debt collection agencies, any one know how I could complain? I have made a complaint regarding Lowell's through the Financial Ombudsman, which is very interesting, Lowell's initial response was that my offer to make an arrangement for payment December 2010 was too late as legal action had already been taken, even though they failed to respond to this letter. Also my offer to pay £200 per month was not received until after the Bankruptcy order 25th July 2011. When I pointed out that I had a copy of my Lowell file, which clearly shows I made 2 offers December 2010 and June 2011, their response was that they had checked my file again and confirmed this! I am corresponding via email with Paul Ochiltree, Lowell customer relations, I have just pointed out A note on my file dated 22th July 2011 confirms an email ‘tony we have not heard from this customer can you instruct your agent to request a bankruptcy order be made’ this is not true as you have confirmed that I had made contact and indeed offered a payment solution. This again confirms that Lowell chose to declare me bankrupt ignoring my offer of payment. Lowell's also stated at the hearing that they had not heard from me, which is not true and my file shows. I recently called Lowell's office and had the experience of being put on hold, during this time I listened to a recorded message offering assistance in arranging payment of debt, help, advice and a fair payment solution. This is something that was not extended to me. This may be a long winded post but I feel it show Lowell's bloody mindedness in handling debt and complaints, I feel if I hadn't obtained a copy of my file some time ago, I'd have nothing to show that I made any attempt to arrange payment. I've spoken to the Ombudsman and Lowell's have until September 2nd 2014 to provide a solution, will keep posted.

mpl123, you were right, no reply from Mr Weir, contacted my local labour MP, despite promises to contact me / arrange a meeting nothing doing. Have engaged a solicitor, waiting for a court date to appeal against the charges, OR took all my assets, over 5 months ago, debts of £12,000, should have £148K residue, not received a penny and being charged interest on the money they are keeping!!!

Hi I agree no good just moaning about things, have recently been on the receiving end of outrageous charges by the Trustee and their appointed solicitors I have contacted Mike Weir to gain some support and more information on changing outdated laws, that see anyone declared bankrupt as criminal and outside the protection of any consumer laws. will keep posted.......

hi just found this thread, in the light of the recent events surrounding the cooperative bank. I'm considering writing a letter of complaint. It's a long story, Lowell Portfolio declared me bankrupt, I tried to fight this but ended loosing my house, I have a solicitor challenging the charges associated with this, Lowell have not come forward for any money! but the coop have. The circumstances of my bankruptcy are complicated, but I would live to compose a letter to the coop as they are jumping on the bandwagon just cashing in on the 'cash cow' that is my house. I don't want this to turn in to a personal rant, any ideas anyone? thanks

hi exactly what I did, emailed them re a complaint, the gave me a complaint number and attached a lengthy document outlining the processes and procedures that credit and collections agencies need to adhere to. I read it and picked out the clauses that referred to my case. Cut and paste these into a letter, referenced them to my details/particulars. Just waiting for a response. Will use this to support my request for annulment. Waiting on replies to SAR Cheers.

just found this thread, read this with great interest. Have the same problem with Lowell. Great you got onto it straight away. I am in the process of of making complaint to OFT re Lowells, may be too late for me with annulment but will follow the info given to you. thanks

Wish I had acted sooner!! read through loads of threads re Lowells. Managed to get to stay in my home, although the trustee has insisted I put my home on the market. Finally taken my head out of the sand... Couldn't afford an insolvency solicitor, they required £500 deposit, although did get loads of info for a free hour plus inspiration from the forums. Also pointed out that the calculations for money owed was incorrect, seem absurd considering that the possession of my home was made on this information. Lowells who petitioned the bankruptcy have not claimed against me, so have sent of a SAR, the solicitor suggested I do this with the other 2 claimants. He mentioned that all parties need to prove debt. This seems bizarre that a bankruptcy order can be made without absolute proof. Waiting on replies. Been in touch with local Official Receivers Office got info on overturning bankruptcy, one way is to prove the money is not owed, might be a little late for that, but I'm going try anything.

Hi notice you mention complaining to OFT re Lowell Portfolio, I would like to do this. Are there any letters in the library I could use. If I compose my own may turn into a long rant!! thanks for any help

Thanks will do, the hearing didn't go well, Magistrate gave me 28 days to leave my home - she mentioned that loads of people live in homes they don't own and I was lucky to have owned one!! Not to mention leaving school at 14 and working bloody hard for it, I did asked why being in debt was still such a crime and should have dealt drugs or raided a bank may have been dealt with more lenincy, only reply it's the law!!!!! Adding insult to injury the bankruptcy order was for just under £11,000 paid third of that over the last year in charges at £300 month.