Having been harassed by several debt collection agencies simply because I have the same name as a debtor, I have submitted this e-petition so that the government will stop such companies breaching the OFT guidelines. They make money by frightening and intimidating people into helping them narrow their search. I'm all for lending a helping hand but I refuse to be bullied into handing over my personal details. Please sign this petition and spread the word because it my be you or your loved ones who become their next innocent victim. Thank you. (I'm new to this forum so I am unable to provide a direct link to the e-petiion website) e-petition 22973 Responsible department: Ministry of Justice Many debt collection agencies operate unfair and distressing business practices, which bully and intimidate members of the public into helping with their investigations. An agency will send out worrying letters to a list of people who share the same name in the hope that the recipients will contact them and be willing to divulge personal information to be removed from the list. Failure to respond will result in follow up letters claiming debts and threatening court action. Telephone calls will be made repeatedly to harass the innocent victims into complying with the debt agency's demand for private personal data. Using these methods, debt agencies can narrow their search and reduce their operating costs. There are OFT guidelines that explicitly prevent this behaviour but they are not being enforced and it is difficult for victims to find help.