Thanks for that, dx. I know that it was probably a stupid question but good to have my thoughts confirmed. Many thanks, Ruthie

Yes, I'm aware of this debt and it's showing on my credit file. I'm not sure when I last made a payment but I have a feeling that it may soon become statute barred and that this is the reason for the letter. If I check my own credit file to be certain will it affect my credit rating?

Not sure if I'm in the right place but would appreciate any advice with the following: Lewis Debt Recovery have recently been in contact with me about a debt they have purchased from the Co-Op. The letter I received from them states that "before we can consider your offer of payment we require details of your weekly/monthly expenditure, together with documentary evidence of your income for which we enclose an income/expenditure form to fill in. It is in your best interest to provide this information by return of post. If we do not hear from you, your account may be passed to our field agents who will arrange for a collector to call round personally to collect the debt. Do not ignore this matter; further action will be taken if you fail to respond". There are a couple of points I'd like to clarify: Firstly, I have not been in touch with them to offer any payment Secondly, am I correct in thinking that the only I&E form I would have to complete would be on the order of a judge? Thirdly, should anyone turn up at the door, I deny them entry and contact the police (I have just reported receipt of this letter to them). Thank you all in advance for your help. I am so thankful I found this forum and many people who understand my situation. Ruthie

Hi, I'd appreciate any comments on the following. I received a letter last week from Marks and Spencer Financial Services informing me that they have sold my M&S credit card debt to Arrow Global who would be contacting me in due course. Over the last couple of days I have had several phone calls (number witheld) supposedly from a company selling wine. They ask for Mrs ....... and then my Christian name, followed by my address so that they can send out some brochures. Needless to say, I refused to give out any personal information and hung up. Am I being cynical and is this all too much of a coincidence or is this a trick that debt collectors use to find out information? Many thanks, Ruthie

Thank you so much Jam_Buttie and Brig. That's really helpful. I do wonder how these creatures manage to sleep at night. It's reassuring also that the local police are taking this seriously.

Hi, I received what can only be described as a threatening letter from Lewis Debt Recovery on December 12th which says 'before we can consider your offer of payment we require details of your normal weekly/monthly expenditure together with documentary evidence of your income'. This statement confused me somewhat as I have NOT made any sort of offer of payment to this mob and have no intention of doing so. I was also under the impression that the only person who could demand that I fill in an I & E form was a judge? The letter also demands that I send this information by return of post (needless to say I have not done so) or they will send someone to my home to personally collect the debt! I hope that they do as I have now made a complaint to the police who have told me that should anyone turn up, to dial 999. I await developments with great interest! Happy New Year to all of you lovely people. Wish I'd discovered your site sooner. Ruthie x

Hi, Am new to this so hope you will all be patient! Am having repeated calls (up to 6 a day, usually at roughly the same times) from Cabot about an alleged debt. I have written to them asking for written proof of the debt, giving them 7 days to respond to my request and also requesting that they stop phoning me, as in my opinion this is harrassment. The letter was posted on June 7th and I've had no written reply although the phone calls from their 'helpful customer advisors' keep coming. Am just about at the end of my tether with this lot and would appreciate any advice. They are so rude and intimidating. Thanks, Ruthie

Hi, am new on here and would appreciate some advice. I'm being pestered by Cabot for an alleged debt for which they do not have a date. They are continually phoning me (up to six times a day, mostly at the same time). I wrote to them on June 7th this year asking for proof of the debt and asking not to be contacted by telephone as I consider this to be harrassment. I also gave them 7 days in which to answer my letter but they have yet to reply. The calls, however are still coming. I'd be grateful if anyone can give me some advice what to do next as I'm just about at the end of my tether. Many thanks for your help, Ruthie