LoL - I hope I get the same letter when all mine go SB - a recorded call means nothing...That 'call' could have been anyone, needs to be in writing for it to mean anything - we know that and so do they...then again, perhaps they don't - afterall, they've had their heads up their ****s for so long now.

If they haven't got a valid CCA they cannot claim the debt at all

This used to be a sticky - not sure if it still is (if it isn't it should be) re A Cabot loss in court. http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collection-industry/115280-useful-information.html

Don't ever forget these DCA's pay something between 2 and 20% [of it's value] for the debt. 20% being the very top end and rarely are the debts that expensive for them to purchase. If you do offer them a F&F and you offer them 25% of it, they'll still be making a decent profit.

I have nothing but admiration for you SH - and yes it is very regrettable that some very knowledgable people are gone from these boards (as well as threads) - however, I can assure you they are still very active re the Cabot fight. I agree with your opinion that the fight needs to be continued - the losses Cabot have endured will have something to do with the economic downturn but it has as much to do with the Cabot Fan Club and many others fighting back. They suffered those losses on the back of our first year biting back at them - just think of the staff needed just to cope with the amount of CCA request etc etc they now get...I bet there wasn't one before 2006/7. Cabot's new tactics are all to do with the fact that their old ones no longer work. Me (and others) can probably access some of the really useful older threads - if the need ever arises. It may be worth looking into the way Cabot obtain their debt portfolios. Law of Property Act 1927, offshore accounting, Irish Agreements (MNBA), to name but three- and there's more. In summary; please carry on with what you're doing - which is a really fantastic job. The real Ken Maynard (cowboy actor) died penniless after a successful career - let's hope lightning strikes twice eh

This tread takes me back to the days when we (the Cabot Fan Club) managed to get a Cabot sub-forum on here. Sadly the powers that be decided (after months of helping people) that perhaps it wasn't such a good idea - but they left all the cabot threads as a sticky...Sadly, that has gone too and all of those who were as committed and as passionate (re gunning for Cabot) as Scabhunter is were lost from these boards. Despite this being a fantastic thread, I'm sure all of the hard work being done by ScabHunter has been done before (not suggesting he's copied it) and it lurks, lost, in these forums somewhere. Having said all that- I have the upmost admiration for SH - a man after our own (the CFC) hearts.

Loudly one hopes

I had one of those same letters in April, which I ignored, and haven't heard anything since.

Interesting report from Ken Maynard at Cabot - have highlighted the links to this thread's title - Date Published: October 2009 Published in: Credit Management Author: Ken Maynard, Group Chief Executive Source: Cabot Financial Group Debt purchase opportunities on either side of the Atlantic The global economic crisis has created a challenging market for the major debt purchase markets in the UK, USA and Europe. A lack of refinancing options is the biggest headache for most debt purchasers, however for those that do have access to capital; this is a time of plentiful opportunities. In the United States, portfolio prices have dropped significantly over the past year and while these price reductions have been well received by the debt purchasing industry, many debt buyers believe that they have not dropped far enough, particularly when compared to the decline in liquidation rate performance over the past year. It is to be expected that liquidation rates fall in times of rising unemployment; however this does not appear to have been factored in by many debt sellers. Current portfolio price ranges do not fully reflect these declines because debt buyers in some cases are prepared to pay higher prices for certain portfolios, and credit issuers in some cases are not willing to accept the reduced pricing levels . Market conditions in the Eurozone have not been any rosier during the first half of 2009. Oslo-based debt buyer Aktiv Kapital has effectively closed its Denmark office after undertaking a strategic cutback of staff and operations. Their operations in Spain have also been curtailed with the closure of their Barcelona offices and general cut back of staff numbers. Also, one of the largest debt collection agencies in Europe, Intrum Justitia, has announced that it will cut 247 jobs from its UK headquarters in Liverpool, leaving just 40 employees. An important aspect of the current European market is the withdrawal of investment banks from the debt purchase market. This of course means fewer competitors and therefore increased selectivity in the types of debt portfolios being purchased. In summary, many of the same problems are affecting debt purchasers in the major markets of Europe, the UK and the US. A lack of refinancing options is the obvious stumbling block but the paradigm of debt sellers has altered significantly as they have begun to outsource portfolios to collections agencies rather than selling. Increased regulation and scrutiny from overseeing bodies such as the OFT are now becoming common place as a number of significant players have experienced. The industry best practice guidelines need to be strengthened to oust unsatisfactory behaviours and a stronger ethical approach is required in some instances. The survivors will be those who rise to the challenge of these increasingly tough market conditions accepting the need to raise standards. A sound operation with best technology, excellently trained and competent staff and of course good funding will also help! Ken Maynard Group Chief Executive

If Ruthbridge are involved - 99.9% sure the debt will be statute barred....Haven't seen one post on here where the debt Ruthbridge are chasing ISN'T statute barred - and I've been on these boards a while now.

I'd simply send a letter saying ; "If you truly believe what you have written then take me to court." Regards

But what do you think Ken and Glen get paid every year? .. £500 k - 600 - 700? -- Who knows...but if there has to be cuts, do you think Ken's wage is decreasing?....No, me either....The cuts will come elsewhere, one suspects there are internal mails floating around re saving pens, paper etc etc, and if the losses continue- the staff on the shop floor will be first to go- not that I'm bothered...they could all lose their jobs for all I care. It is great news that Cabot have lost a few million and long may it continue - perhaps one day they'll realise there's no future in the DCA business, well not for accounts dated pre 2008 that is. Just one final question; if web sites like this one didn't exist, if groups like the CFC didn't exist (etc) hands up those who think Cabot would still had suffered this loss.....nuff said

If you look up old threads on this board which relate to Ruthbridge- I bet 99% (or more) of the debts are Statute Barred..Ruthbridge specialise in this (trying to collect on Ststute Barred debts) and are a DCA in their own right. Normal DCA's pay between 5 and 12p in the £ for debts, one suspects Ruthnridge pay considerably less than that for theirs. I'd be VERY surprised if Ruthbridge have a debt on their books that doesn't go SB until next year.

This was something a few people in the Cabot Fan Club did a couple of years ago-- had to push for the the info from CRA but it arrived eventually - a HUGE box of paperwork...lol Go for it - they have to respond...

Are you sure this isn't statute barred... Ruthbridge only ever seem to get involved in a debt if it is Statute Barred or 2 weeks away from that at most... Ruthbridge have been quiet on these boards for a while, made me think they'd stop bothering trying to collect...Obviously not though - That being said, I doubt a Leopard has changed its spots..

Why not just send them a letter that says... "Ok, if you think your view on this matter will stand up in court then invite you to take me to said court and we'll see wht the judge makes of it"... "By the way, I do not acknowledge any debt to your company."

Well, an SAR would be the way to go then

Doorstep collections letter>> I also note it is your intention to arrange a “doorstep call”, please be advised that under OFT rules, you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make an appointment with you There is only an implied license under Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v. Sheppard and Short Ltd [1959] 2 Q.B. per Lord Evershed M.R.). Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and if you do so, then you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and civil action will be taken.

It must work with some people, otherwise they wouldn't bother doing it at all

It doesn't actually matter if you do acknowledge a debt that's statute barred - it doesn't 'unstatute bar' it

I've highlighted (in red) all you need to know....scare tactics is all it isl

No no, no need for that yet...Wait and see what the CCA request brings first.

Believe me, if Ruthbridge are involved then the debt's statute barred or VERY VERY close to it....I've been a member here a long time and what I'm saying results from my extensive experience.

If Ruthbridge are involved then there's a great chance the debt's statute barred anyway.

I got a bit bored by the end of it all - all old news in relation to how they collect...but I guess I see the merits in making the prog. Don't understand why they (chan 4) didn't explain that once a debt is statute barred it stays that way - even if a payment is made after 6 years...It can't be UN statute barred...they didn't make that clear at all.