Inaccurate credit files If you believe your file contains inaccurate or out-of-date information, you can ask for it to be amended, under the Consumer Credit (Credit Reference Agency) Regulations 2000. Write to the agency giving your full name and address. It may also help to give your credit reference file number. Clearly explain what information you think is wrong and why. Provide any proof you have to show why the information is wrong. Keep a copy of any letters you send. By law the agency must tell you within 28 days of your letter if it has: • removed the entry from your file • amended the entry; or • taken no action If the entry is amended, the agency will send you a copy of the amended entry. The agency will also send the details to any lender that has searched your credit reference file in the last six months. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/291/made

Quick Question, I got a letter about an alleged debt with Lowell from Lucas. I sent a CCA request with a £1 postal order, got a letter back a month later saying "No payment was enclosed, so your request can't be dealt with" (Appears to be a tactic to get a phone call to complain... I didn't bite) Then I get a copy of an online application form for a credit card from the CC Company a few weeks later Then a few weeks after that, I get a statement of account for the same credit card, with a copy of the online application form. Then yesterday I get a letter asking me to pay for a 60% discount if paid in 1 go, 30% if paid over 3 months or 0% if I make a longer term payment plan. I looked and the last payment was over 6 years, and also the account was "Closed - Writeoff" by the CC Company over 6 years ago too. Am I right in saying this is Statute Barred, I have made no other contact with them (Or any other DCA) apart from the single CCA request? Thanks in advance.

Hello we have received a "parking charge" of £100 at 19.04 last night from County Parking Enforcement agency, a ticket was displayed that ran out at 18.55, we saw no sign displaying times that a ticket needed to be displayed by... after reading through other threads it seems as this is a private company you can ignore it? any advice please would be welcome.. many thanks in advance

Hi floks, I think it's a reasonably simple issue (or so I hope). I have had set up by the property agency a direct debit for my rent of £800 from my account. It's been going smooth until today. The agency DD'ed the full amount - however, I'm moving out of the property 10th of this month. The agency, of course, knows about it as they have themselves informed me long time ago I had to move out as the landlord is sellling the property. I had in this bank account less than £800 so it shows right now that my balance is negative. I guess, it will have me incur, not because of my fault, various penalty fees on top of that. What next step should I take?

My partner worked for any agency for one day in a role which was meant to be Forklift Driver, however this was not the role when he arrived there and when this was brought to the attention of the agency contact, he admitted that he did not know what the role entailed apart from it was some physical work and forklift but it was the other way round. The work was very physical and strenuous and he emailed the agency contact to inform them of this. He was asked if he would return and he said he would if a the role was Forklift Driver however could not return the next day as he was in pain when he returned home. The agency contact was emailed saying he could did not attend but he was very angry that he did not go to the job that day and said that it made them look incompentent. All this time the company had his documentation but has never asked for his pay details. When this was brought up through an email, the contact has not responded. My partner is entitled to his days pay regardless of how angry the agency is. What can he do?

Hi there. I've been living in my flat for over a year now, and we recently renewed our tenancy. The letting agent charged us a renewal fee of £132 (£33 more than the initial agency fees). When I asked what this money was for, they claimed it was for a credit check, among other checks (including checking with the bank that I had the income I stated.). I'm curious about their claims. For example, for the past few years, I've been hot on my credit report, and I'm well aware that they didn't carry out a credit check through any of the three main credit organisations. They also didn't check with my bank a second time, (they did the first, but I had to pay an additional £10 for this, so why I paid the fee for this, I don't know..) Are these fees unfair, given that they didn't actually cover what they stated, or is this just something that I have to accept?

To cut a long story short, my partner has some Council Tax arrears which went to Court, were passed to the wonderful Rossendales and now the Bailiff has been out today - the reason? She's in the midst of a DRO application which is half way through processing - but Rossendales don't care. We are well aware that he has no right of entry (only peacefully which he won't get) - so he knocked on the door and got nowhere. A letter pushed through the door with an extra £235 added and his lovely mobile number. Not to be outdone by this chap, she texted him and he left her two voicemails, one saying he won't deal with via text and to call him (my advice is not to call only text as there would be evidence of any slip ups on their behalf). Just got the second messaged and have transcribed it: What's this non-cooperation malarky? The National Debtline who my partner is with have told us we don't have to speak to him at all - but he's claiming refusal to answer your phone is non-cooperation?? Has he slipped up here or just giving out verbal diarrhoea and trying to get the wind up her. If he's slipped up I'll make sure Rossendales are taken to account for such actions - I do think it's just him bullying. One final question - if he continues to ring, numerous times per day, could that be classed as harassment? Many thanks!

Hi there. In December 2014, my mother received a letter from Cabot stating that she owed over £800 from a 2009 Littlewoods account. They then started harassing her by phone and post, I sent a consent form stating that all correspondence should be via me and in writing. After sending another letter to my mother, I complained and they said they had erased her number from their database and that the account would be frozen for 30 days to give me time to send them a statement of my mother's earnings (she is a pensioner.) They also said that they would sent a small gift as recompense?! I find it iffy that they waited over five years to buy this alleged debt (which my mother thought she had fully paid off) and are offering gifts (illegal??) Also, I have looked on the FCA's consumer credit register, and the postcode isn't quite the same as the one on their letters, also, the phone number is different. Does this mean they are not properly registered? Where do I go from here? There is only 4 months to go until the six years are up? Should I pursue a copy of the CCA. I don't want anyone to turn up on her doorstep because of the repercussions from the owner of the house, (long story) so I am loathe to ignore them. Many thanks in advance.

HI, My daughter has been working as a Teaching Assistant for a teaching agency for the past few years and been working at the same school since September last year. She only gets paid for the days she works so during the school holidays she doesn't get paid. My question is, should she be entitled to any holiday pay as she has been employed by them at the same school for the past 7 months and before that a different school for a year. I would appreciate any advice on this.

Letting agents’ fees should be banned to protect tenants in the private rental sector, a new Citizens Advice report has urged. New evidence uncovered by the charity reveals tenants are frequently ripped-off by fees often hidden by letting agents – to the tune of £337 on average. These charges come on top of advertised rent prices and deposits and in some cases can force people into debt, the charity says. The Still Let Down report says letting agents have refused to adopt measures that were supposed to bring transparency and competition to the market. Most agents charge for checking references, but costs range from as little as £6 to £300, according to the study. Renters can also be hit by charges ranging from between £15 to £300 for simply renewing their tenancies. Some agents charged £300 for credit checks that are widely available for £25. Even when moving out of a property, almost half of the 353 agencies polled by Citizens Advice said they charge an average ‘check out’ fee of £76. http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/pressoffice/press_index/press_20150327.htm Citizens Advice wants to gather evidence of bad letting agent's adverts such as the advert didn't include details of the fees, how much fees would be or being asked to pay fees not listed in the advert. You can report it here: https://citizensadvice1.wufoo.eu/forms/bad-letting-agent-ad-report-it/

Hello to you all, I've turned to this fine site for help on a situation i have found myself in with a company called Excel, and really need the help of someone with some knowledge on this. I was given a parking ticket from Brighton council, whilst parked on a main road, and I completely forgot to pay it. In January of this year, I received a letter from Excel saying I owed them around £160 for non-payment of the fine. I have no issue with this at all. I forgot to pay the fine in time, and so I accept the consequence. And here is where my issues begin. I was away for a few weeks in January, dealing with some family stuff in Spain. I saw the 1st letter from Excel and spoke with them, as their “expected” date for payment was nearing ., and they gave me some extra time to pay. As I’d been out of work since November and not back until this month (injured my wrist and I’m a musician), I realised I wouldn’t have the funds to pay them on the date we agreed. to avoid any further issues or charges, I sent them a letter asking to arrange a way that I can pay them over a few payments. I also explained that the address they have for me is my parent’s address, as that is where the car is registered. I occasionally use one of my parent’s cars as they have an estate car. My parking ticket, so my responsibility. Over a month went past and I heard nothing from them, until a few weeks ago. An “enforcement” agent arrived at my parent’s house, with a "letter of attendance" saying I NOW owe them £387. I’ve been in contact with Excel, but they say they have no record of a letter being received about this issue. I know I sent it recorded delivery, so really annoyed they’re now saying this. Unfortunately, I cannot find the receipt stub I got at the post office to be able to prove that I posted it to them. I feel stupid for not keeping it safer, but as I’m just about to move house, I got rid of a lot of paperwork. My own stupid fault. Like I said, I don’t have any problem whatsoever paying the original £160 fine. I didn’t pay my 1st ticket in time, so it’s my own fault. The issue I have is the extra charges they’ve put on top now, and the fact that my parent’s car could possibly be clamped for non-payment. Sorry for this long message, but thought I’d try explaining as best as I could as I’m a tad worried about this all.

I recently received a demand from lowell portfolio1 asking for £322.34 which is alleged I owe to 3 mobile.Lowell said they bought the debt from 3. I replied stating that I had a 3 month old phone that was faulty, but 3 would not pay to have it repaired as they said the PCB board was not covered under warranty (according to Carphone Warehouse who did the inhouse repairs for 3)... To cut a long story short, I sent a letter recorded delivery to 3 (received by them and signed for)with the phone stating that they have contravened the Sale of Goods Act 1979, as they have sold me a phone that is faulty and have refused to repair, or replace it. I also quoted that they contravened the Misrepresentation Act 1967, as the phone they provided me with does not do what they are claiming (The phone would lose its connection midway through a call, The phone would not send around 85% of text messages, I couldn't get a signal at work etc)......... I therefore stated that as they have broken the terms of the contract, my contract is null and void. I then cancelled my direct debit after the next monthjs payment went out. The letetr was my 1 months notice to cancel, although 3 broke the terms of the contract by contraveneing the above 2 laws........ Fast forward about 3 or so years, and I get this letter from Lowell portfolio1 saying they have purchased the alleged debt from 3, and I now owe Lowell the money. I replied by asking for a copy of their Consumer Credit Agreement and a copy of my contract with Lowell that I signed and dated. They have come up with neither as neither exists. I also said that the matter is in dispute and they should refer back to 3. Where do I stand in this issue??

Made a claim for PPI on an old loan form 2001. HSBC have sent a letter saying they paying refund to Metro Can they do this? Anything I can do to get the money paid to me?

Hi There Everyone. Newbie here so please be understanding. Can anyone help or advise? Four days ago I received an Enforcement Notice from a company called Newlyn Enforcement Agency. The notice was addressed to my daughter, saying she owed £779 to the local council for council tax. Also said they would be calling in a few hours time to 'attend' the premises and gain entry by force if necessary to seize goods to the value of the debt. I rang the contact number to explain that my daughter did not live here and has not done so for 14 years. She has been off the electoral register for about the same time. He had got my address from the local council, which is strange because the council knows where my daughter lives as she claims Housing Benefit. I also don't have any goods in the house that belong to my daughter. he seemed to accept this and asked me to give the notice to my daughter. I showed the noticed to my daughter but she knew nothing about the debt and said she would contact the council and the agent from Newlyns. My daughter found out the debt was Council Tax arrears from her old address but all the overdue notices had gone to her old address ( she moved about 10 months ago ) and not been forwarded on. She also spoke to the agent from Newlyns agreeing to talk to him about paying something towards the debt. But now I have received a text message on my mobile phone which says 'ENFORCEMENT AGENT due to attend & take control of GOODS. Call NEWLYN on 079661XXXXX to STOP'. I only found this text message, when I went to switch my phone off before going to bed. Plan to ring this 'person' first thing in the morning. I have never been in debt, so this is new and strange to me. What do I do now? I am now worried sick and can't sleep. I don't want my possessions seized and interfered with! Best Regards.

Hi, I am new here and would like some advice as i am quite confused. I had a PPI claim with Shop Direct upheld by FOS. My account was sold on to Lowells whilst in a debt management plan, of which i still am. Lowells are not a partner of Shop Direct and they have confirmed to me that Shop Direct no longer own the debt. Shop Direct have wrote to me to say they will offset my refund straight to Lowells. I was under the impression that as the debt is no longer Shop Directs as they sold it to Lowells then this cant be done. Whilst querying this yesterday with the FOS the lady there told me as Lowells is a debt collection agency then Shop Direct can do this. I am going to put in a complaint to Shop Direct to see if I can get the refund paid to me but just wondered if anyone has any knowledge on this. I have a far more pressing debt in which this refund would have helped with alot, so hoping anyone with any advice would be able to help. Thanks Stacey

Hi there all. Some advice will be very advantageous right about now. For the last couple of months I have been driving for a well known (and very recently festively defunct parcel delivery firm) through an agency. I am owed 2.5 days pay by the agency for hours worked 22-24 December 2014. This was due to be paid today (2.1.15) but it has not been. The agency stated that this is because the now defunct client are no longer processing the agency staffs clock cards and sending the details to the specific agencies and therefore because THEY haven't been paid by THEIR client they cannot honour my wages. The lady from the Agency also said that it's not likely they will EVER receive any monies at all from the ex parcel delivery firm for the entire time I was there. Where do I stand with this? My point of view is this. I sympathise that they haven't been paid but that is (I'm sorry to say) their issue with their client which they need to pursue. I wasn't employed by the parcel company I was employed by the agency and as my agency is still very much in business they should pay me for all worked carried out on their behalf. Their lack of payment from their client themselves is a private internal issue and is no affair of mine in no other way than my wishing them the best of British luck with it. Am I correct both morally and legally in my stance or is perfectly legitimate for an agency under such circumstances to withhold wages? If so what procedure do I need to gollow to receive monies owed and if there are such procedures am I looking to spend more on Admin and fees pursuing this than I will potentially get back. Please help. Thanks.

I was hoping somebody could help me with a rather strange call from a credit agency. The call was regarding a parking ticket which remains unpaid from 28/10/2011. Please excuse me if I have missed out any of the details, this is simply as it was so long ago I do not remember the full picture. Looking back through old emails, this ticket was indeed unpaid as it seemed to have been mis-processed by the council. They had not sent me a NTO prior to the charge certificate so I decided to fill in a in a TE9 / TE7 and sent it to the TEC bulk centre ("tec.bulkcentre@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk") in order to appeal the case outside of the 14 days. However it appears the council had not submitted the paperwork to the TEC, but I was still getting letters (unfortunately I can not find these as this is from 3 years ago). I therefore filled in a new Out Of Time witness statement (TE9 / TE7) as advised by the TEC at the time, and sent it directly to their customer service address (customerservice.tec@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk). With the reason stated as below: "Reason(s): I had not received the notice to owner until AFTER the charge certificate, and after the time in which I could make a formal representation. I would like to request that this process is started from the beginning so that I could get a fair say in the matter. This was protested through a letter and told that this could not be processed as the time had already passed. I then sent a TE9 but the borough had not submitted it to the TEC. The borough suggested to me to submit this form as it is out of their hands to do anything about this. I am attempting again to push this through and appreciate your consideration on the matter." From this point on the case fell silent. No more letters, emails, phone calls or anything else - until a couple of days ago. I have now been asked to pay a £190 penalty and would like to know what my next course of action should be. I do not see why I should pay anything but the discounted initial amount, if that. Are there any time limitations on a PCN being chased? What information would I require to fight the case and who would be the best body to get in touch with? Any other information would be much appreciated! Hope somebody could help with this. Thanks VM! Rez

Hi, please tell me if in wrong forum etc but here goes. For a long time I have felt that internet recruitment agencies are a little like smiling politicians who you must simply ask 'why are you smiling?'... in that you must question them 'why are you on the internet?'. Quite simply, the answer would be: to troll data in order to bolster up numbers to generate revenue. Cut to the chase, there is one company in BIRMINGHAM who persistently advertise jobs and will not deliver. They will, if anything, just send you a 'cut and paste' email in a certain friendly 'tone' that reflects well on them. Once they sent a text to my voicemail (I was holding phone in hand so know it went there, as opposed to calling me which I assume is cheaper?) and when I called back, the person was 'not available'. Simply, how do I report them, and to who?

Hi, I've just terminated a rent agreement for a residential property that was under a business let with my own company - was accommodation used whilst contracting away for home. The letting agency are being quite difficult about the cleanliness of the property when I moved out, even though I cleaned extensively and left it in good condition (I've been renting and letting my own property for 15 years and I have never seen anything better, tbh). However, their inspection has revealed some dust and a few other items that could be attended to. They are asking for around £250 for what is, at most, a couple of hours work!? They are also asking for the carpets to be "professionally cleaned" and will not accept that anybody other than a "professional cleaner" is able to do this, even though this is not in the contract. FYI, there are no stains on the carpets and they are in good condition, as described in their own checkout report. Additionally, the carpets are not suitable for using a wet vacuum cleaner and I suspect that the only option is normal vacuuming (which I have already done) and the application of dry cleaning powder of some description. Of course, they have refused to detailed what professional cleaning actually entails and there is nothing about this in my contract. How can I challenge this requirement? I have offered to do the work myself or via a local friend (I do not normally live locally), but they have refused to let anybody other than a professional cleaning company back into the property - they reason that this is because my agreement has now ended. The only alternative they have provided is that I may source a "professional cleaner" of my own instead of using theirs. I'm not aversed to spending some money to put this right, but the amount that has been proposed is absurd for the work that actually needs to be done. I've lived there on my own for a little over 8 months, returning to my main residence every weekend, and basically only using the property for a small amount of the day. Throughout that time I have treated it like my own home and kept it very tidy/clean. I appreciate that there may only be limited options to resolve this dispute - the letting agency has no interest in compromising, despite my efforts to come to a reasonable agreement with them. Would appreciate any input from those with experience as, beyond getting a third party to clean, I am not sure where to go next. Thanks, J

Hello, can anyone help? I had an old telephone bill with BT that I was originally paying £1 a month to clear. I agreed to pay the full amount on the 08/11/14 but when I telephoned the company I had made this agreement with they had already sent it back to BT and then BT have sold it onto another debt recovery agency which has now effected my credit score. Is there anything I can do about this? Thanks

An acquaintance has today been contacted by a DCA and I found their approach unprofessional / bordering on harassment. My acquaintance was severely upset by their behaviour and attitude. I would appreciate your advice on the general situation (though not necessarily the rightness or wrongness of either party's claims). Is there anything my acquaintance should be doing at this point or should they be awaiting further contact? I am not a lawyer. Context: This acquaintance is a director of a limited liability company (A). That limited liability company paid for services from a third-party (the supposed creditor - B) and in turn had an exclusive franchise for a specific region. The understanding was that the franchise was perpetual and of a similar form to all other franchises provided by B. All contracts / agreements were oral though there is c10 years of historic precedent supporting the existence and nature of those arrangements. Approximately 2 years ago B decided to disenfranchise A and enfranchise a new third party (as it was financially beneficial for B to do so) thereby ending A's sole revenue stream. At that time, an agreement was reached with B that an alternative franchise would be provided though that never materialised. A may have owed B a low five figure sum for services rendered before the termination of the franchise. Following negotiations, as no new franchise was provided, it was understood by A that any sums owed to B were to be cancelled. None of those discussions, or details of sums owed are documented. B did not subsequently send requests for payment. Currently, A has negligible assets and six figure liabilities (including a significant debt to my acquaintance). Any sums owed by A to B were unsecured. Both B and my acquaintance have not been in contact for over 18 months and no requests for payment have been received in that time. Today, a DCA contacted my acquaintance informing them that they required immediate payment. DCA are a small firm (3 family members) and, as far as I can tell, are legitimate - they have a website and no negative media results. From their website, I cannot however determine their company number or if they are a member of any trade associations. As part of the 45 minute conversation between my acquaintance and DCA DCA said: 1) Threatened my acquaintance with criminal prosecution and a potential jail sentence for robbery 2) Spoke in legalese referencing c15 different forms and procedures with no intent (/ability) to explain 3) Had no knowledge of the arrangements between A and B 4) Assumed that my acquaintance was fully liable for A's debts and repeatedly stated that claim 5) Became forceful / insistent to the extent that my acquaintance burst into tears I have recommended that, next time they make contact, my acquaintance do the following: 1) Request they contact them in writing 2) Request that they stop contacting by phone 3) End the conversation at that point 4) Note key details of the conversation Any advice would be hugely appreciated given the distress my acquaintance is experiencing. Thanks, Ben

Hi there all. I have a question regarding my account. I had a Virgin Money Account which I was paying off interest only for, for a significant time and one i had PPI on. I was paying minimum payment for some time which meant interest and charges only on it. My business failed earlier this year and I am only now coming out the other side with a salary again. The account has been sold to IDEM and noodle gives the following information. Idem Capital Securities £ 4,471 22/09/2014 Default Name nnnnn Address nnnnnnn Date of birth nnnnnnn Account type Credit Card Account number ******6888 0 Account start date 09/05/2008 Opening balance £ 4,471 Regular payment £ £ 1 Repayment frequency Monthly Date of default 28/02/2014 Default balance £ 4,471 I am now being contacted by Westcot about it daily and in letters. I would like some advice please. 1 - It seems I can still approach Virgin/MBNA about PPI and charges on this card as I believe i have a claim that may be valid. Do I contact westcot and advise them that I will be contacting them or not? 2 - What should be my next plan? I have no issue paying this debt off but i see all this stuff about CCA requests and SAR requests etc a nd I am not sure what I should do, I can ring them up and offer £200 a month not an issue. 3 - Do they have any legal right for me to disclose my financial details to them as in income and outgoings - i can see from other threads that IDEM seem to think that they are in their rights to ask lots however I don't know what westcot will want from me. Thanks in advance!

Hi all I am new to this me and my wife about 12 years ago got offered credits cards and loans when we were on benefits which doesn't make good lending sense the loan and credit cards were used up as we were young and had just decided to have a family we were very silly with our money at the time and have now learnt a very valuable lesson and do have good control of money matters now apart from these debts. we had the interest stopped many years ago and have had several debt companies take it on and we have kept up the payments which have been anything from £1 per month to £5 per month which has changed throughout the years. at the moment cabot and Aktiv Kapital. aktiv Kapital have the bank account which was overdrawn due to the payment which was setup to be taken for the loan that came out of that bank account and the amount is around £286.00 at the moment there is 3 other accounts which cabot have which are credit card around £2600 credit card around £1000 loan around £8000 these amounts are estimates as cant remember the exact amounts off the top of my head. all the accounts were with lloyds tsb A few weeks ago I sent requesting the CCA for each account with £1 postal order for the credit cards and loans I didn't do anything for the bank account as I wasn't sure this would qualify under the same thing. I had a letter back from cabot for 2 of the accounts saying they have requested the information (I guess from tsb/Lloyds bank) and that they are fairly certain they will gain the information needed but will reply within 40 days but I clearly stated the 12 days in my cca letter. it has now gone passed the 12 days + 2 days and I haven't had any other contact from them. im really looking for guidance as what to do next do I send anymore letters and is there any templates I can use etc. I was hoping to clear all the debts with f&f offers I have about £1500 to do this with if possible as me and my wife would like to be debt free if we can. Also if I do make f+f offers should these be made in writing and is there any template letters I could use and what 10% offer should I start with. any advise would be greatly appreciated we just want to Be debt free once and for all.

Hi, I work at a company order picking through an agency, I've been there 14 weeks and after 12 weeks my pay went up to what everyone else is on who works there. The people employed by the company and not the agency are getting time and a half or double time for working today (bank holiday monday 25th Aug 2014), I rang the agency on Friday just gone and asked them would I be getting any extra pay for working it and they said no, you will just be getting your normal rate. I said fair enough and hung up. Surely when getting equal pay/treatment after the 12 weeks, I should be entitled to the same pay (double or time and a half) like the actual employees are getting? We all do the same job, order picking. Thanks.

Hello, I have been working with an agency over the last year and have been paid £65 a day working 5 days a week in a school. I have just been given holiday pay at lower rates of pay (∼£60 per day for one week and ∼£50 for the next). I've looked into this and to calculate how much pay you get on holiday they look at your average pay over 12 weeks disregarding weeks off (which I would of had for half term). I worked for 2 days on the last week because the term finished on a Tuesday. Is this why Im being paid less as it bring down the average? if so is this fair? Its not my fault I couldn't work the rest of the week. Surely they should take an average of a FULL working week.