JB Debt Collection

[vickyvalentine]

Hi there I wonder if anyone can please help - and apologies ifyou have had questions like this before!

 

I am at work so can't search the forum as well as I'd like to.

 

I had a shoplifting incident with Boots, in October 2011.

 

I received and ignored various letters from RLP, acting on behalf of Boots.

 

It appears my debt has now been passed to JB Debt Collection, who have texted me asking me to contact them urgently (this is the first time I've heard from them).

 

Should I interact with them?

Ignore them?

Pay up?

 

I've happily ignored the RLP letters as I understand they cannot enforce payment, but this is my first time dealing with a debt collection agency.

 

Any tips would be welcome,

 

thank you ~

 

Vicky

[Conniff]

If RLP had anything on you they would have gone directly to court not handed it to a debt collector to try his luck.

 

Don't contact them.

[Zonker]

In my experience, jb overlook little things like security questions to establish identity before talking to you on phone..shows you how they operate.

[count orlok]

If the RLP cannot be enforced (I'm not sure of this, just saying that if this is the case) by Boots, then it certainly can't be by JB Debt Collection.

 

As for interacting with them, certainly do not phone or text them. If they haven't written to you there is nothing to do yet. If they do write they are not worth the price of a stamp (especially since they are going up) but you could drop them an email if you consider not answering peoples letters as being rude.

Edited April 3, 2012 by count orlok

[vickyvalentine]

thanks everyone, that's reassuring! I will keep an eye on them though.

[dx100uk]

moved to the RLP forum

 

totally ignore them!!

 

dx

[2Grumpy]

An email saying that you deny any liability to them or their clients and reminding them that demanding payment where no debt exists is a serious matter should do the trick better than ignoring as they might be persistent

[rebel11]

Hi Vicky

 

How did they get your mobile number? It's worth reading the CAB reports on RLP.

[vickyvalentine]

Hi Vicky

 

How did they get your mobile number? It's worth reading the CAB reports on RLP.

 

Hi Rebel - sadly I gave the security guard my moblie number, on the form I was asked to complete in-store. I now know I didn't have to do this, but at the time was rather panick stricken and decided that compliance was the best way forward!... VV

[ScarletPimpernel]

I'd send JB a letter that leaves them in no doubt as to your position:

 

Dear Sirs

 

Re: Retail Loss Prevention

 

I refer to the text messages you have sent to my mobile phone on (dates).

 

Retail Loss Prevention's claim is in relation to a speculative invoice, which is not a legitimate debt. Take notice, therefore, that I dispute that I am liable for any debt to Retail Loss Prevention or any company they claim to represent, on the grounds that no legitimate debt exists.

 

In the circumstances I consider your demands for payment to constitute a breach of the Office of Fair Trading's Debt Collection Guidance, in that you are attempting to use psychological pressure to force me to pay a debt I do not owe. Any further demands will be construed as harassment and reported accordingly.

 

I trust that my position is now clear. If you do not understand any part of this letter, you should seek professional help. No further correspondence will be entered into.

 

Yours etc.

 

[vickyvalentine]

Hi all

 

After ignoring the many text messages from JB Debt Recovery, they have now written to me:

 

"As we have had no response from you regarding this outstanding account,

please be advised that we may now pass this debt to a third party.

 

They should be in contact within the next few weeks to arrange a mutually convenient time to call on you.

 

This action can be prevented by contacting our offices within seven (7) days of receipt of this letter.

 

To avoid action contact us immediately on telephone number 0141 [...]. "

 

from the Pre Litigation Department.

 

Should I pay up? I am worried they are going to send someone around to my house!...

 

Thanks all

 

Vicky

[Sidewinder]

Did you send the suggested letter in Post #10?

 

Basically this is all part of the merry go round and you are not obliged to deal with JB or anybody else, but if you haven't already,

you might want to consider sending that note and add to it a demand that they cease processing your personal data as is your right under Section 10 of the Data Protection Act and that should they not desist, or should they further pass your details to any other organisation, you will take the matter up with the Information Commissioner. For the avoidance of doubt you also remove the implied right for them or anybody representing them to visit you at your house.

[vickyvalentine]

Hi Sidewinder

 

No I didn't send the reply as suggested; I didn't want to break my silence! I don't know why but it seemed like a "good" idea at the time, plus I am very good at burying my head in the sand... I will put together a letter using the previous suggested text and also the bit you added in. Hopefully they will stuff off soon!

 

Thanks

Vicky