DWP passed alleged debt to debt collectors

[Narohboat]

Hi, over the past few years, i've received letters from the DWP stating that i owe them £2561. Apparently the debt dates back to circa 1996/8.

I have no knowledge of this debt and when i contacted the DWP to ask them to prove the debt, they couldn't provide proof.

I therefore ignored it.

Last week i received a letter from a debt collecting company stating they had been hired by the DWP to recover the debt.

Before i contact this company i was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.

I should have stated from the beginning that i have always lived in Scotland and the debt collectors are an English Company. Akinika i think.

Thanks in advance,

Bern.

[lelu19uk]

If you have never acknowledged this debt. Surely it will b statue barred now. I wudnt reply or contact them at all. Sounds like a spoof really.

 

Someone with more knowledge shud b along later.

[Narohboat]

Thanks for your help

[Crocdoc]

Th fact that the collection agent is based in England makes no difference and they are entitled to contact you. However it would appear that the DWP do not intend to raise any type of action or they wold have done so by now. It is important to remember that debt collectors are only private limited companies who make nosies and nothing more. Rule A is of course NEVER IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ENGAGE WITH DEBT COLLECTORS OVER THE TELEPHONE. iF THEY CALL YOU ALWAYS REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH DATE OF BIRTH OR POSTCODE ETC.

 

If I were you I would write to the collection agent (Recorded delivery) requesting full details of their claim including specific dates, you will most likely find that they do not have this information, if this is the case they should refer it back to the DWP for clarification.

 

It is always difficult to give precise and detailed responses to posts when we don't know what the claim relates too. Nevertheless we need to start somewhere.

 

I hope this information is of some assistance

[Crocdoc]

If you have never acknowledged this debt. Surely it will b statue barred now. I wudnt reply or contact them at all. Sounds like a spoof really.

 

Someone with more knowledge shud b along later.

 

I am not sure about SB with debts owing to the state (This is being looked into ) Fist of all we need further details of the claim.

[leigh04]

It wont be 100% Stat barred, dwp can and will collect if you ever have benefit in the future, it just means they cant persue you through court at this time or in the future

[SWLABR9]

I'd be getting lawyered up it that's at all possible. Certainly talk to the CAB and ask your MP to look into this on your behalf.

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

DWP debt no longer can become statute barred the Welfare Reform Act 2012 Section 108 which came into force on March 8th 2012 refers.

The DWP can make deduction from any current and future benefits.

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

It will NOT go away!!!

[Narohboat]

Thanks, this information is extremely helpful.

[Narohboat]

Thank you, most helpful.

[Crocdoc]

DWP debt no longer can become statute barred the Welfare Reform Act 2012 Section 108 which came into force on March 8th 2012 refers.

The DWP can make deduction from any current and future benefits.

 

Thanks fot that, this is what I was looking into but could not for the life of me remember the detail.

[Narohboat]

Cheers

[Narohboat]

I've written to Akinika asking for specific details of the debt. Thanks

[dx100uk]

contact dwp.

 

certainly never pay a fleecing dca.

 

dx