Strange knock at the door by Arrow Global, new law?

[pookeymonkey]

I was on the phone to Mrs Pookey who was at home this morning when the doorbell rang. She answered it to be met by a man with an electronic note pad who asked for me by name and wheter I lived there.

 

She said I wasn't around at the moment, but never confirmed that this was my address. She then asked him who he was and what he wanted.

 

He said he was from Arrow Global, and he was trying to confirm that I lived at this address as they had to confirm my address before sending letters due to a new law? Does anyone know of any new law he may be refering to?

 

I am worried now he may have been trying to serve a Statutory Demand!

 

 

 

I have already had dealings with Arrow Global when MBNA sold my account to them who passed it to Marlin/Mortimer Clarke for collection. I sent a CCA and recieved an illegeble application form and no T&Cs.

 

There was a lot of letters sent to and fro and them a court claim arrived. This was discontinued before I submitted a defence due to a mystery co defendant appearing on the claim form.

 

The last I heard was almost exactly a year ago when MC wrote threatening to take me to court again and promising to supply the proper CCA paperwork.

 

 

 

You can tell its Christmas. In the last 2 weeks I've had a Court claim from CL Finance and all sorts of letters from other DCAs that have been quiet for months!

 

Happy Christmas

 

Pookey

[PGH7447]

Dont know about a new law, but you are right about the Christmas activity, I have had 2 new pondlife on my case in the past week, still I was starting to feel left out with no new playmates around

[upto the eyeballs]

Looks like the pond life creatures are collecting for their Xmas party & bonus scheme.

 

Or perhaps they have some new telephone monkeys starting in the new year in need of some new leads!

[ScarletPimpernel]

I suspect that the caller was bullsh1tting; I'd have asked which statute law he was referring to (there isn't one, of course). It's almost certainly a ploy to make contact and to apply psychological pressure.

 

As far as Christmas is concerned, again I suspect that the amateur psychologists at the DCAs are involve. Firstly, people are likely to have put money aside for Christmas, so the DCAs will see it as a target. Secondly, Christmas is seen as a special time, and a time for family and friends. It is also a very stressful time for many people. What better time for a DCA to suggest a payment plan, or threaten action unless payment is made, so you can relieve yourself of worry and have a nice time?

 

Anyway, as far as doorstep callers are confirmed I would take the following action:

 

1. Ask to see an identity card.

2. Take the card, tell the caller you are going to vefify his ID, shut the door, and phone the company. Ask them to confirm that the individual is employed by them.

3. If the company verifies the ID, tell the caller that you've verified their identity, but don't see callers without appointment, and ask them to leave at once or you will call the police.

4. If the caller leaves, follow up by writing to the company confirming that you will deal in writing only.

5. If the company refuses or is unable to verify the identity, or if the caller refuses to leave, call the police and inform them that you suspect that a burglary artifice/fraud is in progress and the offender is on the premises. If the caller leaves during this process, retain the ID card for police.

6. If the caller refuses to let go of his ID, tell him that as you are unable to satisfactorily verify his identity, you will call the police unless he leaves immediately and does not return.

 

Any unwanted caller who lurks in a car should similarly be reported for suspicious behaviour.

[cerberusalert]

Any unwanted caller who lurks in a car should similarly be reported for suspicious behaviour.

 

You should add that there are children playing around in the area and that he seems to be taking an 'unusual' interest!

[banker_rhymes_with]

You should add that there are children playing around in the area and that he seems to be taking an 'unusual' interest!

 

...and don't forget to say the Car has misted up, and the creep seems to be doing something unspeakable down by his (gear) knob!

 

Cheers,

BRW

[ODC]

Of course you could also tell him that the person he wishes to see is unavailable and suggest they return on Coronation Day.

[geministar2007]

thanks for step by step scralet. I have just wrote that down just incase i ever need it.

[willtheywontthey]

also made a note - many thanks - good advice!!

[FANTASY CHARGES]

if you want to make a complaint about these people

 

our complaints procedure and how to complain

[loobyloo85]

Hi

 

I have been made aware that the creditors can always come to your home to chase for outstanding money, but was not aware they could do so just to confirm an address! I am in a debt management plan myself. x

[sillygirl1]

There is no law as far as I know, it's a new tactic which seems to be right up MBNA's alley (and a very dark murkey one it is too... IMHO). They do stoop to new lows, don't they, one day they will see their own rear orifice due to overstooping.....

[sillygirl1]

Hi

 

I have been made aware that the creditors can always come to your home to chase for outstanding money, but was not aware they could do so just to confirm an address! I am in a debt management plan myself. x

 

Whoever made you aware of this is talking porkies, there is NO law which states they have a right to come knocking, in fact there is implied law for the very opposite, its in the OFT guidelines that they may ask for an appointment and if one is not given then they have no right to visit. These people have less right than the pizza delivery person to ask for money on your doorstep.

 

If somebody does come along there is a letter in the templates you can print out and hand to them. Somebody will be along shortly to tell you what the wording is.

 

One day the law will catch up with these idiots who misquote it....

[loobyloo85]

Thanks for letting me know x

[blipvert]

heres the wording

 

Furthermore, should it be 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 English 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 action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance.

 

so tell'em to bugger orf...

 

ps: here's the recommended letter for a written bugger orf..

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/letter-templates/131334-dca-response-threats-home.html

Edited December 17, 2008 by blipvert
addition of recommended action

[pookeymonkey]

Thanks for all the posts, cheered me up no end!

 

Can't believe someone from a DCA actually turned up, after over 2 years of different companies threatening to! And to top it all I missed them (today was my first day back at work for over 2 weeks).

 

Was quite shocked at first (as was Mrs Pookey), as I mentioned earlier I was on the phone to her at the time and could hear everything that was said!

 

Not worried now, as people have said just pre Christmas DCA bully tactics.

 

I'm going to sent a complaint to Arrow Global though just to give them a bit of a warning not to bother coming back!

 

Thanks loads,

 

Pookey

Edited December 17, 2008 by pookeymonkey
my computer had a funny 5 minutes and put all the text in one block!

[Von Greenbach]

I have been made aware that the creditors can always come to your home to chase for outstanding money

Who told you this?

[ODC]

Who told you this?

Obviously some ill trained Call Centre Threat Monkey.