Debt collection agency chasing me for money not owed.

[johny2jags]

We have received 2 letters from a company called CCI Legal for a debt that isn't actually our debt. When we first received the letter I called CCI Legal to query it and they went on to tell me that the company the debt was initially for was XYZ Ltd - not our company. The debt is apparently for web hosting for a domain name we have recently bought. CCI Legal are acting on behalf of Fasthosts Internet Ltd, we have never had (and now never will have) a contract with them. Because we now have the domain name they seem to think chasing us for money owed to them by the previous owners is acceptable - which it obviously isn't.

The domain name we bought was in the public domain and we have never heard or ever dealt with XYZ Ltd either.

I'm quickly getting fed up with dealing with this now, it's stressful and taking up far too much of my time - I intend on calling them once again tomorrow to make sure that we are not connected with the debt and to stop chasing us for it. The latest letter is threatening court action if the debt isn't settled in the next few day.

Now my question is... If I spend anymore time on this can I legally send them an invoice for my time that I'm spending on this?

Many thanks

 

[MH1]

Don't bother replying by phone, write or email them, explaining the situation, and request all other communication is made in writing ONLY.

Then forget about it. If the debt is being chased for another company it will never go anywhere, except to another DCA, you could try writing to the company who has asked the DCA to act on their behalf, but most do not seem to do anything.

 

[johny2jags]

Thanks for your response!

This is what I don't understand, I accept another company could have owned the domain name and had it hosted with Fasthosts, but now I own the domain name how can they connect the both of us? - we are two completely different ltd companies, have no connection with the other company (directors, address etc)?

These people are a pain! The last letter threatening court action pricked my ears up because of the implications it could have if the judge has an off day and awards the case to them.

 

[dal]

Threatening legal action is a scare tactic. If you have done nothing wrong then do not fret. They can do nothing.
As mentioned writing only; don't waste time with calls. Issue one letter back stating facts. Don't bother replying to any more letters after that. Issue the letter via recorded delivery and keep proof of it and that it was delivered. You're covered then.
In your letter state that should they take you to court you will issue a counterclaim, and be charging say £50 or whatever you wish for each letter dealt with after that; but don't bother sending any unless they actually issue a court date; which they won't.
They might try a few more letters but they're just trying their luck. You don't need to worry.

 

[kulture]

I agree with most of all the above posts. All I will add is that if they do actually take you to court, turn up. Defend your case. Do not let them win by default.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

Write to them recorded delivery. Tell them the debt is not yours, that you recently purchsed the domain name, and prior to that have had no connection. Tell them that if they attempt to collect this debt from you again that you will report the matter as illegal harrassment, which is in direct breach of the terms of their consumer credit licence.

Send a copy to fasthosts legal department, and tell them that if they cause you any more mental anguish, that you will be seeking compensation from BOTH parties.

You shouldn't hear from them again (other than to say matter closed.)

It is important you involve fasthosts, as it is they who are issuing instructions. (although they may have sold the debt on)

 

[Clarkmans]

Hi

I would suggest you send one final letter and in addition to defending the claim advise them that you will apply for an injunction to prevent harassment against them/their client if they continue to chase the debt. you should point out you will be claiming legal costs from them if you are forced to apply for an injunction. You should also advise that you will not be entering into any further correspondence with them.

If they do not agree with what you are saying then they should issue proceedings and not continue to harass you. If they issue against your company you will need to defend the claim but based on what you have said they do not have any claim against you.

Hopefully a threatening letter will be enough to stop the harassment. If not make a note of when the call and keep a copy of any further letters just in case you do need to take matters further. You will not need to respond to any further letters though.