mackenzie hall?

Question

it started about 3 months ago. i recieved a letter from this company saying i owe money because they thought i had got finance out at a bank. i do not know nothing about this as i have a bad credit rating so i cannot get finance.anyway i dont have a job, and i told them this 3 months ago and i said i would see them in court as i have nothing to hide. i heard nothing for 3 months and then i get a letter today from them saying they will reduce settlement offer. it has freaked me out because i have heard this company are complete arseholes. they say they may take it to court and they could get attachment of earnings as i dont work that dont matter but they say they may get someone from the court to sieze my assets or a petition may be lodged for my bankruptcy(if applicable) what should i do, this company has been taken to trade and standards quite a few times and even the police have been involved in this company.

they say it is because i have had finance out at a bank i have never had finance out at a bank,

thanks everybody

Answer 1

Hi Adeline.

I assume you are in the UK.

First of all don't panic.

I think at this stage you need to ask them to produce the evidence.

They cannot simply write to you and demand money with threats to take you to court, it is unlawful for them to do so.

Write to them and ask for full details of the alleged transaction, state that you are giving them 14 days to reply. Should they fail to provide full details which includes the date(s) of the transactions, the finance agreement with your signature on it or other documents allegedly signed by you.

If they do not provide this evidence then make it clear you will treat their conduct as demanding money with menaces and will be reported to the police.

One of two things will normally happen, they will provide the evidence or leave you alone.

If you are a victim of identity theft then report it to the police.

You are also covered by the Protection from Harrassment Act.

If bailiffs do turn up tell them to get a warrant of entry, They cannot force their way into your home and you do not have to admit them if you don't want to unless they have one. A police officer should also be present, if not ask for one to be present.

In any event you should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible.

Good luck

Answer 2

Having googled Mackenzie Hall, it appears they are a company that buy old debts from companies and then chases them.

So think back, why have you got a bad credit rating - is it because you have left a debt somewhere? These people may have bought it from the original company, if it is an actual debt that you are still liable for then they have the right to chase it.

If I were you I would go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and get some advice, they usually have debt advisers who would be able to help you.

Answer 3

There are a number of people who could help you and it might be easier to deal with them direct, as they can prompt you by asking you questions so that you are sure that you have covered everything. Sometimes in a panicky situation like this you might overlook one important detail.

Many Citizens Advice Bureaux are able to deal with money advice and debt problems. If it is a very complicated case they will usually be able to refer you to a money advice specialist. This may be a solicitor or insolvency practitioner. You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau in the telephone directory or by going to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Help is also available through Money Advice Centres or Law Centres. Ask at the local library if there is one near you or get the address and telephone number from the telephone directory.

The National Debt Line can give free information to people living in England and Wales. It also provides an information pack on dealing with debt. The line is available on Monday to Friday 9.00 to 9.00 and on Saturday 9.30. to 1.00. The National Debtline telephone number is: 0808 808 4000 and the website address is www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.

AdviceUK is a large network of advice-providing organisations. Their contact details are available on their website www.adviceuk.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7407 4070.

Make sure that if there are any court hearings you attend them, however distressing, as otherwise a judgment could be given against you in your absence.

I wish you all the very best and hope that things will look up for you shortly.

Answer 4

If you have GBP 30 to spare, sue them in County Court -- or https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp
You get the GBP 30 back if you win so long as you ask for it.

The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help.

If you write to Mackenzie always do so by recorded delivery. Warn them that you seem to be the vicitm of identity theft and that they are now complicit in this crime and equally liable with the perpetrator.

Good luck