Debt Collector Adressed to Me - but for Someone Else???

LGT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 07:54
Last edited 03/04/2018 - 08:56 by 1 other user

I got a letter yesterday addressed to me for the postage side of things, But when i opened it was attention-ed to someone else saying they are acting on behalf of QBE and they have been instructed to recover the cost of repairs to thier insured vehicle.

I recognize the number plate as a car i bought a a few months back as a run around for a few weeks then sold. but the Incident date on the letter is 11/2016! over 2 years ago…. I assume they got my details from RMS before i sold it but surely they could see that i didn't own it 2 years ago…

Its asking me to contact someone with a reference about it… So should i call or ignore?

The company is Austral Mercantile collections

Can only assume there fishing for info from me..

Automotive

Comments

  • whooah1979 on 01/04/2018 - 07:56
    +16

    So should i call or ignore?

    No. Ignore it. They’re phishing for information.

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 08:02

      Thought so but not happy there sending me stuff like this.. I know i am 100% safe regarding them deciding to pursue me just a shock to open it and see my name then someone elses… And it being 2 years ago! like really?

      • tyvod on 01/04/2018 - 08:13

        If they’re legitimate company then I would call them and send a proof that it’s been closed. You don’t want a credit default for what you’ve already paid. But if they are not a legitimate company then just ignore it.

        • whooah1979 on 01/04/2018 - 08:47
          +1

          Op has stated that they weren’t the registered operator at the time of the collision. The letter of demand was also not addressed to op.

        • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 08:48
          +3

          "proof that it’s been closed" Whats been closed?
          "You don’t want a credit default for what you’ve already paid" Did you read my post??

        • knk on 03/04/2018 - 08:18

          A mate of mine had a default for a guy who happened to have the same name as him applied to him.

          It was an absolute nightmare to resolve, took him weeks and weeks and delayed the purchase of a house.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2018 - 08:59
          +1

          OP can't get a credit default, as the debt collector doesn't have access to the credit file. There is no contractual agreement between OP and debt collector or the company they represent which would allow such access. This is not America. The only way this could happen is if there is a court order against OP.

      • cloudy on 01/04/2018 - 08:23
        +1

        The company seems legit. Might wanna contact them about it, legit companies don’t phish when they have proven to know some of ur details.

        • Diji1 on 01/04/2018 - 11:31
          +7

          Many of Australia's largest and most profitable businesses are serial law breakers so I'm not sure what you mean by legit.

        • cloudy on 01/04/2018 - 21:08
          +1

          @Diji1:

          I'll answer to the troll, but seriously unneccessary

          not-legit = african scammers.

          I've not known one single organisation that hasnt broken some law, even Government organisations have. That doesnt make them non-legit.

        • radicalhaqer on 03/04/2018 - 08:38
          -1

          "not-legit = african scammers."

          Firstly Africa is a bloody big continent and secondly, there are thousands of scams that happen right here in Australia by Australians. So, prefixing a whole continent to the word scam is plain ignorance and naive.

          Not-Legit = Scammers

        • radicalhaqer on 03/04/2018 - 08:39

          @cloudy:

          "not-legit = african scammers."

          Firstly Africa is a bloody big continent and secondly, there are thousands of scams that happen right here in Australia by Australians. So, prefixing a whole continent to the word scam is plain ignorance and naive.

          Not-Legit = Scammers

        • downbythecreek on 03/04/2018 - 10:11

          @radicalhaqer: Nigerian or African Scam is a common term for an online phishing attempt via email, regardless of where in the world it comes from, this is because these types of scams originated in Nigeria.
          They were referring to the specific type of attempt, not suggesting that Africa is the only place that has scammers…

        • cloudy on 03/04/2018 - 16:06

          @radicalhaqer:

          Wow wee, chill pill.

          If trying to be generally helpful gets these sort of responses I’ll give up my login.

          Sorry everyone I can’t distinctively define legitimate company to a online phishing, but hey, even the ACCC talks in vague terms when describing scams.

          One of the main differences, I am tying to point out is, if the company has a solid business presence, which this company has. And if they are real, and large, and in business for a long time doing what it claims to do, one should probably contact them and sort it out or else shit might happen.

          Diving into semantics about how I describe them isn’t helping anyone.

        • radicalhaqer on 03/04/2018 - 18:06

          @cloudy:

          "Diving into semantics about how I describe them isn’t helping anyone."

          I have heard "Nigerian scam" but never "African" scam. I am assuming since Nigeria is part of an African continent, you've lumped the whole continent with it. I may be wrong but at the moment it looks more like it. I totally agree with your statement it is not helping anyone but it is surely how stereotype gets created. Maybe it was not your intention but unfortunately that's how ignorance works.

        • radicalhaqer on 03/04/2018 - 18:14

          @shtgnjns:

          I am sorry but no "African Scam" isn't a common term but "Nigerian Scam" is. This is exactly why i wanted to point out that this idea of "African Scam" comes from ignorance which is, because Nigeria is an African continent well lets call it "African Scam" intentionally or unintentionally. Africa consists of 54 countries just imagine how idiotic it is to lump the whole continent to describe a scam which originated from one specific country.

        • cloudy on 04/04/2018 - 17:48

          @radicalhaqer:

          Wow, so what you have heard is the only correct form hey? It’s ok to say Nigerian scam but not African because that’s what you have heard. Ok bro, ur the centre of knowledge.

          And to say I am ignorant for calling a continent a scam, but it seems ok for you to narrow down to a country, makes it so much better in ur books I guess. Pot calling the kettle black much.

        • radicalhaqer on 04/04/2018 - 20:39

          @cloudy:

          This is what said "Not-Legit = Scammers", plz go back and read my comment. Never did I implied directly or indirectly that it is ok to say "Nigerian Scam" or any country specific. The reason I've mentioned "Nigerian scam" is because most likely your claim of "African scam" comes from ignorance that "Oh! Nigeria is an African country so Nigerian scam or African scam is one and the same".

          You're reading my comments but NOT really reading to understand but to mindlessly defend yourself. We all are ignorant in someway or form but being wilful ignorant is rather dangerous for oneself and others too.

  • Ocker on 01/04/2018 - 08:29
    +2

    Doh - so what is wrong with calling them and explaining the situation? Provided of course you are telling the truth!

    • whooah1979 on 01/04/2018 - 08:43
      +4

      Op doesn’t have to. The letter of demand isn’t addressed to op.

      when i opened it was attention-ed to someone else

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 08:58
      +4

      Telling the Truth? Owned the car for a few weeks in January 2018 Then sold it weeks later. Letter send to me with someone else name on it for an accident that happened 2 years earlier…

      "what is wrong with calling them and explaining the situation?" Well considering they got my details from RMS (Assuming) they should be able to see who registered the car in 2016 and they should be able to see that i transferred it in 2018. They clearly know the name of the person who was driving as its attention-ed to them but posted to me!!!! so why should i have to call them it has nothing to do with me at all.

      Call goes like this

      Them:Hi you bought a car a few months ago…
      Me:Yes!
      Them:It was in an accident 2 years ago
      Me:OK
      Them: It wasn't registered to you at the time but we got your details and decided to contact you out of the blue
      Me:Why?
      Them: Ummmmmmmmmmmm

      • Ridiculous Panda on 03/04/2018 - 09:58

        This reply is actually the best answer to your original post!

  • altomic on 01/04/2018 - 08:50

    I got a letter yesterday

    you got a letter on saturday?

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 09:00
      +11

      Yes.. It was in my letterbox i don't check it every day… could have been there for a week

  • rompastompa on 01/04/2018 - 09:24
    +1

    11/2016! over 2 years ago

    I think you mean under two years.. In fact, it's closer to one year than two years.

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 09:38

      Yes your correct…

  • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 09:38
    +1

    Here is a picture of the letter https://ibb.co/kjinKn

    • whooah1979 on 01/04/2018 - 09:49
      +2

      This is the cheapest way for them to get more information. You’re not required to reply to their request.

    • chumlee on 01/04/2018 - 10:59
      +1

      It doesn't say they are seeking to recover costs from you so just ignore it for now

      • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 11:03
        +2

        Yea i know… Just don't understand why companies like this feel they have the right to send "legal-ish" letters to people that have nothing to do with a debt.Yes i can just throw away but its still frustrating that i got it in the first place.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 01/04/2018 - 09:58
    +1

    I've been contacted by telephone with regards to the debt of a relative's boyfriend. Unlike in your case, I never discovered how they found my number.

    Off-topic, but I've recently decided that a private call blocker (with answering machine) has almost become a necessity. It's frustrating that a lot of medical facilities, for example, use private numbers, but they would normally at least leave a message.

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 10:10

      I just don't understand why they would address it to me, And the first line is Dear Ma#### #####

      They know it has nothing to do with me hence why its Not my name there addressing the document to only using my details to send to me. Weird!

  • Icecold5000 on 01/04/2018 - 10:56
    +20

    Send a letter back requesting that any assistance will attract a admin fee of $50 plus a consultancy fee of $150 per hour with a minimum charge of two hours all of which needs to be paid in advance. Your time is valuable so act accordingly.

    • GT2016 on 01/04/2018 - 10:58
      +1

      I like that idea….

      • Icecold5000 on 01/04/2018 - 15:30
        +3

        Any further communication either verbal, fax, email or by letter shall be deemed to be acceptance of these term with the following conditions:

        A) GT2016 reserves the right to unilaterally amend or alter the term of the contract.
        B) QBE insurance and its agents shall pay all of GT2016 legal costs reasonable or unreasonable in connection with the contract
        C) QBE and its agents shall be liable to pay the consultancy fee five working days from the acceptance of this contract. Failure to do so will result in and penalty of $200 per day with an administration fee of $50 per day in addition to an interest rate of 15% per day.

        • knobbs on 01/04/2018 - 16:35
          +2

          I think I should consult Icecold for any future letters I receive.

        • Icecold5000 on 01/04/2018 - 18:09

          @knobbs:

          Send it to QBE by registered post by way of your lawyer. It'll probably get lost and hopefully they will contact you again….

          Don't forget to post here with the result.

        • Daabido on 03/04/2018 - 09:13

          $250 a day plus 15% interest per day! That's a mighty fine return.

  • KangaBanga on 01/04/2018 - 11:03

    Would just use it to start the fire for my BBQ smoker.

  • Randxyz123 on 01/04/2018 - 15:02
    +6

    Just cross our your address and write “Not at this address RTS” in pen and it’ll go back to the collector.

    • Euphemistic on 03/04/2018 - 12:45

      and they'll send another. I've been sending back letter for a previous owner of our house for a couple of years now, not the owner we bought from, but one that has now been out of the house over 6 years. They keep coming. After a few of them I read through the envelope (without opening, but I know it's wrong) that she owes around $75k. No wonder they keep persisting.

      • Randxyz123 on 03/04/2018 - 13:30

        It should. I’d call the company in that case and ask them to stop.

  • eggles01 on 01/04/2018 - 16:26

    look up the contact details of the collector and either ring or look up the company they work for and send an email to them asking them for more details,if it is not delivered to their email address your email will be delivered back to your address meaning it is a scam to rip you off,I looked up the info on a personal loan and within 48 hrs I had about 10-15 replies from various so called finance companies all in my spam

  • Almost Banned on 01/04/2018 - 16:29
    +1

    Some idiot clearly doesn't understand how to use 'without prejudice' correctly.
    What exactly could be the prejudice in this letter?

  • Aussie Smurfette on 02/04/2018 - 08:24
    +1

    Definitely call them. It is your credit rating and also if the car wasn’t paid for by the person who sold it to you, it is selling stolen property. Did you do a check when you bought it to see if it was encumbered?

    • GT2016 on 03/04/2018 - 08:55

      Its nothing to do with my credit rating.. Car was not encumbered as i checked before buying.

  • simmos on 02/04/2018 - 08:46
    +1

    Sounds like a mistake here. Its addressed to you but the matter is for someone else.

    Call them and clear the matter up in case it does end up affecting your CR. These big companies can be a pain if they get you in their crosshairs and will fight compensation claims if you go after them.

    Seems like a storm in a teacup to me. Once they know the facts of the matter, doubtless it will be hosed down.

  • Sensiekatie on 02/04/2018 - 10:56
    +1

    I had the misfortune of having to deal with a collection company recently and my son the year before.

    He told me to ignore them until I could no longer and that is what i did.

    When it became necessary, I used a legal template to get action.

    In this case, this isn’t addressed correctly, so you can legitimately ignore it. The letter sounds very unusual as well.

    You do not want to get your details into their recovery system. Additionally, if and when you do correspond, use only registered post to an address. Also add “without prejudice”at the top of the content. Additionally request as much as you can from them while giving them nothing: eg date and time of accident, where occurred, name and details of driver, registered owner at time of accident etc.

  • nlagos on 02/04/2018 - 22:41

    So this letter is the result of what is called a Clear Out.

    The previous owner of the car has skipped out on this liability and so the insurer is using an agent to track them down.

    The agent is asking you if you have any info on the guy you bought the car from.

    We used to engage these types of companies 'mercantile agents' in corporate recoveries for banks.

    Happens every day.

    Hope this helps.

    • GT2016 on 03/04/2018 - 08:53

      Assumed so

  • GT2016 on 03/04/2018 - 08:53
    +2

    OK So i called and spoke with a lady that was very nice, I explained that i didn't own the vehicle at the time and don't own it now.. A minute later she said "Ohh they have ran the rego for a date range" she then explained that is should have been run for the date of the accident… I asked that my details be removed and not to be contacted about it as it has nothing to do with me and i don't have any info about the accident as it was a year or so before i bought the car… She said 100% i will remove you details and she apologized…

    Time will tell if i get any more Letters but for now seems they understand that is got nothing to do with me.

    • Euphemistic on 03/04/2018 - 12:48

      As much as you have now done, don't be overly surprised if you get a second letter. Take note of who you spoke to and when and keep it safe. If they do contact you again, respond in writing and refer back to the phone call.

    • Randxyz123 on 03/04/2018 - 13:31

      I’m assuming you didn’t but always get them to email you confirming. That way if you get another letter you can reply and follow up.

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