Hello,
I am looking for some advice. QDR Solicitors have been trying to contact me regarding a parking violation from 2022 (in Italy, in case that’s relevant), however the letters (from them and the company before who attempted to recover the debt) have been going to the wrong flat. I only became aware of the letters as a neighbour opened a letter by mistake and passed it on.
The letter is now threatening County Court Proceedings against me should I not pay.
The debt has risen to just over £300 – a large portion of this I imagine is coming from additional charges from the companies who have attempted to recover the debt / interest / late payment charges, however as I have only now been made aware, this seems rather unfair.
From initial research it seems perhaps a “prove the debt” letter would be a good first course of action, to see what evidence there is – and whether the claim is valid (I cannot remember the incident whatsoever – although that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen!)
I would be really grateful if anyone can point me in the right direction, whether I should proceed with a “prove the debt” letter, or other course of action
Many thanks
Ian
When you say "in Italy", do you mean the incident took place in Italy, or that you are (or were) resident in Italy?
They have zero chance of pursuing you through the English courts for any alleged breach of contract or parking penalty in a foreign country.
Show us the QDR letter, suitably redacted of your personal information.
Hello,
Thanks you v much for the reply. The fine occurred while in Italy (on holiday) – I live in the UK.
I’m struggling to upload the letter (attachment size issue) – but here’s a transcript of what it says
QDR Reference XXXX
Site: Via Garibadi Civicio N
Contravention Date: 11/08/2022
Parking event: Circulated in limited traffic area without authorisation
Car Park Operator: NIVI SPA
Issued by: (blank)
Outstanding Balance: £301.04
We previously wrote to you in connection with the recovery of the Debt, which has been incurred following the failure to repay the above debt.
Payment is now long overdue. If the Debt is not repaid in full within 14 days of this letter, our Client may consider County Court Proceedings against you. If such a step is necessary, we will ask the Court to order that you pay our Client’s legal costs. These will likely be more than the balance of the Debt.
If a County Court Judgement (CCJ) is obtained against you… (it then goes on to list impact to credit ratings and methods they’d use to try claim)
Any suggestions as to how best to proceed would be hugely appreciated. I was thinking a “prove the debt” letter, but welcome any better ideas.
Thanks
Ian
Use the letter to line the bottom of a cat litter tray or for kindling. Ignore. Don't engage with them. They are acting as a debt collector and have absolutely now powers to do anything.
Ignore, ignore and to make it absolutely clear... IGNORE.
Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER communicate with a powerless debt collector. Ignoring them is perfectly safe and their mention of the word "CCJ" is simply designed to scare the low-hanging fruit on the gullible tree to poop their pants and pay into the scam.
Agreed. Let their client 'consider' issuing a county court claim all they like, it won't materialise.
Thank you! Would you bother sending a “prove the debt” letter to try and get the whole claim dropped (if they have nothing)?
Would prefer it gone, rather than just ignoring it!
I wouldn't waste the cost of a stamp, personally. Writing to them is unlikely to make them drop it.
Thank you! Would you bother sending a “prove the debt” letter to try and get the whole claim dropped (if they have nothing)?
Would prefer it gone, rather than just ignoring it!
Unfortunately a very naive attitude and gives the suggestion to the debt collector that you are indeed ripe for the picking off the gullible tree. By contacting a third party that has zero skin in the game and operate on a no-win, no-fee basis for their client as a scare tactic to pester you into paying something that you are not liable for and they have no contractual connection to, simply marks you as a "mug".
By contacting them, you can guarantee, 100%, that this not only won't simply "go away" but will result in even more harassment and communication. If that is what you want, so be it.
By ignoring it and getting on with your life, you win. They will eventually tire of sending you letters and will move on in search of lower hanging fruit to puck off the gullible tree. You have nothing to worry about so stop worrying and enjoy the fact that t is costing them to send you all the comms which you put to good use as emergency toilet paper, or whatever.
The advice "IGNORE" is your best guarantee that this will go away. Ignore that advice and you can guarantee that it will persist for much longer and they will find other excuses to chase you as you will not be marked as a "mug" ripe for picking.
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