Mumsnet Talk

I had a text today on my UK mobile which until recently has been switched off as I have been living abroad for past 2 years. It was from Wescot Credit Services asking me to call. Have been busy and it was an 0844 number so forgot about it.

Then just now they called me on my mobile, insisting I give them my full name and address before they'd tell me who they were, or what it was about. Affronted, I refused, asking what would happen if I didn't give my details. 'Well, due to the Data Protection Act, we wouldn't be able to discuss any further details with you'. 'Okay, well that's that then' I replied, and put the phone down. Have now Googled them and am none the wiser really other than a few links with people complaining about having received letters from them all asking for similar sums of money and saying it was due to adult films being ordered from Sky. We don't have Sky and never have had. Anyone have any experience of this company - and did I do something very bad by refusing to give my name and address?!

I think they send out letters/texts to people with the same name (but not necessarily the same address) in the hope of catching someone whose debt they've bought. They buy it for a tiny percentage of what it was originally.

they are a Debt Collection Agency and you were right not to give your personal details over the phone. they are the sort of company who contact people with similar names in the hope the respondent will be frightened into paying them, with often little proof a debt even exists

unless anything comes to your house with your full name etc on it, ignore

The weird thing is that they asked if I was first name - middle name - actual surname which is my maiden name - my husband's surname which I've never taken. I don't think I have ever used that full name in any financial transaction, since I've never taken my husband's name. DH telling me to ignore the feckers... but am disgruntled and annoyed they've managed to disgruntle me on a Tuesday evening. Thanks for replying

Maybe worth getting your credit report to check that nobody's been taking out credit in your name? Get a free creditexpert trial (just remember to cancel it)

My husband's parents got letters in my husband's name, and Westcot called them yesterday. Saying DH owes 1K to Halifax....he closed his Halifax account 4.5 years ago when we moved to the States.

His parents are upset thinking he owes money, but they don't seem to understand these companies are scams, trying to get money out of people who don't owe any.