not to give my details to somebody else's debt collectors?

[saggyb00bs]

Somebody, possibly a previous resident here, incurred parking tickets for a car registered to this address. I told DVLA the car shouldn't be registered here, and they've removed its registration from this address, but the parking tickets are still outstanding. Debt collectors came round today to recover the outstanding amount, fortunately while I was out. I phoned them to explain the situation and they said they needed to see a council tax bill to prove the person doesn't live here. I'm not keen on the debt collectors having any of my details, so don't want to show them the council tax bill. Obviously I want this situation resolved quickly, as I don't want this person's bad debt associated with my credit record. AIBU not to show my council tax bill to the debt collector? I really don't trust them, although I realistically don't know what they would do with this information to my detriment.

No they can't force entry but they are allowed to enter if you leave the door or window unlocked etc.

Debt Collectors cant enter your property without your say so, and Bailiffs cant without your say so unless they have a court order. No one will be breaking and entering, so dont worry. Many people think that Bailiffs and Debt Collectors are the same thing, they are not. Debt collectors are basically just there to intimidate people into paying, they cant take your property or even threaten to without a court order.

The best thing is to prove your ID with the council and insist that they call off the debt collectors.

What is the difference between a bailiff and a debt collector?

Debt collectors do not have the same powers as bailiffs as they are not court appointed officials. They cannot enter your home or seize your possessions as a bailiff might be able to, but can contact you or visit you to discuss your debt and how you plan to pay it back. Debt collection agencies may be employed by your creditors to ask you to pay off your debt and are required to follow the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) debt collection guidance.

www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/debt_e/debt_action_your_creditor_can_take_e/bailiffs_e/letting_a_bailiff_into_your_home_e/how_can_a_bailiff_enter_your_home_e.htm

Bailiffs are not allowed to enter via an open window. They are only allowed to enter a property if you have invited them in previously as this gives them implied permission from you to enter. They can only enter by force if they have a court order allowing them to do so.

Ah just seen your update. Yes the council should have checked it out before passing on. The CAB deal with loads of this and should advise you well. Explain to the council you are not happy giving details to the collectors. They may read a script - 'its with the collectors, talk to them'. You are not the debtor and the collector is working for the council so the council can tell them what to do. Stock to your guns if you feel strongly about it.

You don't have to prove that you are not a certain person. They have to prove that you are.

However, as others have said, it might get them off your back. It would annoy me having to show ID on my own doorstep. Perhaps point them to the electoral register, it should be very up to date with an election coming and you can register up to something like 17th April I think.

Are you on the electoral roll? In which case they shouldn't be so tell them to check that.