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Thread ID: 74739	2006-12-03 18:45:00	Unpiad fines	pany (11564)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
503997	2006-12-03 18:45:00	Hi everyone, I've got a little worry on my hands... it goes something likes this... My flat mate has just moved out a couple of weeks ago, and I'm not sure where he is now. He's been receiving a few letters, one I opened by mistake which was from the court for unpaid fines. It stated (amongst other things that they can do) that they can come to the house and recover property to cover the unpaid fines. I'm really worried that they may come and seize my property while I'm away working, as often I'm away for weeks at a time. Does anyone know if they just kick down the door and seize goods, or do they have a certain process to follow?! I'm not sure what to do, if I should call them and say that he doesn't live here now, they may wonder why I opened his letter?!	pany (11564)
503998	2006-12-03 18:59:00	You'll need to ring them and ask....it's the only way you'll put your mind at rest. We don't yet.....I think.....live in a police state....so it seems unlikey they can "kick your door down" and take property without being able to prove it belongs to your ex-flatmate. Give them a call, then you'll know. I doubt the issue of "accidentally" opening someone mail is a huge problem, and they won't care, they just want their money. Or if you don't want to ring the Courts, try Citizens Advice maybe?? TM	allblack (6574)
503999	2006-12-03 20:03:00	Does anyone know if they just kick down the door and seize goods, or do they have a certain process to follow?! No they can't. Yes they do. If it really is your friends fines then you haven't got a worry as he no longer lives there.	pctek (84)
504000	2006-12-03 20:11:00	(The things we learn from stepkids :( ) The court will generally send someone to the place of residence to make physical contact with someone. In my case, the offender still lived here and we were asked to pass on a message. He was told, and meant to contact (for reasons unknown forgot). Because it was all my property that would have been confiscated, I did have a quiet word to him about it. But, in the end, after not hearing from him, it was decided by the courts to deduct payments from his benefit (which I would say is their first course of action in cases like this)	Myth (110)
504001	2006-12-03 21:19:00	No they can't. Yes they do. If it really is your friends fines then you haven't got a worry as he no longer lives there.Nonsense. It's down to the private individual who's been contracted or employed to do the debt collection or enforcement. There are less morals and scruples amongst that lot than there are hairs on a Mexican Hairless dog. Pany - yes you should be worried. But as mentioned you should definitly contact the court, and get a big nasty guard dog.	Greg (193)
504002	2006-12-03 23:12:00	I am not a lawyer but there are a few fairly simple precautions you could take. You should give the debt collection firm reasonable notification of the debtor's change of address. I would call them or whoever sent you the letter and inform them of his move. I would also send them a physical letter with the same information and keep a copy for yourself. Ask them in this letter to confirm receipt. If you're really worried, place a notice on the front door saying that this guy is no longer in residence and that to the best of your knowledge none of his property remains in the flat.	TGoddard (7263)
504003	2006-12-03 23:40:00	Nonsense. It's down to the private individual who's been contracted or employed to do the debt collection or enforcement. There are less morals and scruples amongst that lot than there are hairs on a Mexican Hairless dog. Pany - yes you should be worried. But as mentioned you should definitly contact the court, and get a big nasty guard dog. Nonsense. The court does not hire private debt collection firms, they use the court collections department. They have procedures to follow and should be much more scrupulous than a private collection firm, as they have so many more options to recover money.	george12 (7)
504004	2006-12-04 01:02:00	Nonsense . The court does not hire private debt collection firms, they use the court collections department . They have procedures to follow and should be much more scrupulous than a private collection firm, as they have so many more options to recover money . Just goes to show how wrong you can be . Procedures? Yearrrr . Scruples? Yeaaarrr As for who the Court hires . . . guess what? They actually employ people who are adept at debt collecting . And guess what tactics and underhanded principles they use? They break and enter . Do you know about them? Have you ever busted a thief/debt collector trying to break into your home with the excuse that he's legally allowed to do so, and then find out . . . he's employed by the courts! Don't question me about the thieving, filthy tactics of debt collectors, whether employed privately or by the Government .	Greg (193)
504005	2006-12-04 01:41:00	Welcome to PressF1 pany :), best of luck with your issue	stu161204 (123)
504006	2006-12-04 02:40:00	Just goes to show how wrong you can be . Procedures? Yearrrr . Scruples? Yeaaarrr As for who the Court hires . . . guess what? They actually employ people who are adept at debt collecting . And guess what tactics and underhanded principles they use? They break and enter . Do you know about them? Have you ever busted a thief/debt collector trying to break into your home with the excuse that he's legally allowed to do so, and then find out . . . he's employed by the courts! Don't question me about the thieving, filthy tactics of debt collectors, whether employed privately or by the Government . Sorry then, can't argue with first hand experience :p . You win . Breaking and entering? Handy since I may need these fellows to get some money off a client of mine who owes $500 . . . . Before someone says court is the wrong way to go, a private debt collection firm failed to get the money and the disputes tribunal say there's not dispute :( . I might need to let it go yet but dammit that's a lot of money, to me at least .	george12 (7)
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