Breach of data protection

[BevT]

I have a debt collecting agency chasing me for some money and they contacted my mother and warned her if I did not pay my debt she was liable to lose her home because of my debt. I want to know is this a breach of data protection as I feel they should not discuss anything with my mum and should not be threatening her as this is my debt not hers and I do not have any shares in her property.

[Kathyan]

Seems like scare tactics to me. They have no right to contact your mother regarding your debt. Talk to CAB they may be able to help.

[BevT]

Thanks for that. Exactly what I thought. Would I be able to report this to anybody and maybe claim compensation for undue stress and harrassment?

[RATTER15]

Unless your Mother guaranteed a loan for you, they are talking out of their a&&

[themas]

I doubt whther you can claim compensation, but all these outfits are licensed by OFT and (in theory) can lose their license. Some also belong to another trade body. You can complain to either organisation, or to Trading Standards. You should also go to the Information Commissioner about the confidentiality breach.

You should certainly complain. What they have done is not only a breach of your confidentiality but a totally incorrect statement of the law. No way can your mother lose her home if the debt is in your sole name and you are not an owner of the house.

[Didwot]

To demand money with theats, of whatever nature those threats are, unless the threats themselves are lawful, is a criminal offence. I doubt that the police would show much interest however.

[Eve]

Just checking that the debt is not guaranteed by your mother.

Try here (Credit Services Association)...http://www.csa-uk.com/FAQs.htm for some advice, they deal with complaints as well.

Try here for dealing with bailiffs...http://www.debtquestions.co.uk/prob_bailiffs.php.

[OBonio]

I've just read this and thought of your predicament :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5377488.st m

[BevT]

Thank you for telling me about this very interesting article I have printed it off will be showing it to my mother which will hopefully put her mind at rest.

[BevT]

My mother has not guaranteed any loans at all and I didn't think they could take any of her things but you hear such stories I got as bit worried. Thanks for the re-assurance

[BevT]

I will certainly look into making a complaint. Thanks for your advice