phone calls from westcot

A question about : phone calls from westcot

Hi guys, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

Today I have had a phone call to the house number, my boyfriend told them I was at work. Then they called my mobile number not long after, I didn't answer, they called again and I answered, the guy said he was calling from westcot and can I hold the line while he puts me through to someone to explain why they are calling. I held for about 5 minutes but then hung up because I thought it could be charging me.

I have looked into this company and have seen lots of people asking about them.
I have no idea where they have both my numbers from, I rarely give them out. Also, I've never had any letters from any companies saying I owe money or final reminders or anything like that. The only thing I could think of was an electric bill I am still waiting for from my old house as I have previously moved, but even that's only been a few months.

Should I be anwering the phone to them or should I keep ignoring them? If I do answer should I tell them my details / address ( I read they ask that when you answer)

Thanks,

Best answers:

• I may get shot down by others here but I say speak to them if they phone again and find out what its about. Someone had taken on a lot of debt in my name, but at least by finding out about it I was able to put it right with them.
• I would not volunteer any information, it sounds like a phishing exercise, your name probably matches someone else and they are trying to get 'anyone' to pay a bill. If they continue to call I would tell them to prove any debt they allege you owe, it is their responsibility to make sure they are contacting the right person and to prove they owe a debt, it is not your responsibility to prove you do not owe it.
• I would ask them if they have your address, they should have, and request that all communication be done in writing. If you are liable for a debt via this or any other debt collection company l would suggest sending a recorded letter making it clear that you will only communicate via post and no discussions will be entered into via phone.
  This will assist you in the future should they continue to harass you by phone and you need to make a complaint etc. Keep l log of any calls they make to you.
  Also should you be liable for a debt, its best in my opinion to set up and Standing Order rather than a Direct Debit as l feel you have more control over the payment. Don't be duped into making an initial payment via Debit Card as if you do they have your card details.
  Sorry to go on, last thing. Under no circumstances provide them with a breakdown of your income and expenditure, only l court can insist on one. Even if you make a Ј10 per month payment they should accept it
• Every time they phone, reply that you want communication strictly in writing and hang up.
  Don't go through security - you will be giving them information to fill their file out with.
  Wait for something in the post. If they are serious about this and you are indeed the person they are seeking they will write.
  Never phone them up. They will have you sending tenancy agreements and bills to prove you never lived at an address before you know it - when the burden of proof is firmly on them.
  They will either write or eventually give up.
  Lastly - do not assume they are actually chasing for something you owe. Quite possibly, they have just incorrectly matched your name with someone else's debt.