I thought the forum would like to read an official response to an email I sent to the Office of Fair Trading regarding Atradius:
I have the original response should forum moderators wish a copy
Quote
Consumer Credit Act 1974 (the Act)
Complaint against: Atradius Collections Limited
Licence No: Unlicensed
Thank you for your email of 18 January 2013 in which you raise a complaint against
the company above (Atradius), in respect of its debt collection practices. I
understand that the company is pursuing you for a debt on behalf of Getty Images.
You report that on notifying Atradius that you do not owe the claimed debt, you
were told that the debt could not be disputed.
Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, if a business wishes to be involved in
activities relating to consumer credit or hire, including debt collection and debt
management, they must have a consumer credit licence. The Office of Fair Trading
(OFT) has duty to enforce the Act, along with local authority Trading Standards
Services (TSS).
Upon checking the information provided in your email, it appears that this trader
does not hold a consumer credit licence. I would therefore suggest that you also
forward to your local TSS, who may be able to provide further advice, or you may
wish to consider seeking independent legal advice.
I hope you find this information useful.
I have the original response should forum moderators wish a copy