How did Platte get my address?

[christom1dog]

Unfortunately I had not found this site before I called Platte and foolishly gave them my name and address. I received a bill way before Christmas and just ignored it. Now I have received another one. I know i didnt sign up for this and my husband assures me thatbhe didnt either so now what do I do, ignore the letter or what?

[matt_d]

When did you call Platte? When did you receive the letter?

Given today's news that Platte Media UK ceased trading towards the end of February, I'd be interested to know if they're still sending out letters.

[gusjames]

I received a letter from Platte International dated 25/11/08 stating that my account remained in arrears to the value of £29.99, and that this balance was to be paid immediately. I had never heard of this company, nor had I or anyone in my household visited their website, and had never had dealings with them. I had apparently signed up on the 1/10/08, and had cancelled on 08/10/08. I telephoned the number provided (1/12/08)  on the letter to query the demand, and was told that someone had contacted them on 14/10/08 confirming that they had signed up to this company. On the 14/10/08 I was at work, and my wife was in hospital attending an antenatal appointment. Therefore, there is no way that anybody could have telephoned the above company on that date, from my house. The customer service assistant to whom I spoke said that he would refer the matter to someone, who would then be in contact. I received no telephone calls regarding this.

On 11/3/09 - today, I received a second letter from Platte International, demanding the £29.99, otherwise, their appointed agents – Oriel collections- would be informed, and a further £25 administration fee would be included. As previously stated, the letter arrived on 11/03/09 demanding payment within 7 days. The letter was dated 04/03/09 – 7 days previous.

I called the customer service line (on the previous letter), but was met with a recorded message, informing me that if I wanted to contact them in person, to go to the ‘contact us’ section of their website . This I did, but there was no telephone number, only a link to e-mail their customer services department. I refuse to provide this company with more ways to contact me.

[fire1]

I came across this site when searching about Platte. Unfortunately I stupidly gave them my address for them to send me the info to get the icon off my computer, I  have now received a bill from Oriel for £74.99. I have never accessed their site and do not believe that anyone in my household did. Should I just pay or ignore it?

[ForumFriend]

fire 1 - If you are in dispute with Platte (which is what you seem to be saying), just let Oriel know this.  Look at some of the most recent posts and you'll see why. 

Oriel should not pursue you once they are aware of the situation.  Do keep us posted on your progress, however, and if you need further help we'll be here to help you.

[fire1]

fire 1 - If you are in dispute with Platte (which is what you seem to be saying), just let Oriel know this.  Look at some of the most recent posts and you'll see why. 

Oriel should not pursue you once they are aware of the situation.  Do keep us posted on your progress, however, and if you need further help we'll be here to help you.

Thanks, will call Oriel, will keep you posted.

[nolan8213]

I had phoned Oriel, they said regardless of whatever problems I have with Platte Media, I still have to pay the debt.  I therefore sent 2 letters, one to platte media, one to oriel by recorded post stating that they have breached the undertakings of OFT, and that any further correspondance regarding payment from platte media or oriel will be considered as harrassment.

I therefore again received a letter from oriel, what do I do now?

 I believe oriel is just as bad as Platte Media, they should have realised by now that customers are not paying, so why are more and more people being caught in this trap to be pursued by oriel.

I believe it is more than business, but rather they know each other very well and work together.

[ForumFriend]

nolan, if you are in dispute with Platte, and have notified Oriel of this, they should not be pursuing you in this way.  Perhaps you can provide more details of your personal situation with regard to Platte, i.e. did you visit any of their sites? did you receive a letter to 'The Computer Owner', etc. etc., which might make it clearer to suggest your course of action.  You can, of course, do this by private message to me if you don't want it posted on the forum.

[nolan8213]

I would rather post this on the forum so that everyone can avoid being vicitimised by platte media.

Having sent out letters to oriel and platte media saying the computer owner has no knowledge of signing onto their website, it is therefore considered wrong to pursue debt.  I also mentionned in the letter that they have broken the undertaking that was signed to the OFT, and that further communication from either company would be considered as harassement.

Undertakings:    http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/2008/40-08

They have providing more pop-ups than that is said in the undertakings, three months ago a collegue of mine wipe out the entire hard drive of his laptop, 2 weeks later the pop-ups came back.  He has since then bought a new computer.  Whereas for me I wiped out my computer and have not received any popups. 

They haved failed to provide users with information to get the pop-up generating software installed.  I sent several emails none of which were ever replied to.  I also phoned twice and asked were I can find this software.  Not once did anybody provide this information as required by the OFT.

They have also failed to make it clear consumers are entering into a contract, and failed to point out that pop ups will apply should become outstanding.  I did a test and tried to apply to one of their sites, the terms and conditions page was blocked out by the administrater.  They clearly beieve rules don't apply to them.

Nolan

[ForumFriend]

From what you are saying, you did knowingly visit one of their sites - which is fine, but obviously is a different situation to that of some people here. 

Perhaps you could elaborate on how the situation arose?  That way, other members will be able to see if it matches their experiences and, again, offer you useful help?

[nolan8213]

I knowingly visited the site Get Films Now, however like the everyday error messages you get, this was different.  It mentionned "FREE FILMS" I pressed the button.  Then 2 pop-up windows asking just to press oK.  It didn't at all mention I was signing into a contract, nor showing any terms and conditions. 

I later did a test run at an internet cafe to retrace my steps into signing onto the website.  I discovered they don't present to you the terms and conditions upon signing but rather have a seperate section sectioned off on bottom of the homepage saying terms and conditions.  So basically they never presented to me a page saying terms and condition upon signing.  You had to read this section before even clicking on "FREE FILMS".  I think their version of free films means a free trial.  Which I understand, however I hear many people have complained because they couldn't cancel their free trial before the three days are up.

[ForumFriend]

Thanks for that further explanation.  It is interesting.

I think the OFT should be interested in what you tell us and I think you should put your complaint in writing to them.  The case officer who deals with Platte Media is Des Fitzpatrick.  I suggest you also cc your letter in to Mike Haley, OFT Head of Consumer Protection, who I've found helpful in the past. 

They have also failed to make it clear consumers are entering into a contract, and failed to point out that pop ups will apply should become outstanding.  I did a test and tried to apply to one of their sites, the terms and conditions page was blocked out by the administrater.  They clearly beieve rules don't apply to them.

Emphasise that your encounter with Platte did not make it clear that it was a paying site and that you were not required to confirm that you had read their terms and conditions. 

They have providing more pop-ups than that is said in the undertakings, three months ago a collegue of mine wipe out the entire hard drive of his laptop, 2 weeks later the pop-ups came back.  He has since then bought a new computer.  Whereas for me I wiped out my computer and have not received any popups. 

They should be particularly interested in this point as it breaches the undertakings.

Let them know about your experiences with Platte/Oriel when you have complained to them.

If you haven't already done so, also write to your local MP.  Send him/her a copy of your correspondence to the OFT.

Do this as a priority, then, if Oriel continue to pursue you, inform them of your actions.  It might be worth suggesting that, in the circumstances, if they continue to pursue you, you will make a formal complaint against their activities as a debt collection agency.

Oh, and let us know how you get on!

Good luck! - FF

[nolan8213]

thanks, will keep this forum in touch.