Capquest Debt Recovery

Received a letter or call from Capquest? This guide explains who they are, why they’re contacting you, your legal rights, and what to do next.

Who Are Capquest Debt Recovery?

Capquest Debt Recovery Limited is a UK debt collection company that may manage accounts purchased from original creditors. Check the letter to see which legal entity owns the account and which company is collecting it.

When Capquest contacts you, the letter should explain whether it owns the account or is collecting for another company.

They may contact you because:

• An account owner has bought or transferred the debt from the original creditor
• Your account was sold after it went into default
• Capquest has been instructed to manage collection

FCA Registration: Capquest Debt Recovery Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Their firm reference number is 708012.

Companies House: Company number 03665117, registered in England and Wales.

Who Does Capquest Collect Debts For?

Capquest may manage accounts originally owed to organisations in sectors such as:

• Banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest
• Credit cards: Various providers including store cards
• Personal loans: Multiple unsecured lending providers
• Catalogue companies: Very, Littlewoods, JD Williams
• Mobile phone contracts: Various providers
• Utility companies: Energy and water suppliers
• Payday loans: Short-term lenders

Contact Details

Capquest Debt Recovery Limited

Belvedere House Basing View Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 4HG

Telephone: 0303 123 6246

Alternative numbers:

• 0800 032 1340
• 01onal564 785500

Your Legal Rights When Dealing With Capquest

You have important protections under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and FCA regulations:

Capquest Must:

• Prove they own the debt - provide documentation showing legal assignment
• Supply the original credit agreement if you request it
• Provide a statement of account showing how the balance was calculated
• Treat you fairly and not use aggressive practices
• Consider affordable payment proposals and your circumstances
• Communicate in writing only if you request this

Capquest Cannot:

• Harass you with excessive phone calls
• Contact you at unreasonable times (before 8am or after 9pm)
• Discuss your debt with family, friends, or employers
• Threaten legal action they don’t intend to take
• Pretend to be bailiffs or claim they can seize property
• Add unreasonable charges
• Pressure you into unaffordable payments

How to Respond to a Capquest Letter

Step 1: Don’t Ignore It

Ignoring the letter could lead to:

• A County Court Judgment (CCJ)
• Damage to your credit file for 6 years
• Potential enforcement action

Step 2: Verify the Debt

Write to Capquest requesting:

• The name of the original creditor
• A copy of the original signed credit agreement
• Proof the debt was legally assigned to them
• A full statement of account

Keep a copy and proof of delivery. The 12-working-day rule applies only to a valid statutory Consumer Credit Act request for certain regulated credit agreements, not to every request for proof. A formal request has specific requirements, so get debt advice if you are unsure which process applies.

Step 3: Check If the Debt Is Statute Barred

In England and Wales, a debt may become unenforceable if:

• 6 years have passed since your last payment or written acknowledgment
• You haven’t made any payments in that time
• You haven’t admitted to the debt in writing

Warning: Limitation rules depend on the debt type, the relevant dates, any court judgment and the UK jurisdiction. If you think a debt may be statute barred, get advice before making a payment or written acknowledgement.

Step 4: Respond Based on Your Situation

If you can afford to pay: Contact Capquest to arrange payment. Negotiate a settlement - as debt purchasers, they may consider a reduced lump-sum settlement.

If you can only afford small payments: Send a financial statement and offer what you can realistically afford.

If you cannot afford any payments: You may qualify for a formal debt solution.

What If You Don’t Recognise the Debt?

If Capquest contacts you about a debt you don’t recognise:

1. Don’t admit to the debt or make any payments
2. Request proof in writing
3. Check your credit report for any accounts you don’t recognise
4. Consider identity fraud - report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) if applicable

If Capquest cannot provide adequate proof, they cannot enforce the debt.

Can Capquest Send Bailiffs?

No. Capquest are debt collectors, not bailiffs. They cannot:

• Enter your property
• Seize your belongings
• Clamp your vehicle
• Force entry to your home

Only certificated Enforcement Agents can take such action, and only after obtaining a County Court Judgment.

How to Complain About Capquest

If Capquest has treated you unfairly:

1. Complain directly to Capquest in writing
2. Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service if unsatisfied:
   • Phone: 0800 023 4567
   • Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Struggling With Capquest and Other Debts?

If Capquest is one of several creditors, compare formal and informal debt options with a regulated adviser:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Possible write-off of qualifying debt after completion with legal protection. Check if you qualify.

Debt Relief Order (DRO) - A formal option for England and Wales where qualifying debts may be written off after the DRO period if you meet the criteria.

Debt Management Plan - Informal arrangement with reduced payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my debt been sold to Capquest?

Original creditors sell debts they’ve struggled to collect. Capquest purchases these for a fraction of their value and has the same legal rights to collect.

Can I negotiate a settlement?

Sometimes. A debt purchaser may consider a reduced full-and-final settlement, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Get any agreement in writing before paying.

Will paying improve my credit score?

The debt stays on your credit file for 6 years from the default date. Paying shows “satisfied” rather than “outstanding.”

to see your options.

Sources checked

• FCA Consumer Credit sourcebook: arrears, default and recovery for fair-treatment rules.
• FCA Register for checking regulated consumer credit firms.
• Companies House for company identity checks.
• MoneyHelper debt guidance for free debt advice signposting.
• GOV.UK options for dealing with your debts for debt solution context.