Whoever has their name on the debt is still responsible for the debt regardless of where the letter was sent.

If anyone receives a letter addressed to someone who does not live at the residence, it should not be opened, but rather write across the envelop "No person by this name resides at this address" and put it back into the box or give back to the postmaster.debt collectors will try anything to get hold of their latest victims even if it means contacting other family members.

the best thing to do is keep the letters sent but do not act upon them.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/debt/help_with_debt.htm

this is an advice centre that may be able to help your friend’s cousin

the other way is through the Citizens Advice which are found in most cities and towns these people will make an offer to the company and take over your case. most debt collection companies do not like to deal with the CAB because they get nowhere and they will find many ways to get around doing this. the CAB will make an offer of payment per month normally £1 [depending upon your circumstances] getting the CAB involved will stop any company from taking you too court and saying that you were not forthcoming with payments and were trying to avoid payment which of course would make the judge less disposed to you and your case. keep all paper-work sent by these companies as some have a tendency in their eagerness to make collections to bend the law and even break the law. if the company starts to telephone you make it clear to them that you find this an unacceptable practice and that you have passed the matter onto the CAB also ask them to send ALL the paperwork to you at the address they have. do not tell them any more information ie. Do NOT give them your bank details Do NOT give them any income information Do NOT give them any information at all except that you have passed this onto the CAB.

remember as long as you make a minimum offer to pay ie £1 per month [dependant upon your income] there is not much they can do as you are showing willingness to pay your debts. they may not like it but then its not your job to make them happy.

here is a link to the CAB

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

 

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