Helpppppp!

[shiney]

I am cross...and I don't get cross very often but the DVLA have lost my brand new marriage certificate in the post. I had to tell them by LAW that I have changed my name...I sent it registered post. I got my new licence but the certificate that was sent seperately last WEDNESDAY first class has failed to turn up.

Now, as well as being totally miffed off, I am now worried about ID theft. I really think that it's been pinched. Not only would a potential thief have my certificate, but my address,my new name, my maiden name, my husbands name, my parents name etc etc.

I can't believe the stupidity of the DVLA not sending back such precious documents by signed for post. (their excuse was that it would add to the cost of a licence, yeah 60p!) When told them they were a bunch of shisters, in a very mild manner, I hasten to add, they said it was up to me to sort out a secure return of my document. I am STEAMING here!

How could I find out if anyone has in the short space of time has used my details?

Anyone?

[baldowrie]

can't help you on your question but may I suggest you inform all financial institutions you use what has happened to make them aware of a possible ID theft?

[the.fee.fairy]

i second the informing of the financial institutions.

Also, go to the post office and get a lost/stolen claims form.

And, take legal advice about suing the DVLA for losing such a precious document (and play on the fact that they insist on an original etc etc).

[shiney]

'And, take legal advice about suing the DVLA for losing such a precious document (and play on the fact that they insist on an original etc etc).'

Oh they cover their backsides nicely on that one. They put in the leaflet in the small print that if you wish safe return of your documents you have to do the donkey work and send the self addressed, signed for envelope in with your application for a name change. (god knows how you do that anyway) I just didn't see the information as I have been doing a lot of form filling for name changes recently.

[the.fee.fairy]

Dammit!

Try sending them a lost/stolen claims form and get them to fill it in their end as well...

Make their lives a bit more awkward!

[The Chili Monster]

Complain to your local MP. Show them the leaflet and any other relevant documentation. If that advice is given in such tiny print, you won't be the only person to have missed it.
Besides, if other Government Agencies can arrange for recorded delivery at an additional fee, just what is the DVLA's problem?

[Muddypause]

Complain to your local MP.

Seconded. If you are required to send it to them, then they should be required to take adequate care of it.

But you should also contact the Post Office about it - they have some procedure about lost post. But also, don't panic just yet; there was an official statistic published recently - they lose thousands of items a year.

[Boots]

Oh Shiney, that sucks. SUCKS, I SAY.

Ring a solicitor and instruct him to make a phone call to lodge a complaint. Put the wind up them. That will at least make sure it is not still sitting on some stooges desk or in some twats out tray while s/he's on holidays.

Oh, and I'm sure you mentioned sending an envelope. Tell them you included one. Two can play at the small print game.

[shiney]

Hi Boots,

I have already had a 20 minute shouting match at them. Well a very angry girl on the phone. Pity I didn't think of the envelope idea, but I have to wait for the item NOT to arrive before anything can be done. It's 'PROCEDURE'. I hate procedure. It's a great way of covering your backside and saying that they can't deviate or even deal with each complaint individually.

[HILLDREAMER90]

I agree with all the above, DONT LET THE B******S GRIND U DOWN.A.

[Muddypause]

Ring a solicitor and instruct him to make a phone call to lodge a complaint.

EEeeeeeeeeeeooooooowwwwwww! Don't rush into that just yet.

A while ago I had to get a solicitor to send a letter - £140 for the consultation, plus 50 quid for the letter. Plus tax. It can make yer eyes water just walking in to a solicitor's office.

May be better (though no less frustrating) to hang fire for a few days.

[shiney]

I hate solictors, they are robbers that take your money legally!

[The Chili Monster]

A cheaper alternative to a lawyer may be the Citizen's Advice Bureau. Quite often, their volunteers are trainee solicitors (volunteering with CAB counts towards their experience).

[baldowrie]

They also use fully trained solicitors who volunteer their time, although usally via appointment and on certian days. I have never come across a trainee solictors when I have used them.

My aunt worked at one for a while.

[Boots]

I hate solictors, they are robbers that take your money legally!

.... ROFL....

I'm sorry - I realise this is not a laughing situation, but that's the funniest thing I have heard all day.

Yes, maam - they are....






...Sure beats having it taken illegally.