[Florence]

Originally Posted by zappagirl

I've never downloaded anything in my life. They are alledging the download of Test Drive Unlimited and claiming £565.00. I contacted them and explained, without prejudice, that if anyone did download it, it would have been a 13 year old child. I told them I was on benefits and couldn't pay the amount. They instead sent out a payment schedule which would end up costing me £665! There have been numerous arguments, tears and tantrums in this house. I can't sleep or even eat properly.

The computer was a gift from his dad, I got broadband when I was working and subsequently re-negotiated my telephone so I could afford it. I've got a daughter who was 3 at the time of the alledged offence, she is lovely but demands my attention all the time. I've had people telling me that I'm a bad parent for not keeping a closer watch on my son, all I can say to that is his dad installed the computer and I assumed he knew what he was doing re internet settings etc. I'm not very computer literate myself. I can't believe I am the only person to be in this position. Before this happened I was more worried about internet grooming than this stuff. Between my son and myself, looking at this letter, then we do not think that any copyrights were infringed, however I am sure that DL will not accept this and rely on their own evidence as they have previously done in court.

If they get a judgment against me then what will happen? I have no property or assets. I can't work now my daughter is at school, rather than day nursery, as there is no out of school provision in this area and there are very few jobs that are only term-time and school hours! (No I don't feel I could be a childminder).

They might as well take me to court for £16,000 as £665 because either amount is out of my reach. I'm a nervous wreck.

Have you asked how they got your details?

We have kindly been informed by collegues within the industry that customers are reporting to be receiving phone calls from someone claiming to that he had been illegally downloading music from the Internet.

In case anyone else receives such a call please be aware that nobody is able to obtain your phone number from your internet usage (unless you post it!) so any such call is certain to be a scam of some kind.

Do not, under any circumstances, reveal any information about yourself or your internet connection to anyone who calls you with a similar story.

If we at Aquiss call you we will verify ourselves to you. Never respond to any request for you to verify who you are to a cold caller.

Posted by Martin Pitt here