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Mark E

1 reviews | Active since Jan 2016

07 May 2026, 12:35

HP Attorneys – Repeated Requests for Personal Information Without Providing Lawful Authority (***)

I have received multiple emails from HP Attorneys between 29 April and 7 May 2026 regarding an alleged FNB credit card account (***). Each email, from different representatives, requested personal information such as ID number, date of birth, address and contact numbers, allegedly for POPIA compliance.

Despite several written requests, HP Attorneys has not provided any of the documentation required to establish lawful authority or verify the existence of any enforceable claim. This includes: proof of mandate from FNB, the original credit agreement, a complete and itemised statement of account, the date of last payment or acknowledgment, and a POPIA‑compliant disclosure identifying the lawful basis for processing my personal information and the source from which it was obtained.

In terms of sections 11–12 of the Protection of Personal Information Act, personal information may only be processed for a specific, lawful and explicitly defined purpose. No such purpose has been demonstrated. In addition, debts of this nature prescribe after three years in terms of section 10 read with section 11(d) of the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, and HP Attorneys has provided no evidence that prescription has been interrupted.

I have formally instructed HP Attorneys to cease requesting personal information and to refrain from further collection activity until the required documentation is provided. I have also reserved all rights to refer the matter to the Information Regulator, National Credit Regulator and Legal Practice Council should the conduct continue.

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Replies (2)
ME
Mark E's update20 May 2026, 09:53
Reviewer Update
I have been receiving repeated emails from HP Attorneys about an alleged FNB credit card account (Ref: HP**********2). Each message demands personal information (ID number, date of birth, address, contact numbers), yet HP Attorneys has never provided any proof that the debt exists or that they are authorised to collect it.
Despite several written requests, they have not supp**** proof of mandate from FNB, the original credit agreement, a full statement of account, the date of last payment, or a POPIA‑compliant explanation of why they are processing my information.
Instead, they continue sending the same automated demands, which now amounts to harassment, especially since they have been instructed to stop until they provide the required documents.
Consumers should be aware that you are not required to give personal information or enter into any arrangement with a third‑party collector unless they first prove their authority and provide the necessary documentation.
ME
Mark E's update08 Jul 2026, 16:10
Reviewer Update
Update:
Despite my previous requests, HP Attorneys continues to send collection demands and requests for additional personal information without addressing the issues I have raised.
To date, HP Attorneys has still not provided:
  • Proof of its mandate or authority from First National Bank to recover the alleged debt;
  • A copy of the agreement upon which the alleged claim is founded;
  • A complete statement of account; or
  • The documents upon which it intends to rely.
Instead, the firm has continued to demand payment, propose repayment arrangements, request further personal information under the guise of POPIA compliance, and threaten legal proceedings.
My position remains unchanged. I deny liability for the alleged debt. I will not provide further personal information, enter into payment discussions or engage with any collection activity until HP Attorneys substantiates both its authority to act and the alleged claim.
As HP Attorneys has elected to continue collection efforts without first producing the requested documentation, I have lodged a formal complaint with the Legal Practice Council. I reserve all further rights, including referring the matter to the Information Regulator and the National Credit Regulator should this conduct continue.
I trust HP Attorneys will now either substantiate the alleged claim with the appropriate documentation or cease further collection activity.