Hello.
Based on the situation you described, ignoring the recent letter from the French debt collection agency could have serious consequences. While the initial notices may have been confusing or appeared fraudulent, a French debt collection agency is a different matter entirely.
Why You Should Not Ignore This Letter
You've moved from receiving notices from an Italian entity (Nivi.It) to a letter from a debt collection agency operating in your own country, France. This signifies a legal escalation.
Jurisdiction: A French debt collection agency can pursue legal action against you on French soil. They are not merely sending a notice from abroad; they are operating under French law.
Increased Costs: The amount demanded will likely be much higher than the initial fines. The debt will have been inflated with interest, administrative fees, and the collection agency's own fees.
Legal Action: If you continue to ignore the debt, the collection agency could take you to court. If they obtain a court order (titre exécutoire), they can legally enforce the debt, potentially leading to a wage garnishment or seizure of assets.
Your Next Steps
Do Not Pay Without Verification: While you shouldn't ignore the letter, you also shouldn't blindly pay. You need to understand what you're being charged for.
Request a Detailed Breakdown: Contact the French debt collection agency in writing (a registered letter, lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception, is best). Ask for a detailed breakdown of the charges. This should include:
The date, time, and specific location of the alleged offense.
The original fine amount.
All added fees and interest, with a clear explanation for each.
Address the Toll Fine: The second notice you received mentioned a toll fine (péage d'autoroute). This is different from a speeding ticket. In Italy, some tolls operate without gates, using an electronic system that records vehicles. If you pass through one without having the proper transponder or making an online payment later, you will receive a fine. This is a common situation for foreign drivers. The original speeding fine may have been the source of the initial confusion.
Your primary goal now is to establish what the original fine was for and if it's legitimate. Once you have that information, you can decide whether to contest it or negotiate a payment. Ignoring a French debt collector is not a viable strategy and will lead to more problems.
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