Am I liable for this debt?

JoeBloggs80

I tried calling NDL several times but either couldn't get through at all or was on hold for 20 mins+ and gave up. Guess there's a lot of people out there in need of debt advice.

I did get in touch with the Energy Retail Association who said that BG would be fully aware of the rules and that I should bring it up with them and ask if the Back Billing rule of the code of practice applies.

But BG refused to discuss with me as I wasn't the account holder. I could always call them back pretending to be the account holder but I don't really want to go there.

GeorgeUK

Not sure what else you can do. If you write, you would need to supply an address so that wouldn't really work. If you do call, make sure you withhold the number first (not sure what the code is to do that).

I take it you are no longer in touch with the guy?

JoeBloggs80

Not for a while. I could probably track him down. It'd be a very awkward situation but I might have to bite the bullet. I suppose at least this situation should be resolvable.

Blackruby

No one is going to want to be tracked down for an old bill, but if the back billing thing applies, you could always say to Mr Smith, that you think they can't chase that money. He may be more willing to help, because it's on his name and undoubtably, his credit file.

mazza111

If they are not addressed to you, mark them as not known at this address and return to sender. It's still illegal to open mail addressed to someone else even if it comes through your letterbox.

JoeBloggs80

Yes I am currently sending all correspondence back return to sender, but its more of a moral quandry as I want to try and resolve it as I feel responsible for it even though I believe it is BG's fault.

GeorgeUK

I think it would really only be an issue if they put a default on his credit file, but you have no way of finding out if this has happened (or if it will have any impact on his rating as you said he was already in a bit of a mess.

I think it may be best to not rock the boat and let this go. If your friend does come to you querying why he has been pursued for this debt then you can tel him about the backbilling limitations. Can't really see any other way without getting yourself into a mess.

musclesza

Mate, it happens more often than you think - I know plenty of houses (ok about 3) that keep on paying the bill in some one else naem as no one wants to take on the responsibility.....

Your mate is an idiot - and they say it takes one to know one, so call me an idiot as well. If he moved he should have cancelled the bill and changed his address etc... I learnt the hard and expensive way not to leave things open and talking of that my name is still on a lease I cancelled a year ago - need to go sort it out with the agency this weekend

Unless you have left off some information I assume it was a group decision to carry on paying the account in his name and you might have placed the call but its still in his name not yours - just walk away from it and when the baliffs come say he doesnt live there and you have no idea where he is now

Its not ideal and all but really you might get yourself involved when he should have cancelled

JoeBloggs80

musclesza: I think you're right. It wasn't so much a group decision as just no-one stepping up to the plate. I already had 3 services in my name and the others in the house refused to take on the responsibility so it just drifted. I really didn't mean to get him in any trouble and ensured the bills in his name were always paid, but I just didn't anticipate something like this coming out of the blue years down the line.

I feel guilty but like you say, its ultimately his responsibility. He was always slack at that stuff. Even shortly after he moved out and I told him there were still debts (other debts of his own, loans etc) coming for him, he ignored them so I'm assuming his credit rating is already a mess which perhaps takes the urgency off it slightly. If it does ever come to light and he comes to me then I'll help him anyway I can.

Skintlady

Just act daft don't open the letters and return to sender!!!!
If they phone you just say that "no one of that name lives here"

Its not you!!!!! so don't admit to it, BG will be looking to pin the debt on someone, if they phone your house tell them you are going to sue them for harassment like the recent court case involving british gas!!!