Debt collectors unpaid bill over 5 years ago!

rob40001

I recently received a debt collects bill for Vodafone. I am completely bemused by this as I have not been a customer of Vodafone for at the very least 5 years. I don't have any paper work for them any more. I've not contacted the debt collector yet but will do so. Is there a time limit on collection for unpaid bills? Is there any way I can prove a settled my last bill without any paper work? It so long ago I have no idea. Why have I not heard anything since now? I have moved a few times in 5 years but I question why all of a sudden I get a bill now.

Crazy_Jamie

The time limit is six years. I am a little surprised that they are chasing a debt that has been outstanding for so long. What does the letter say exactly?

Poppycat

I seem to recall a case like this on watchdog a few weeks back from Vodaphone and other companies have sold the debt on to

From my understanding the onus is on the debt agency to prove you owe the money rather than just demand monies

I think there is some time limit too

I actually think its unreasonable for companies to chase money for outstanding debts long before the legal requirement but thats just my opinion

cabbage

Whatever you do, do not acknowledge the debt as the time limit starts to run from the date the debt was last acknowledged or when it was taken out or became due, last payment made. An acknowledgement could be a letter from you asking for a copy of the agreement to prove you didn't owe the money!!!

Phone calls don't count as an acknowledgement unless later referred to in a subsequent letter.

My advice would be to leave well alone as its probably outside or very near to the 6 year limit as you've had nothing to do with it for 5 years or more.

If you feel you need to set the record straight then only communicate by phone call. If you are still being pursued, nationaldebtline have some cleverly worded template letters that you could send that do not in any way acknowledge the debt but state that the creditor could be reported for harrassment if they continue to chase you for the debt. There is another template for not knowing anything about the debt.

rob40001

Well the letter is form a debt collectors claiming I owe £64 and quote some vodafone account but no dates so I am going to ignore it as you say. I definitely wont be acknowledging any bill or I was with vodafone.

Thanks For the advice.