Debt Collecters advice needed.

diso

Some help/advice needed.

Timeline:

1996: I took on a contract mobile phone with Orange.

May 2008: I spoke to Orange to change my tariff explaining that I simply wasn't using the phone as much, and stressing that I didn't want a new contract as I was considering cancelling the contract.

Sept 2008: Moved house. Wrote to Orange to inform them of my new address.

Nov 2008: Received a bill from Orange (to old address) which on it said "18 month contract". I phoned Orange to ask about this and they confirmed I wasn't under contract and could leave when I liked.

Nov 2008: Cancelled Contract with Orange, asked them to confirm that I was not under contract and that I could close my account.

Dec 2008: Received and paid bill from Orange.

May 2009: Was given mail from my old address which was from Orange claiming that I owe them money as I was still under contract. Wrote to Orange (2 different addresses) explaining that I had been told 3 times that I was not under contract and felt that them chasing me for money after being with them over 10 years was not very nice. Bold, size 20 font, yellow highlighted my new address and phone number and asked them to contact myself explaining how I owed them money, and to see if we could work things out.

Never heard from them.

Jan 2009: Received mail from my old address which includes letters from various debt collection agencies and solicitors saying impending court action, the most recent being from Moorcroft.

Just spoke to Orange who couldn't find any record of my account, even with my account number and address.

I'm really not eager to pay these people money after having been told when I cancelled the account that I wouldn't have to. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what my next step should be?

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

didnt want to read and run - I would personally send the "prove it" letter - then they will get in touch with orange before replying to you. If / when they rpely they should include an accounbt number for orange so then you could ring orange, quote that number and see whats happened

hope that helps x

GeorgeUK

Write an official letter of complaint to Orange about how your account has been handled. You had confirmation 3 times (did you get written confirmation) that you were not under contract and that they have not updated your contact details which is exacerbating the situation.

Basically, inform them of the situation, what obstacles Orange has put in the way, what you have done in trying to remedy the situation in confirming you were not under contract and what you require them to do to remedy the situation.

Have you checked your credit file recently? If they have put a default on your account or it is showing as missed payments, this will affect your credit rating which seems to be entirely down to errors on their part. You may want to state that you will be sending a complaint to the OFT and ICO if this is not amended.

JamieT1977

And do not get worried about any threats the DCA's make, to use your own words "Received mail from my old address which includes letters from various debt collection agencies and solicitors saying impending court action, the most recent being from Moorcroft."

The fact they have passed the debt on from agency to agency, highlights the fact they can not take any legal action against you or indeed want to. If they had any ammo to use, surely they would use it not continually pass it on

Had dealings with Moorcroft in the past connected to mobile phone issues, ignore them they are bullies.

Use the advice above about reporting them etc.

Lesson for the future - get written proof from Orange, I never make contact via phone as companies can easily deny things, it's not so easy if it's in writing. (Then again maybe you do have proof in writing from Orange)

diso

Hi,

an update on this, and further advice needed.

I wrote to both Moorcroft and Orange explaining that I don't believe that I owe the money and asking asked for details of why they think I owe them money, and that if it is the case that I do justly owe the money I will pay it.

Got a reply back from Moorcroft acknowledging receipt of my letter and demanding the full payment, then another letter from Moorcroft stamped pre-court division demanding payment.

They seem to have totally ignored my issue that I say wasn't under contract even tho they have acknowledged receipt of my letter about this.

To me it all seems a little bit crazy that they can just ignore anything I say and just keep making demands.

What should I do next?

Xbigman

Make it clear to Moorcroft that the debt is disputed. They should send it back to Orange. Send it recorded delivery.
Regards



X

DVardysShadow

One of the lessons here [too late for you, diso, sorry] is that having done the right thing and checked you are out of contract, you need it confirmed in writing.

Now you stand absolutely zero chance of this being confirmed at the time of cancelling, so you have to send your own letter to cancel and state that you are out of contract and give them 21 days or whatever to dispute. A copy of such a letter now would be invaluable in cutting this nonsense off at the floor.