Old utility bill thats not mine!

vicallen2004

Hi all. Its a long one so stick with me!

In 2004 I moved into a rented house and updated all my details with the relevent utility companies. The house used to be a much larger property but the land lords adapted it into 2 smaller units. I paid both gas and water by DD and elec by a prepayment card. I moved out in March 2006 and informed the suppliers. As far as I knew everything was fine.

A couple of months later I was chased by United Utilities for a bill of over £1000. After much investigation it came to light that only one water meter was supplying the two properties. My measly £40 payment was contributing to clearing the debit but there was a huge shortfall over the 2 years I was there. It may have even been before. United Utilities eventually realised what had happened and took the matter up with my land lord. My name was cleared from the account.

This morning out of the blue I received a call on my mobile from a representative from a debt collection agency. She informed me that she was expecting a cheque from me for just over 2 half thousand pounds for an outstanding utility bill. I explained I moved out in March 2006 and everything was clear at that point. I offered to send in my new tenancy agreement, copies of my bank statements showing the gas DD but with regards to electricity I dont really have any proof as it was all on card.

I explained it sounds like a simular problem with one metre supplying two houses and I could give her the up to date contact details for the lord lords. She told me that unless I could prove the bill wasn't me they would be expecting a payment in full as the matter has been going on for so long. The £2500 is for the period March 2004 to December 2009. I had been and gone by that point. Plus I said it would surely be impossible to get a bill for £2500 with a prepayment card. She said it was possible!

I am at a loss. My ex land lords were useless at the time and I cant see them caring to be honest.

I am stuck and would love any advice.

Andy_WSM

First off - they have to prove the debt is yours, which it sounds like they may not be able to do.

You shouldn't be ringing them up, you should write to them - and send it recorded delivery so they can't deny receipt.

It might be "urgent" to them, but it isn't to you - they have procedures to follow. Keep your cool, do everything in writing and make THEM do the work - that's why they charge fees as debt collectors.

vicallen2004

Whoops just realised I've posted this twice!

Thanks for your advice. I am worried and keep going through it all but I will take my time and keep my cool.

Thank you.