Westcot say I owe money - 5 years ago!!

AliceBanned

Hi everyone

I had a surpise letter at the weekend from Westcot Credit Services Ltd; never heard from them before. I moved house 5 years ago and apparently - now the first I hear - I owe the previous landlord, a housing assoc, £149. I'm annoyed as I doubt very much that I owe the money, but how can I prove that I don't from so long ago? I have asked them to go back to the housing assoc and get proof, but it is a bit worrying - they said it has not impacted my credit file, but who knows what they might do? Not heard from them since I spoke on Saturday, and refused to give my phone number which they asked for. I said I don't owe the money (or highly unlikely as I did a housing assoc exchange and you can't do this if you have any arrears). I even think it may be a scam. Any ideas? Thanks

Tixy

You are right that you need to ask for proof to start with. Did you do this by phone or in writing? If by phone then send a version of this letter http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2
You don't need to prove that you don't owe it but they do need to prove you do.

It don't impact on your credit file as it won't have been a 'credit' debt. Presumably it will just relate to an outstanding bill so there will be no credit agreement and they are not allowed to enter anything on your credit file.

AliceBanned

Tixy wrote: »

You are right that you need to ask for proof to start with. Did you do this by phone or in writing? If by phone then send a version of this letter http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2
You don't need to prove that you don't owe it but they do need to prove you do.

It don't impact on your credit file as it won't have been a 'credit' debt. Presumably it will just relate to an outstanding bill so there will be no credit agreement and they are not allowed to enter anything on your credit file.

Hi Tixy

That's a great relief; didn't realise they can't enter it on my credit file. many thanks! I'll write to them as well in that case.