Sky LCS 'debt' - prove it or unenforceable?

Tete_en_l'Air

Hi, hope this is right forum, rather than the TV forum. My OH recently received a letter from LCS (debt recovery) stating that he owes Sky £91. He currently has a Sky account and contacted them to check that he didn't owe them anything, which he doesn't. He has not received any letters from Sky saying as much. I thought it might just be a scam letter to try and get less-clued-up individuals to pay up something they don't owe. So he shredded the letter.

Then yesterday he received another, shorter, letter from LCS, asking him to call them to arrange a 'doorstep visit'. He contacted Sky again and they were totally unhelpful, saying that this issue was in the hands of LCS now and he should take it up with them. He has a feeling it might relate to an old Sky account at a different address which he moved from in 2007, but as far as he's aware that account was settled ... and if it DOES relate to that, how have they traced him to his new address anyway?

I've had a little read around on here and have been looking at the unenforceability template letters, but I'm not sure if this letter applies as I've also seen on these boards that Sky is not a Credit Agreement but a Service Agreement. So how would the wording need to be changed? He basically wants to say he denies the debt, it's up to them to prove it, and he will not give permission for a 'doorstep visit'.

Any advice much appreciated - thank you!

NorthernLas

I think it is still up to LCS to prove the debt, I don't think it matters if it is a service agreement for proof (service agreements don't fall under CCA rules).

I'd use the prove it letter and add part of the threat of doorstep collection. They are at the bottom of this post from NIDs thread.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=33791363&postcount=3

Tete_en_l'Air

Ah thanks so much, that's exactly what I'm looking for - found those threads a bit overwhelming and I guess I didn't read them thoroughly.

Thanks again!

Burlesque_Babe

With regards to a doorstep visit, they have no legal right whatsoever to come to the property and you can tell them so. Absolutely none. If anyone does turn up you can legally tell them to do one. Bully boy tactics.

mr.ton

Ask them what time they would like to visit as you would like for a local bobby to be in attendance....

Tete_en_l'Air

Yeah thanks, I had it inmy head that they're not allowed to do that, he's put in his letter that they can only visit by appointment and he will not make any such appointment with them. The letter's gone off recorded delivery today, fingers crossed this may be the end of it if they can't prove the debt.

What happens if they write back just saying he owes £91, do we just go round in circles saying prove it? Easy enough in practice but a bit of a pain!