S R J Debt Recoveries (E.On)

KipKip_2

Hi,

Im posting about a problem my brother has, he was at a flat, where he had a pre-payment electric meter, then inbetween flats he moved into our mums and used her as a c/o address. He's now in his new place...

A debt reocvery letter has turned up c/o mum from SRJ REcoveries regarding an E.On electrcity debt of £188.62 for his old flat (where he was on al elelctricty meter)

I dont want to call them nor does he, but I knew there was a letter floating about somewhere that you can send them saying the debt is not yours? how can we do this? and can we do this to debt collectors (as dont have any correspondence from Eon?)

Many thanks for any help you can give me!!!



KipKip

bottleofred

Hi Kipkap,

I've attached the letter below and hope it helps

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully





Mrs A N Other

Tixy

Hi

I think you need to start with the prove it letter (to the DCA)- http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2

Was it always on prepayment meters when he lived there? If they were installed because he got behind with the payments then they usually collect the debt slowly as you use the prepayment meters, so he could still owe them money. Just a thought.

KipKip_2

bottleofred wrote: »

Hi Kipkap,

I've attached the letter below and hope it helps

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully





Mrs A N Other

thats really helpful thanks a lot!!!

Will post that off today...

KipKip_2

Tixy wrote: »

Hi

I think you need to start with the prove it letter (to the DCA)- http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2

Was it always on prepayment meters when he lived there? If they were installed because he got behind with the payments then they usually collect the debt slowly as you use the prepayment meters, so he could still owe them money. Just a thought.

Hiya,

Until his current flat that he moved in few days ago, he has always either been on pre-payment meter (for the entire tenancy) or in a property (i.e houseshare) that the electricity is included in the rent.

So this definitly isn't his....

Tixy

Thats good - should be no debating it then. Hopefully you'll hear nothing more from them.

Bigdavieboy

I would call EON direct, there are ways you can get into debt on a prepayment meter, for example if your meter wasnt calibrated at the correct price, If services i.e repairs were done and outstanding amounts added to the meter. My guess would be the meter was charging x amount per unit for electricity, and the correct amount was x+1. People think that you cannot get into debt with pre payment meters, but it is the OCCUPIERS responsibility to ensure that the meter is opperating correctly.

Good luck

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi KipKip

As Bigdavieboy says, debt can build up on Prepayment accounts for a number of reasons.

For instance, as well as incorrect prices set on the meter, it may be electricity was bought using the wrong payment device. This will have put the payments on the wrong account. These will need locating and moving to the right place.

Not saying this is the case here but it is the sort of thing which can happen.

I would certainly ask your brother to talk to us about this as it may be something straightforward that can be quickly sorted out.

Tell him to ask for a copy of the final bill when he vacated the flat. This will show where the charges/debt come from.

If he continues to contest the balance, ask for a complaint to be raised as this will automatically suspend all debt follow up whilst the matter is looked into.

We will carry out a full investigation and provide a written resolution. Should this resolution not be to your brother's satisfaction he can, after 56 days, refer this to the Ombudsman for an independent judgement.

I hope this helps a little KipKip. Give me a shout if I can help further as will be happy to do so. Alternatively, drop an email to the address in my Profile and I will gladly have a look for you myself.

Malc