Advice needed regarding DCA and unpaid electricity bill

Emanresu1

Hi Everyone,

I need some help. I returned from work today to find 2 Formal Demand notices from pastdue Credit Solutions Debt Collection agency on behalf of Southern Electric. One for an unpaid gas bill totalling £121, the other an electricity bill for £638.

The bills relate to a shared student house I lived last year. I assume my landlord has given them my name and forwarding address as the bills weren't originally in my name. They were in the name of a Polish house mate who has since moved back to Poland. Myself and 3 other tenants, who I'm unable to contact, would give her our share of the bills each month and it looks like she hasn't been paying them. I spoke to the landlord and he seems to think the bills were based on estimates rather than actual readings and that's where it's came from. I don't have any of the actual bills, only the 2 letters from the DCA.

What I want to know is if these amounts are correct and the money is owed, will I have to pay this thing? If I do need to pay it will I be able to arrange some sort of payment plan and if so, what options and amounts would I realistically be able to negotiate? I'm already struggling and that's without a £759 bill out of nowhere.

Also, what would happen if I just ignored the letter and didn't call them? The letter is dated 17/03 and states it needs to be paid by 24/03 i.e tomorrow. Will they be able to mess around with my credit rating? I've spent the best part of year repairing my credit file in the hope of eventually getting a mortgage so if they are going to hit me there I'll just pay it as it's not worth it.
Another thing is that my first name is mis-spelled slightly on the letter. don't know if that affects anything?

What would you do in my situation? Any advice is very much appreciated,

Emanresu

Hannah_10

I think if the Polish girl took responsibility for the bill then it's her bill, not yours. Also, a name can't be put on a bill retrospectively, that's not right. If it was we'd all do it.

Ignoring is a really bad move. Calling them is also a really bad move. I suggest you write. Somewhere round here we have a template "Prove It" letter which has been eluding me all day. (If someone else would be so kind as to link it I'd be grateful please?) If someone can find it then you should send it to Pastdue.

If this debt is going to hit your credit rating chances are it already did, but with what you've told us this isn't your bill anyway, so if it's hit your credit rating without even being yours then you can do stuff about that. If you pay it though you have admitted liability for it- which means it will stick.

Something you should see is the OFT guidance for DCA's (debt collection agencies), it is called OFT664, you can search it online or click here to download it (.pdf). See point 2.4(f) in particular.

Emanresu1

That's very helpful thanks Hannah. I can't even get in touch with the house mate to discuss it with her or get the original bills, it looks like she's ditched her English mobile.
It's the credit thing I'm worried about. Does anyone know what the electricity companies are like for recording debts on your credit file? I'll have a look for that "prove it" template and send it off to see what they say.

Hannah_10

As a rule, utilities are less likely to have record it than a bank say, but if it's there and it shouldn't be then you can get it taken off.

Hannah_10

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11570893&postcount=2 << The prove it letter.

thechippy

Pastdue are muppets and easily seen off as well.......;)

Emanresu1

Thanks Hannah I'll post back if I get a reply. Can you elaborate Chippy? Have you had dealings with them in the past?