Letter for money owing after 2 years

Bloke

Two years ago almost to the day I had my carpet replaced after a Christmas tree leaked all it's dirty water all over it (another story!). My wife received a letter at the weekend from the company we used asking for an overdue £50. As it was two years ago I no longer have any of the documentation relating to this but I am pretty sure it was fully paid at the time as I like to get payments out of the way ASAP and there was only a small amount to be paid by me (could well be £50) as it was an insurance claim.

We have since moved house and got married and the letter was sent to our old address and forwarded through the Royal Mail forwarding service, and was also sent to my wifes maiden name.

Can people leave it this long to ask you for money? It seems strange that we hear nothing for two years and then get this? If we had got something nearer the time, I would have still had all the documentation.

What do I do? I have no documentation myself so ringing up and saying I paid isn't really much use. I could ignore the letter as it's quite probable that we could have never received it, but are we going to be chased for it? I'm not sure I'd like it hanging over me. The only other option is to pay the money as its only £50, however £50 is £50 and if I've already paid, why should I again?!

What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Paul.

specs_3

They can chase you for the money for as long as it remains repaid.

If you would've paid it like you said, how would you have paid it?
If by cheque or credit card it would be easy to check.

Apart from cash, it is usually easy to prove you paid.

Avoriaz

Write a polite letter to them saying that as far as you are concerned the money was paid two years ago and the matter is closed. Query why it has taken them so long to raise the matter.

Inform that that their letter has been forwarded to you at your new address.

Do not give your new address in the letter.

I doubt if you will hear further.

There is a limit on how long they may leave a debt but this is longer than two years. I think it is six years but I could be wrong.

In practice, if you just refuse to pay their only resort is legal action. They are highly unlikely to pursue that and, even if they do, they are unlikely to win.

They cannot send bailiffs round without a court order so do not be intimidated by threats. They might sell the debt to a third party who might take action but again this is unlikely.

Don’t pay £50 just to avoid “it hanging over me” if you are reasonably certain that you have already paid.

Phoenix79_2

They can chase up to six years later if i recall correctly.

conradmum

Maybe ask to see the original invoice? At least then this may trigger your memory over exactly what the money is owed for, and if they don't have a copy I think you'll be on firmer ground for refusing to pay.