O2/Lowell Letter!

buffness

Hey all,

Just received a letter from Lowell/02 to say that an account was closed on 26/12/2011 but I still owe £62.81 from a final bill.

To my knowledge, I had paid this all off through direct debit. I have just called O2 and they said that the direct debit failed and this is why the money is still owed.

It is completely a mistake on my side and I will call Lowell now to pay it. However, I am a bit annoyed at O2 because they could have called me or wrote to me to let me know that the amount remained unpaid and that the direct debit had failed.

What I am worried about now is whether or not this will show as a default on my credit file. I have checked my credit file and the account does show as Settled/Satisfied with no late payments.

If it does go to a default, can I complain with O2?

timberflake

buffness wrote: »

However, I am a bit annoyed at O2 because they could have called me or wrote to me to let me know that the amount remained unpaid and that the direct debit had failed.

I think you're annoyed at the wrong person, it's your responsibility to ensure there is sufficient funds in your account to cover the final bill.

mattyprice4004

timberflake wrote: »

I think you're annoyed at the wrong person, it's your responsibility to ensure there is sufficient funds in your account to cover the final bill.

This. It's not their job to mother you with payments, it's yours to make sure they get to them.

buffness

I completely agree with what your saying - its a big mistake on my side.

Will be become a default?

jb66

but surely a text or a letter should be sent before a debt collector, seems very over the top

Guys_Dad

The problem that now exists with networks is this.

They encourage you to use online billing. Good - it saves money and keeps costs down.

However, when you end your contract, they delete your access to your account so you are unable to check if all is clear. So how can you be sure that there were no late charges or that it is ok to delete the DD?

I agree that if, after a history of payments as requested by DD being met, they could contact you in some way to tell you that there is something still outstanding instead of leaving your account to remain unsettled and thereby staining your credit record, followed by the debt collectors then writing to you.

There should be some system that allows you to look at a completed contract as long as there are any outstanding amounts.

buffness

I do understand this is my fault - usually when companies are chasing payments, they do write/call you first before handing it over to a DCA.

I was with O2 for 5 years with the same number and address so they had all my contact details to hand.