Correspondence Received from Buchanan Clark & Wells - can someone assist please?

ConfusedButLearning

Hi Everyone,

I received a "verification letter" from BCW informing me of the usual stuff i.e. that they were trying to contact me in relation to a private matter, etc. Approximately a week later I received another letter informing me that I owe them a small sum (less than £100) for a British Gas bill which relates to a house I moved out of five years ago, when I was a student.

Now, as far as I am aware, I do not owe any money to anybody and all the final bills were dealt with when we left. Furthermore, the British Gas account was in the name of at least three people, so quite why they have decided to come to me I've no idea. Nor do I know why it's taken five years for this small sum to be requested.

I'm aware that there are template letters already on this site, but I'm very confused as to which ones to use. I'm also confused as to whether or not this is related to CCA and whether I should be sending those letters?

If any of you could take just a few moments to assist me in this I'd greatly appreciate it, as this is the first time any such company has ever contacted me before and I'm rather confused!!

Many thanks in advance.

Tixy

Not CCA related.

If you send anything it should be the prove it letter.

Letter when you know nothing about about the debt - AKA "Prove it" letter

Some would ignore and wait to see if they give up.

ConfusedButLearning

Thanks for the link Tixy.

I have now received a third letter from BCW which reads the following:

Supply address: *********
Supply Period: ******** - ********

FORMAL DEMAND

Dear ****

We have been instructed by British Gas Trading to recover an overdue debt, in the sum of £**.** on their behalf.

Our clients have informed us that they are unaware of any legitimate reason for non-payment of their account and although they would prefer an amicable settlement, will not hesitate to commence Legal Proceedings if necessary.

Please call our 24 Hour Payment Line immediately on 0844 571 4070 to make payment by Credit or Debit Card. Payment is also accepted online at paybcwonline dot com.

Should there be any matter that you would like to bring to our attention or if you wish to discuss your financial circumstances in relation to the debt, please call us immediately.

Yours faithfully...


Now that this third letter has arrived, should I continue to ignore? Or should I now be sending a "prove it" letter?

I'm slightly worried because these letters are being routed through my parents' address and I would hate for anyone nasty to turn up on their doorstep. I'm also not one to run away from money that I owe but I'm honestly sure that this was all dealt with when we left the house. In any event, I am not in any contact with two of the then-housemates any more and I am certain that it was not my name alone on the account.

If anyone is able to offer further advice or guidance I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Asbestross

Hi ConfusedButLearning,

Firstly you should take note that Buchanan Clark & Wells will only be 'acting' on behalf of British Gas. They have no legal power whatsoever. They can knock on your door to discuss the matter, however if you're unavailable they are legally prevented from discussing the debt with anyone other than yourself. Have you had a Notice of Assignment from them also?

What I would do personally is contact British Gas - [EMAIL="customercomplaints@britishgas.co.uk"]customercomplaints@britishgas.co.uk[/EMAIL] advising that you have had no prior notification, nor have you ever had any direct contact from british gas in relation to this matter and ask for a full breakdown as to what these overdue amounts are related to. Have you checked your credit file, and if so is there a defaulted account listed on there?

Thanks

antonic

ConfusedButLearning wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I received a "verification letter" from BCW informing me of the usual stuff i.e. that they were trying to contact me in relation to a private matter, etc. Approximately a week later I received another letter informing me that I owe them a small sum (less than £100) for a British Gas bill which relates to a house I moved out of five years ago, when I was a student.

Now, as far as I am aware, I do not owe any money to anybody and all the final bills were dealt with when we left. Furthermore, the British Gas account was in the name of at least three people, so quite why they have decided to come to me I've no idea. Nor do I know why it's taken five years for this small sum to be requested.

I'm aware that there are template letters already on this site, but I'm very confused as to which ones to use. I'm also confused as to whether or not this is related to CCA and whether I should be sending those letters?

If any of you could take just a few moments to assist me in this I'd greatly appreciate it, as this is the first time any such company has ever contacted me before and I'm rather confused!!

Many thanks in advance.

I have a feeling that they have contacted YOU because your the only one out of the three they can trace.

As your name is on the bill your joint & severally liable for the whole bill - its up to you now to decide what to do next.