Debt collector 'trying it on': how do I complain?

Voyager2002

I had a shock with this morning's post: a really unpleasant letter from a debt collector, demanding money "or else". Buried in the small print, I found that it was supposed to be money owed on an energy bill to Powergen for a flat where I lived (briefly) about three years ago. My first instinct was to pay it quickly, but I dug out my old receipts and found that i. the electricity supply to the flat had been provided by SWEB, not Powergen, ii. I had paid in full when I moved out. A quick telephone call to SWEB, quoting my old account number, confirmed this. (Oh: it was an all-electric flat, so there could not have an a gas bill as well.)

I can only assume that the DCA (Westcott) got hold of my present and previous address and decided to give me a fright in the hope that I would pay first and check later. And I wonder whether this kind of behaviour is legal. Do they need to be licensed in order to operate as a DCA? If so, can I complain to someone in the hope of getting them closed down?

Oh: do I need to do anything to let them know that I do not owe them anything? I am tempted to allow them to sue me, since I think I have a pretty strong defence, and they would end up paying their own costs and things. Or would this cause me any problems?

moonrakerz

I would just ignore it, they have probably sent this same letter out to everybody who ever lived in that place hoping someone will pay up.
You seem to have adequate proof that you are in the clear.
If they do decide to take it to Court - counter sue them !

dmg24

This is typical Wescot.

I would give them a call, and as moonrakerz said, advise them that if they do take it any further, you will counter sue.

I would definitely call them though, for your own peace of mind more than anything x

hollydays

They are amember of the Credit Services Association CSA ,check their website see if they have a complaints procedure and what if anything,would happen,if they were in breach of any code.

maninthestreet

Don't telephone them! That's whay they want you to do.
Write to them, using recorded delivery, explaining you do not acknowledge the debt, giving the reasons you have stated above.

AP

I would phone them but reverse the charge! (or use 0800Reverse)