E-on threatening court action against "The Occupier"

martin2345uk

Hi guys,

We've recently moved into our first house. E-on were the supplier (we've since changed that). E-on have an accounts et up for us, for the period from when we bought the house to when we switched supplier - that's all fine.

But it looks like the previous owners (whom we don't know) have left with a small debt - E-on keep sending letters to "The Occupier".

As I am technically the occupier, I called them about it and they said just ignore the letters addressed that way, and only open ones addressed to me specifically.

However I just got home and my OH has opened the latest of these "Occupier" letters and it's now threatening court action...


How does this sort of thing usually work? How can they take action against people they apparently don't know? The previous owners must have had an account in their own name so why are these not directed at them?

E-on assured me nothing will happen to me, no bailiffs will come calling etc., but I just wondered if anyone knows if this kind of situation is common and how does it usually get resolved?

Thanks

Wywth

martin2345uk wrote: »

Hi guys,

We've recently moved into our first house. E-on were the supplier (we've since changed that). E-on have an accounts et up for us, for the period from when we bought the house to when we switched supplier - that's all fine.

But it looks like the previous owners (whom we don't know) have left with a small debt - E-on keep sending letters to "The Occupier".

As I am technically the occupier, I called them about it and they said just ignore the letters addressed that way, and only open ones addressed to me specifically.

However I just got home and my OH has opened the latest of these "Occupier" letters and it's now threatening court action...


How does this sort of thing usually work? How can they take action against people they apparently don't know? The previous owners must have had an account in their own name so why are these not directed at them?

E-on assured me nothing will happen to me, no bailiffs will come calling etc., but I just wondered if anyone knows if this kind of situation is common and how does it usually get resolved?

Thanks

Tell them to stop sending letters to your address addressed to the occupier, if they are not intended for you as the current occupier

Simples! :cool:

martin2345uk

Haha I tried that, he said the system won't allow it!

datlex

So long as you can prove when you owned the property from then any bills before that are irrelevant for gas and elec. Let them waste their time and money.

victor2

Write to them, stating you are clearly not the occupier they are referring to and as clarified by their own customer service staff. Head your letter Complaint, say that you view this as harassment and request that they stop.
Get a proof of posting from the post office with the letter (it's free) and keep a copy for yourself. That might stop them bugging you.

ValHaller

As occupier, you should always open letters addressed to the occupier, without exception. So ignore e.on telling you to ignore them.

As for taking the matter to court, well, they have to take a named person to court as I understand it.

martin2345uk

Thanks guys...

The E-on guy was telling me to return them to sender saying "not at this address"!! Yes, the occupier sending it back saying the occupier is not known at this address...

The letters don't bother me too much - but is it possible to get a bad credit rating out of this? Can it be linked to the address and thereby to me..??

victor2

martin2345uk wrote: »

Thanks guys...

The E-on guy was telling me to return them to sender saying "not at this address"!! Yes, the occupier sending it back saying the occupier is not known at this address...

The letters don't bother me too much - but is it possible to get a bad credit rating out of this? Can it be linked to the address and thereby to me..??

As already said, they would have to know who the occupier was, at the time of the debt, to take further action. If they don't know your name through you phoning them, they certainly will if you write (perhaps a reason not to?) unless you sign it "The Current Occupier" . You won't get a bad credit rating if they don't know who you are. They could doubtless find out, but even then, you would only have to prove you were not the occupier at the time of the problem.
Could be a headache you could do without, but I don't see a debt collector buying the debt off E.On if there isn't even a name to the debtor.
I am no expert in this area though and would happily stand corrected by someone who is.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi martin2345uk


I’m sorry you we’re given duff info by one of our advisors.


For closed accounts titled ‘Occupier’ the address details can be changed so follow up isn’t sent to your home.


Not every advisor has the access to do this but can find someone who does. If you drop an email to the address in my Profile, I’ll be happy to sort this out for you.


Sorry again for the poor service when you called.


Malc

martin2345uk

Gosh thanks Malc, I didn't realise E-On reps stalked the boards :-)

Email duly sent

cheers

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi Martin

Yes, I've been lurking around MSE for quite a time now.

Thanks for emailing. I've received it and just replied.

Malc