Help with Vodafone/Lowell

nicjr_2

I noticed back in January 2011 I had a new entry on my credit report, showing outstanding arrears to Vodafone. I only noticed this because I am signed up to Equifax's credit report monitoring service, which emails you whenever anything changes.

I wasn't aware I had a Vodafone account. I had certainly never had a Vodafone mobile phone, but I did remember having a mobile broadband dongle which my employer was paying for (I left the company in June 2011). The only thing I can guess is that when I left my job, my employer just cancelled the direct debit from their bank and didn't cancel the account.

So I emailed Vodafone customer support using their web form, essentially saying I noticed this new entry on my file and asking them to send me details of the outstanding amount as it was the first time I'd heard anything about it. They replied saying that as no account details were provided by me, they couldn't help. (duh!) So I replied again, re-iterating the problem is that I wasn't aware of having an account yet I had an entry from them on my credit report. They never replied and I haven't thought anything of it since...

Until today.. I received a letter from Lowell debt recovery, saying they've bought my debt account from Vodafone and now want me to settle the outstanding balance with them.

Unfortunately they're closed until tomorrow now, but before speaking with them I wanted to get some opinions from the forumites on how best to proceed.

Isn't it a bit weird that I never received any letters from Vodafone - the only letter I receive is from a debt collection agency? I've been living at this address since 2010. I would have expected Vodafone to at least post me a statement/overdue letter or something first!

It is also annoying that I tried to proactively resolve the issue in Jan 2011 and never received a response from Vodafone.

I don't mind paying any outstanding line rental (if there is any) but I would hate to pay interest and debt collection fees on top of the original amount, given the lack of correspondence from Vodafone to date. What do you think I should do?

happy_bunny_2

Does it show a default on your report?

Don't give Lowell your number, they will make your life hell.

Write to them, that way you have a copy for your records.

Could also give the ombudsman a call, as they haven't given you a final response to your complaint in a decent timeframe:
http://help.vodafone.co.uk/system/selfservice.controller?CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&PARTITION_ID=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=us&CONFIGURATION=1001&CURRENT_CMD=BROWSE_TOPIC&REQUEST_PAGE=CONTACT_US&ARTICLE_ID=323259&TOPIC_ID=26274

Vodafone

Hi nicjr,

Thanks for making me aware of this.

If you'd like any help from me could you email me with your details via the link in our profile here?

All you need to do is copy and paste the link into your web browser and it will take you to the Contact us form on our website. To make sure it reaches me could you also quote the code WRT135 - MSE in the subject line?

Once sent you'll receive an automated reply with a reference number. So I can make sure I've got it could you update the thread with this and I'll get back to you as soon as possible?

Kind regards,

Lee

Web Relations

Vodafone UK

nicjr_2

Hi Lee. Have sent you a mail using the link provided. Automated reply reference number: Re: WRT135 - MSE [#11814359]

many thanks,
Nic

Vodafone

Hi Nic,

Thanks for coming back to me.

I've received your email and will get back to you shortly.

Kind regards,

Lee

Web Relations

Vodafone UK