DHL 'debt' now passed on to collection agency

outlook2013

Wondering if anyone could help me here.

A few months ago, I got a letter from DHL about an unpaid invoice on shipping goods (seller did not pay VAT charges, etc).

This letter was the first I had received (no actual invoice) and had come some weeks after any package would've arrived - the last DHL delivery according to my records was February 2013.

They did not send any original invoice.

I tried to pay the debt online, but no such debt was found in their system. I emailed per their letter (July 2013) but had no response.

In September I had a similar letter. Once again, no such invoice was found on their system. I again emailed, and again no response. I've copies of this email and have CC'd in other addresses.

This week I have received a letter from Control Account PLC chasing after the debt (a grand total of £40, including their 'admin' charges).

Part of me wants to pay to get it out of the way, but frankly I still have no real knowledge of this debt and certainly refuse to pay any admin charges given that I've attempted to pay twice now.

Any advice on the next move?

fermi

Usual response would be something like ---> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247

sourcrates

I have had DHL do this to me in the past, a package I got from hong kong which should of had VAT paid on it, didn't, as they were supposed to collect it before it was delivered, I tried to pay it online and surprise surprise "no record found" didn't get to the collections stage as I wrote and complained and they wrote the "debt" off as it was there fault, maybe best to ring DHL in this case and speak to a manager or the like and try and explain things, as for such a small amount of money its not worth ruining your credit file, but then again don't they make you mad !!!

outlook2013

Well I sent the above letter - thanks Fermi -and they've completely ignored it.

They've now sent a letter before claim instead

[Deleted User]

Should make an interesting court case.

"Your Honour, I tried to pay it twice, but their system didn't recognise the invoice number. Also, due to their system saying there is no such invoice, I sent a letter disputing the debt, which they ignored.".

I can't imagine the Judge being too impressed.