United Utilities Debt

matt4504

Hey,

So I got a letter this morning from a debt collection company saying I owed United Utilities £300.


I wasn't sure why so I called UU and they said I owed £300 for the period of September 2012 up until now. Although I did live in the property I didn't live at the property from around September 2012.


UU cancelled the charges for the period of July 2013 onwards as I could prove my address but unfortunately due to subletting off my sister from September 2012 to June 2013 I can't prove that the debt doesn't belong to me (no rental agreement as I split up with my ex and had to move out immediately).


I'm pretty annoyed though as when I asked how my details had been registered to open an account they said that a meter reader went to the property and the people there gave my address as the current tenant. How is that even allowed? It's like the meter reader turning up at my current house and me supplying some random persons details.


Anyway I've resigned myself to the fact I'm going to have to pay the remaining £150 but it's so frustrating.

macman

When you move out, it's your job to inform the supplier and request a final billing-they're not psychic.

matt4504

macman wrote: »

When you move out, it's your job to inform the supplier and request a final billing-they're not psychic.

We did inform them when we moved out and closed the account. What I was trying to say was someone opened another account after I left and used my details...

Cardew

matt4504 wrote: »

We did inform them when we moved out and closed the account. What I was trying to say was someone opened another account after I left and used my details...

That wasn't clear from your first post. Also don't deal with the Debt Collection Agency - they simply want your money and are not the slightest bit interested in facts.


Are you sure that the occupants of the house opened a new account and used your details? Or gave your details for what they thought was an outstanding bill?


If the former, it is fraud. Take them to the small claims court.


However I would write - NOT phone - the water company with a recorded delivery letter headed 'complaint' and get in writing exactly what happened that caused your name to be on a bill for a property in which you were not in residence. Copy the letter to the DCA.