Please Help: Contacted by DCA

Fathersham

First time poster so please be gentle!!!

I have just received a letter from a DCA claiming that I owe EDF Energy £894. I have never had my energy from EDF, always BG or Scottish Power so I have been concerned as to where this has come from. Also the DCA letter addresses me in a shortened variation of my first name, where as I have always used my full name for any financial dealings. I'm hesitant to contact them I case it exacerbates the situation once they get a response but I was wandering whether anyone else has experienced this.

Also, the DCA have searched my credit file, again using the shortened variation of my name. Will this effect my credit rating, I'm concerned as we are currently selling our house with a view to moving and worry that this may have a detrimental effect on a mortgage application.

I'm certain that this debt is nothing to do with me, however I'm aware that DCA's can be unscrupulous. Can a DCA search your credit file without date of birth information?... If they haven't got the name I use in other financial agreements surely they can't enforce??? This s borne out on my credit file as I have no other alias.

Please advise as I am worried about having to pay another persons debt
Thanks in advance

forgotmyname

Send them a letter, Dont sign it.

Just jeep it short and sweet that you have never been with EDF and have no knowledge of this debt. Provide proof that you are the person they are looking for or go away.

I use my full name and a shortened version for various bills. Makes no difference.

If its not your debt then you have nothing to worry about as long as you tell them its not your debt.

Also make complaint about them checking your credit file.