Ok - so who do I complain to? This is getting silly....

Magi74

So this will get a bit long (sorry), but I'm both amused and slightly annoyed at this. Bear with me:

Question: Who exactly can I complain to about a telecom debt that is alleged to be mine when a debt collector provides no proof that I actually own the debt

Background: Back in 2013 a debt collector started pursuing me for this particular telecom debt. I'm running a DMP through StepChange and this collector (who is receiving payment for two other debts via that DMP) used StepChange to chase me for this debt. I refused (I don't know anything about this debt). Cue lots of back and fore between StepChange and me who eventually threatend to end my DMP because I had additional debt outside of the DMP. I either had to accept the debt or make telephone contact with the debt collector.

One phone call later....and I couldn't prove my identity. My personal information didn't match what they had for the debt, they apologised and told me nothing more would be done about this debt. Step Change informed, all happy and DMP carried on running.

Far forward to a few months ago and the same debt collector wrote to me out of the blue saying that they were passing on the debt to a new collector. Same rigmarole, prove-it letters sent with unsatisfactory results. I make a formal complaint (dismissed naturally), I get their final response and now I want to complain about them.

Except nobody wants to take the complaint it seems. Financial Ombudsman Service says it's not them as it's a telecom debt and gave me details for the Ombudsman Services: Communication. They (the latter) say they don't deal with this sort of thing. Meanwhile the new debt collector continues to write - all standard letter stuff - but it's getting frustrating. The only other option seems to be the Credit Service Association (I asked a similar question about this debt here)

Oh, and remember when the first debt collector used Step Change to chase me for this debt? They badgered Step Change constantly for several months. After my single phone call to the debt collector they stopped badgering Step Change and have made no further contact to Step Change about this particular debt. Read into that what you will.

Thoughts? FOS don't want to know. The Ombudsman Service doesn't want to know. Can a debt collector really keep sending letters on a semi-regular basis for ever without offering any sort of proof? Or do I have to want for the CCJ summons to finally be shown the proof of a debt that i'm entitled to see??

Actually....this is more annoying than amusing.

sourcrates

Hi,

What kind of telecoms debt is it, mobile or fixed line ?

If mobile, there are two ombudsman services, dependant on the mobile network (Google is your friend here).

If it's a fixed line telecoms provider, info on complaints procedure here :

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/alternative-dispute-resolution/settling-out-of-court/complaining-to-the-telecommunications-ombudsman/

But if it's not your debt than neither of these services can help you.

Magi74

Sorry sourcrates - been tied up in real life.

The original debt is O2. Tried again with the Ombudsman Service who have said they're going to take it forward. Not sure how far they'll take it as it's no longer with O2 but we'll see....