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Lowells chasing me for debt that doesn't exist - help!

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I've posted this under Debt-Free Wannabee as well but I feel like it would be better off here.

Today I got a text from a company called Lowells asking me to call them. My credit is squeaky clean and I have no unpaid debts so I was surprised they were contacting me.

Turns out they are chasing an 'unpaid E.ON bill' from when I lived in a rented house in 2013. I remember another debt collection agency contacting me about an outstanding amount for E.ON years ago (maybe 2014) and it turned out it was a mistake on E.ON's behalf as they were trying to claim money for a period after I moved out. It was sorted, and written off/cancelled.

I explained this to the woman but she was disgustingly rude and wouldn't take any of it. Basically calling me a liar! I rang E.ON who confirmed the balance on the account Lowells are referring to was paid off in full the month I moved out, and that there are no other accounts in my name. They are sending me my last payment confirmation in writing as proof.

I told Lowells this and they are still saying I will owe this money unless I can prove I wasn't living at that address for the period they are referring to - even though E.ON said I made my final payment in Oct 2013 when I moved out.

What the hell?!

Who are these people and why are they so hellbent on getting this money that I don't even owe?! Fuming! :mad:

What are my rights?

Comments

  • jimbo26
    jimbo26 Posts: 954 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 26 February 2019 at 3:54PM
    They need to prove the debt is yours, not for you to prove it isn't. I suggest you call them back or send them a 'prove it' letter.

    https://goo.gl/ndnEKf
  • l3mmmy
    l3mmmy Posts: 33 Forumite
    jimbo26 wrote: »
    They need to prove the debt is your, not for you to prove it isn't. I suggest you call them back or send them a 'prove it' letter.

    I didn't know this - thank you.

    What is classed as 'proof' that the debt is mine?
  • jimbo26
    jimbo26 Posts: 954 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    A signed agreement. I would guess they will disappear once you send the letter. It is coming close to the 6 years, at which point the debt will be statute barred. They have probably purchased it for a few quid and are chancing their arm,. Just remember the people you are talking to on the phone have little or no knowledge of the law, and are glorified call handlers.
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 31,440 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    Hi

    Can you please keep to one thread, the debt free wannabe board is the place for this.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
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