Energy bill from ~6 years ago

pastelrazzi

I have a bill from a debt collection agency for gas / electric from a period around 6 years ago.


How do I find out when the original bill was produced?


How do I find out if it is a valid bill?

Simplycito

pastelrazzi wrote: »

I have a bill from a debt collection agency for gas / electric from a period around 6 years ago.


How do I find out when the original bill was produced?


How do I find out if it is a valid bill?

I've never seen an invoice without a date on it

I'm sure the supplier involved will gladly confirm the validity or otherwise of the bill. Don't forget your debit or credit card with you when calling. I'm sure they will be very pleased to hear from you again.

Simplycito

Just seen your thread on the same topic from 2 days ago. :cool:

Sorry, I can't post links it seems, but MSE user Cardew already gave you the answer 2 days, and I see you gave thanks to that response the same day. (Monday)

pastelrazzi

Their first & only answer led to my subsequent two questions, which are asked above. I thanked them for their first answer, as is manners.


The bill from the debt collection agency doesn't display the date of the original bill as it is not the original bill it is the bill from the debt collection agency.

CakeCrusader

Have you sent them a 'prove it' letter? They should be able to produce a copy of the last bill for you, it should have a date on it. Be wary with utility bills, the last bill date isn't usually the date of default, and it's the date of default that makes it statute barred to any further action once 6 years has passed.

Simplycito

DCAs don't issue invoices (bills) to those they are collecting debts from.
How can they? They have not supplied you with any goods or services.
DCAs issue demands for payment.
If you wish to query the validity of the demand, you can ask them to 'prove it'.
They will almost certainly then furnish you with a copy of the invoice from the original creditor. Or just ask them directly for it.

brewerdave

Simplycito wrote: »

DCAs don't issue invoices (bills) to those they are collecting debts from.
How can they? They have not supplied you with any goods or services.
DCAs issue demands for payment.
If you wish to query the validity of the demand, you can ask them to 'prove it'.
They will almost certainly then furnish you with a copy of the invoice from the original creditor. Or just ask them directly for it.

Generally, for a claimed bill that old, the DCA will not be able to produce a detailed bill -they have prob. bought a load of supposed ancient debts for peanuts and then send the demands off in the full knowledge that,if they scare 5 or 10% of the supposed debtors into paying, they will make a profit:mad:

pastelrazzi

Thanks. Is there a tried/tested way to edit the standard "prove it" letter to request the original bill including date of default?

CakeCrusader

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter This should do it. Just make sure it's 'alleged that I owe', or 'alleged debt'.