Wrongfully chased for debt, Been polite but they want proof

flamewing

Essentially I got a letter in my name but spelt incorrectly for a alleged utitilty debt at a property I have never stayed in. They kept phoning my mobile as early as 8am and as late as 8pm leaving automated voicemails that told me to ring.

I had enough and spoke to them and sent them a council tax bill for the period that should prove I didn't live there (and for a totally different authority)

Got a response today that states.

Further to your recent communication in respect of the above account, we are writing to confirm we have been in contact with.

Our client has confirmed they would require a statement from the Council to show the properties they have billed you for in the past. This would then confirm you were not liable. We can also advise your account has been placed on hold until the 24/02/2020. If you require anything further please do not hesitate to contact us on the above telephone number

Anyway I am fuming and think I have done more than enough, and surely they have to prove I owe the debt not I have to prove I don't?!

What shall I do?

DCFC79

flamewing wrote: »

Essentially I got a letter in my name but spelt incorrectly for a alleged utitilty debt at a property I have never stayed in. They kept phoning my mobile as early as 8am and as late as 8pm leaving automated voicemails that told me to ring.

I had enough and spoke to them and sent them a council tax bill for the period that should prove I didn't live there (and for a totally different authority)

Got a response today that states.

Further to your recent communication in respect of the above account, we are writing to confirm we have been in contact with.

Our client has confirmed they would require a statement from the Council to show the properties they have billed you for in the past. This would then confirm you were not liable. We can also advise your account has been placed on hold until the 24/02/2020. If you require anything further please do not hesitate to contact us on the above telephone number

Anyway I am fuming and think I have done more than enough, and surely they have to prove I owe the debt not I have to prove I don't?!

What shall I do?

You say spelt incorrectly, how wrong is it ? 1 letter out ?

Imo its not even your debt, you shouldn't be going to them lengths. Is the debt listed on your credit reports ? If it is listed maybe inform them it isn't your debt but I suspect they would say to speak to the utility firm.

Id consider sending a letter (cease and desist) telling them its not your debt and to stop harassing you.
Not sure who you would complain to if they carry on, maybe the ombudsman, Id wait for other posters to give more advice.

Keep the thread updated as it could be useful for other posters in the future.

sourcrates

Let me guess, Lowell by any chance ?

If you want the matter concluded, send the evidence, otherwise they will keep chasing you.

They do have to provide evidence of liability, but if there evidence says your liable, you have to prove them wrong, or possibly defend your position in court.

DCFC79

Told you someone more knowledgeable would post, follow that advice OP.

PixelPound

Have they told you the time period that the utility supply covers, it's only these that you need to deal with. Any time before or after then irrelevant.

You don't say how close the spelling is, and could be an admin error, so they won't stop because it's Smyth and not smith. I suppose they are not taking just the council tax bill in case you have more than one property.

twhitehousescat

lowell will reply "but you could have 2 houses" , been there done it got the t shirt ,

lets guess , eon?

BooJewels

flamewing wrote: »

Essentially I got a letter in my name but spelt incorrectly for a alleged utitilty debt at a property I have never stayed in.

That's very specifically worded. Did you own it though?

Mrs_Ryan

BooJewels wrote: »

That's very specifically worded. Did you own it though?

I’m guessing OP may be in Scotland/Scottish as the term ‘stayed’ is widely used to describe a place where you have lived. I of course could be wrong

boo_star

twhitehousescat wrote: »

lowell will reply "but you could have 2 houses" , been there done it got the t shirt ,

lets guess , eon?

I agree. You can't prove a negative.

Tell them to stop harassing you and report them to the FOS/ICO if they continue.

Although I must admit, them having your physical address and mobile number smells like you may owe someone some money...

flamewing

It is SSE, and yes I am Scottish, as for them having my contact details I have had this phone number 12 years and years back was victim of identity fraud when flat sharing,

I have never lived in that town or authority, the council tax bill I sent them was for during the period they claimed I lived there. it was for summer 2 years ago i.e lets say it was for May-October I sent them a council tax bill for 2018-2019 dated say July from where I actually live.

The wrongful name is 1 digit short and spelt incorrect it sounds the same or just about when saying it out loud so either an admin error or someone say trying to get credit in my name and didn't know how it was spelled.

They have not to this date provided any actual proof I owe the debt just tell me they have me down as living there.

The letter from council does irritate me as even if I get a letter saying I lived at X address for X number of months/years that wouldnt prove I wouldn't live elsewhere as its a different authority.

Uxb1

If you are genuinely convinced and certain that the debt has nowt to do with you or anyone connected with you then I'd go on the attack.
The council tax letter thingy is silly as you might own your own house but have a holiday home in another part of the country so you would be receiving two council tax demands to your address from two different local authorities.

how about this draft - other posters may disagree.....
Dear Sir,
Re: (their ref)
I wish to confirm that I do not and never have owned the property known as (address) and furthermore I confirm that I have never been a resident of the said property and nor I have I ever stayed at the said property as a guest of the then owner/occupiers.
I have no knowledge of or connection with the said property in the past or now and there is therefore no liability for me to pay any such debt relating to it.

I will not be responding to any further communications from yourself or your representatives and you are not to contact or attempt to contact me again by any method including landline, mobile both text and call, post, email, or personal visit in relation to this matter.
Yours faithfully
Your name (but do not sign it so as to not provide your signature).

Send with proof of postage from a P.Office.