Debt collectors sent in without any attempt to contact in over a year.

mike_

I've just had a debt collection letter from a company called "UKSearch Ltd" representing Tonik Energy.
It is for monies owed which I did not know existed (I have always paid via direct debit).
It says ""As you have not responded to earlier communications to clear this debt in a satisfactory way, you should now directly deal with us""..... ""If you do not respond to this letter within 7 days, we will need to escalate this matter to recover the debt on behalf of Tonik Energy.  If you call us, we will explain this further.""
I've checked and the last communication from you was an email titled "sorry you're leaving" and dated 8/04/2019.  Over a year ago!  Its an online only account and have never had any written correspondence with Tonik (that I remember). Nor have I moved or changed my telephone number!
I'm a home owner/not moved house and have always paid my bill via direct debt/never in any debt.
I left Tonik to go to another energy supplier based on fixed rates ending.

I've just emailed Tonik as I want to get anything in writing rather than phone.

Can this debt be enforced as Tonik have not made any attempt to contact me?

How can I stop the debt collectors charging in? Obviously this is the first I've heard of it. The letter is dated yesterday, so I effectively have 5 days left!

This is very stressful, so thank you in advance to any advice.

davidmcn

Mere debt collectors have no right to "charge in". I suspect the next step in "escalating the matter" will be...to write you another letter. First stop is to figure out whether you owe any money.

mike_

My initial concern is my credit rating, UKSearch Ltd adding on more fees, and also bayliffs getting involved.  This is causing me anxiety.  The frustration comes from the fact that I've had no contact with Tonik in over a year.

Sage822

Mike, I got the same - going back to March 19. Concerning and the amount seems higher than I would usually have owing as I manage DDs. No correspondence from Tonik in that time. Have sent them a note but not sure what to do about responding to UKSearch

davidmcn

mike_ said:

My initial concern is my credit rating, UKSearch Ltd adding on more fees, and also bailiffs getting involved.

None of that happens merely because debt collectors have been instructed.

DoaM

Debt collectors cannot do anything other than send you letters ... unless the debt has been assigned to them / they've purchased the debt. (In such a case the original company would have had to write to you to inform you of the assignment - as they haven't then the debt collector has no powers; they cannot enter your property or seize goods. Such actions can only be taken by Bailiffs or High Court Enforcement Officers, and then only with a valid court order in place).

hollydays

I found this thread from 2010 Not sure if these breaches still apply, you'll need to check. https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/225047-weird-email-claiming-to-be-from-uksearchlimited/

unholyangel

mike_ said:

My initial concern is my credit rating, UKSearch Ltd adding on more fees, and also bayliffs getting involved.  This is causing me anxiety.  The frustration comes from the fact that I've had no contact with Tonik in over a year.

Did they actually state bailiff? Because a debt collector is not a bailiff - a debt collector has no legal powers while a bailiff does. 

Complain to the energy provider and if they don't give you a satisfactory resolution, complain to the ombudsman. 

steampowered

It's worth responding to the debt collector to let them know the debt is disputed, which may delay further enforcement steps.

At the same time contact the energy company to establish what this debt relates to.

It's worth going over to CAG as they have a lot more expertise as to dealing with debt collectors and court processes than people on here.

wilson0_0

Just wanted to chip in that I too have received a letter from UK Search Ltd regarding a supposed £122 debt I owe to Tonik Energy...
Apparently, I should deal directly with them, as I haven't "cleared the debt in a satisfactory way" and I must pay them within 7 days of receipt of the letter or they will escalate to 'debt recovery'.

The letter from UK Search Ltd is incorrect - I have since 27 March 2019 received no communications from Tonik Energy by either post or email, since my final bill, which was paid in full in May 2019 by DD.

I haven't responded to UK Search Ltd and don't intend to. I sent a strongly worded email to Tonik Energy yesterday and am awaiting a response. I don't fancy sorting it via phone, as I wouldn't trust Tonik Energy call handlers to correct, what is presumably, an administrative error.

knightstyle

Surely the first thing to do in cases like this is to send a SAR to both the original company and the debt collecting agency? At the same time tell them to hold any action for a month as you are seeking debt advice.