Phone contract - Address Fraud?

Yorkshire_Dave

Hi,
I’m a new member here and this is my first post!

I recently received two letters from o2 to my address with a name I do not recognise as the addressee. I have lived in this property (owner occupier) for just over two years and have never had any post in this name. Also the previous owner had a different name. I spoke to o2 initially who confirmed they had an account in that name and said they would contact this person and ask for the correct address (which I thought was a bit unlikely to happen if they’re using my address fraudulently). I asked if I could be updated about it and was advised I wouldn’t be. I then spoke to action fraud who advised I file it as identity theft. I then spoke with o2 again and this time the operator logged it and took my details and said I might hear from them in the next 10 days.

A couple of days later two more letters from o2 came again in the unknown name. This time I decided to open them as I have the belief someone is committing fraud. I’ve found out the second letters are default notices (saying they’re going to disconnect as they’ve tried texting and calling about the bill) for about £80 collectively but that this could increase (as they’re going to charge the remainder of the contract if it’s not paid).

My question is essentially how bad is this situation likely to be for me? I don’t fancy having baliffs or debt collectors knocking on my door as how do I prove this person doesn’t live here? The only saving grace is this hasn’t been committed in my name but I won’t lie it’s stressing my out a little!

Cheers
Dave

Neil_Jones

If letters come to somebody who doesn't live there, just scribble "name not known at this address" and pop it back into the nearest postbox unopened.

tacpot12

You shouldn't stress about this too much. You can prove who you are, so there is no chance that the debt will be enforced against you. The phone companies are aware of this as a type of fraud, so should not try to pin the debt on you. They only have themselves to blame because they don't do proper checks to ensure that the person actually lives at the address they have given, so eventually, when the realise how much this is costing them, they will tighten their security procedures and this type of fraud will end. 

If debt collectors or bailiffs come to the door, speak to them through a window or letter box. Don't let them into your house. Tell them that the debt was incurred fraudulently by someone who doesn't live at your address and never has, and that the creditor is aware of this. Show them you photo ID at the window to confirm you are not the debtor.  If they send notice that they will be coming to your property, park your car four or five streets away from your home so that they don't try to seize it and use it to as a bargaining chip to gain entry to your home. I would also complain to O2 and them OFCOM if they do send debt collectors to your home, as that is outrageous if they know that it is a case of identity fraud. 

Yorkshire_Dave

Thanks for the replies!
Appreciate the advice. A good point made about cars as partners is parked in the back garden and blocked by gates (which are bolted) and mine is parked in front of the gates so is accessible. My parents live nearby so I could easily leave it there temporarily if I know they’re likely to be coming. 

Again really appreciate the comments and advice so far, it’s reassured me.