Been charged double VAT and duty for a package ordered from Ireland

Laurajones1900

I ordered a Aran sweater from a store in Ireland on 31/12/24. I received a bill for vat and duty which I paid on 9.1.25. The package wasn’t delivered until I paid the bill. Then on 31.1.25 I reviewed a email from DHL to say I hadn’t paid the bill. I provided some prove and after about a week going backwards and forwards they found the payment and I thought that was the end of it. Then on Monday I received a letter from a company called control accounts. They have been appointed to collect the debt for the unpaid bill from DHL. I showed them the prove from DHL that I had paid but DHL are saying it’s a bill for a different item. I have asked what’s in the package and it’s the same things as I ordered and paid for. I think they have opened two invoices for the same VAT/ duty bill but it seems impossible to prove. 

DHL are not really talking to me only through the debt collection company and they are all refusing to investigate. They have also added additional charges saying I didn’t pay the bill. I have no idea what to do next to prove that I paid it. 

I have sent bank states but none of that works as they agree I paid the first bill but they believe there was a second package that I never ordered, received or even heard about until this week. 

martindow

I think I would just send a message to say that I had paid the VAT and customs clearance charges and that I will not be replying to further messages.  It is highly unlikely to go any further and you should disregard anything they send no matter how threatening.  If they did open a case you would defend it with the evidence you have given in your OP.

It is unpleasant receiving debt collection letters, but these are hollow threats as you have already paid what is due.