Incorrect Broadband Charges

WeHateKeir69

In December, I called BT to inform them that I was cancelling my direct debit (I was not in the contract period and was rolling month to month). I received an email from CRS (debt collectors) recently informing me that I owed BT over £160. I hadn't received any notifications from BT at this point. After multiple hour-long calls to BT, they acknowledged that this was their error and confirmed I didn't owe anything (not before saying that my case was closed and it was up to me to resolve the issue with CRS). While I now don't owe BT anything, my credit rating has plummeted as a result, at a time when I'm hoping to get a mortgage. I was also due to switch credit cards as my current card has began charging interest, but now can't, as my credit rating means I can't borrow enough to transfer the balance. BT have emailed to inform me that it was their error but, even after multiple requests, they have not emailed me to say they would contact CRS to resolve the issue and admit fault (despite verbally agreeing to this numerous time on the phone). What options do I have? I'm now just throwing money away..

Brie

You can put a note on your credit file to state that BT made an error while you are waiting to see if they can resolve the issue.  

If by stating that your "credit rating has plummeted" you mean your credit score that's not something to worry about.  It's a fictious number that only you see.  If a creditor looks at your credit report they'll see what has happened and are hopefully just going to see the BT thing as a blip that has been sorted - basically that bit of your report went from green to red and is now back as green.  

What may be an issue is that they will also see that you are not clearing a credit card in full every month.  To get more credit to do a balance transfer they will need to have the confidence that you can afford your current card being maxed out as well as a new one.  AND will also look at how much overdraft you have, other credit contracts (mobile,  home insurance etc). 

Also make sure you are registered to vote as that makes you look stable.

QrizB

In December, I called BT to inform them that I was cancelling my direct debit ...

How were you intending to pay for your BT services after cancelling your direct debit?