Telephone Nightmare!!!

Wilbering

A few years ago I use to work for a local business. One of my jobs was caretaker and key holder (because I lived nearby). This business decided to pay for a telephone to be installed into my flat. They paid for both line rental and all calls. Then, when we had a change of senior staff, I was asked to pay for both line rental and calls.

In 2002 I left work due to ill health. Luckily I had paid most of my telephone bill. I think I still owed them around £60. I telephone them to ask if I could pay half with my first giro and the remaining half with my next giro. They refused. They wanted the whole lot up front. I left work because of stress and depression, and I thought "sod 'em". Six years down the line and that £60 bill turned into a £270 nightmare and a CCJ. Thing is, looking back, I didn't sign a contract - the telephone line was just transferred into my name.

Question: Can the telephone company demand this outstanding amount without me signing a contract?

Hope someone can help?

Wilbering

hammy_the_hammer

was it yours or your employers name on the bill?

cajef

Wilbering wrote: »

Six years down the line and that £60 bill turned into a £270 nightmare and a CCJ.

Thats what happens when you "sod 'em", eventually it catches up with you.

If the phone was transfered to you and in your name then you owe the money.

ACDeag

Wilbering wrote: »

A few years ago I use to work for a local business. One of my jobs was caretaker and key holder (because I lived nearby). This business decided to pay for a telephone to be installed into my flat. They paid for both line rental and all calls. Then, when we had a change of senior staff, I was asked to pay for both line rental and calls.

In 2002 I left work due to ill health. Luckily I had paid most of my telephone bill. I think I still owed them around £60. I telephone them to ask if I could pay half with my first giro and the remaining half with my next giro. They refused. They wanted the whole lot up front. I left work because of stress and depression, and I thought "sod 'em". Six years down the line and that £60 bill turned into a £270 nightmare and a CCJ. Thing is, looking back, I didn't sign a contract - the telephone line was just transferred into my name.

Question: Can the telephone company demand this outstanding amount without me signing a contract?

Hope someone can help?

Wilbering

There is a misconception that contracts are only valid if signed, you can make a verbal contract. The only contracts that cannot be verbal are those for credit or sale of land I believe. Using a service after agreeing to take it verbally means you are liable.

robpw2

as its 6 years since you made payment or communication you could send them a statute barred letter