water bill

youknowwho

I moved out of a property about 8 onths ago, and in this property i paid my water bill by DD every month. I have just recieved a really nasty phone call form a debt collection agency saying i owe 37 pound. They said if i dont pay it will affect my credit rating and go on my credit file! Is that true??

Also i said that i wanted to ring the water company and get the date of this bill, because itmay have been after i move out, the debt collection agency said i cant ask that as the account would be closed and i just have to pay them the money.

They are really horrible, i accidently got the wrong postcode and the woman said, you are being evasive and i will escalate this further then put the phone down.

Anyway, does anyone know if they can put a black mark on my credit file??

angelavdavis

First of all, the DCA are trying to frighten you into paying up - ignore what they say and if they phone again, tell them that they are acting unlawfully using harrassment tactics and instruct them to not to phone you again - but to put any correspondence in writing in future.

They cannot insist you pay or apply anything onto your credit file until they prove the debt is actually yours. You can request proof of the debt from them by writing to them, a suggested format that you can change to suit your circumstances is as follows:
______

THIS CORRESPONDENCE IN NOT AN ADMISSION TO LIABILITY FOR ANY DEBTS TO YOUR COMPANY

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref Account Ref:

You have recently contacted me with regard to an apparent debt on the above account. It is my understanding that this is incorrect.

Therefore, with reference to the above agreement, I would be grateful if you would send me a copy of this credit agreement and a full breakdown of the account including any interest or charges applied.

I understand that under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 [sections 77-79], I am entitled to receive a copy of any credit agreement and a statement of account on request. I enclose a payment of £1 which represents the fee payable under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

I understand a copy of any credit agreement along with a statement of account should be supplied within 12 working days.

I understand that under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 creditors are unable to enforce an agreement if they fail to comply with the request for a copy of the agreement and statement of account under these sections of the Act.

I look forward to hearing from you.

______________________

Enclose a £1 postal order and send recorded delivery, keeping a copy for your records.

In the meantime, I would then go back to the Water Authority - look up their complaints procedures on their web site and follow this process to understand why this charge has been made. They may ask you to prove your moving date. If you have any conversations with them over the phone, note the time/date down and ask for the caller name. If any agreement is made over the phone, follow it up in writing to confirm the telephone conversation and send recorded delivery, keeping a copy. If you get nowhere with the Water Company - complain to ofwat (http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/).

It could be entirely possible it isn't your debt, or has been charged in error.

If the DCA don't come back to you within the required 12 working days, post another note on this site and someone will provide you with a template for a followup letter.

good luck

youknowwho

Wow, what a great letter.

Thank you very much for that.

littlemissjojo

Regardless of what the DCA say, you can still ring the water company direct and ask them to confirm the date your account was closed, and if there was any balance owing. They will easily be able to tell you that. Good luck!