Debt Recovery Company annoying me

Chie

About a year ago I moved house and the eletricity company I was using have now passed my account to a debt recovery agency. I don't think I even owe the £200 they're asking for because I'm sure I paid up all my bills before I left, plus it appears to have taken them a whole year to chase this up.

I'm suspicious that the electricity company didn't remove my name from the bills when I left (the house was rented) but the agency won't tell me this, or what period of time the bill covers. They said I have to ask them in writing, but what use is that when they're sending a bailiff round to take an inventory of my current house? :rolleyes:

Oh and I also offered to pay them £20 a month just to stall them while I get it all checked out, but they said they need the balance in full. Surely they cannot do this? I have offered to pay them good money every month for ten months to clear the balance, with interest if they so wish - I thought the law allows you to do this regardless of what the agency says?? Money's money!

Any advice would be appreciated.

hur575

They will push for the full amount because they get their commission this month instead of 20 months later. If you offered what you can afford a month, stick by your gun and do not get pushed by their demands, they might suggest to write your monthly budget but if you are paying decent amount then do not worry.

Chie

Well I told them I'm now living with my parents and I'm unemployed as I've just left college and my parents support me. I'm 21 so I could get benefits but it would be less than what I get here. The agency said they could reduce the balance owed to £150 but I've got to pay it all in one go. I can't even afford that.

The agency by the way is CapQuest; the electricity supplier was E-on.

When I told them I could only afford to pay £20 a month (because I owe £3000 to all my creditors in total - join the queue for God's sake) the guy said they would be happy to receive the £20 but they'd still carry on chasing me to recover the remaining £180 :rolleyes:

I really don't think this is fair. I made a reasonable offer and they've all but thrown it back in my face, so I've a good mind not to pay them anything - ever! Plus don't forget I'm not sure I even owe the money in the first place :rolleyes:

They're making me so angry, and depressed at the same time.

poorandindenial

Capquest are generaly referred to as crapquest on here because of their bully boy tactics and interesting interpretations of the law. If you think you paid your bill in full and told the leccy company about your departure and heard nothing else then don't pay them a penny as by doing this you are effectively saying 'yes, this is my debt'.

They have the duty to prove that you owe them this money, if you write to them for a statement then DO NOT sign the letter, there have been all sorts of stories about signatures being scanned and then pasted into 'copies' of 'original documentation'

If the debt is in fact yours and your offer is reasonable then it is unlikely that they would persue through the courts, a more likely outcome is that they will sell on the debt because they don't want to fanny around. If the debt is yours then make the payments at the rate that you believe you can pay as this shows that you are willing to pay at that rate in the event that it does escalate.

If the debt isn't yours then there is a letter here that you can send (as well as a host of other useful letters and factsheets): http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/debt_advice.php#6

Chie

Thanks poorandindenial. I've calmed down now after this morning's panic attack!

I am going to write and ask them to provide proof that the debt is mine. If I get any doorstep collectors or whatever in the mean time I'll just tell them to get lost because the debt is in dispute. I'm within my rights to do that aren't I? I read it somewhere anyway Either way they can still get lost even if I'm wrong!

If it transpires the debt is in fact mine and I do owe them the money, they can have £20 a month and lump it. They can stamp their feet and throw their weight around all they like - they've already threatened court orders, bailiffs taking inventories of my home, blah blah blah, and from what I've read on the OFT(?) web site they're being a lot more heavy handed with this than what is allowed :rolleyes: This has all been within the last month as well. First contact was a month ago by letter, since then I've had three phone calls and another letter stating that court proceedings will definitely take place (no 'may' or 'could' take place) and all of that.

It's still irritating though :rolleyes: