Letter from Lowell - some advice needed
G.H5000
Posts: 1 Newbie
Hi,
Randomly received a letter from Lowell Porfolio and a little unsure on how to approach the situation.
The letter is concerning an energy debt which occured a few years ago and apparently is in my name. I have no idea why as my husband dealt with all the household bills back then and always paid up to date etc. We've since moved house if that has any bearing on it.
The letter is stating that as I didn't pay back then that the account with the energy provider has been passed over to Lowell to handle as I 'apparently' owe them £100.
I've done some googling and have read that calling them wouldn't help but I'm unsure on how to approach this situation. There's nothing on my credit report about this and I really don't want to hand over money that I know I don't owe.
Would it be best to email them with this? I'm worried about ignoring it incase of any potential further action.
Thanks!
Randomly received a letter from Lowell Porfolio and a little unsure on how to approach the situation.
The letter is concerning an energy debt which occured a few years ago and apparently is in my name. I have no idea why as my husband dealt with all the household bills back then and always paid up to date etc. We've since moved house if that has any bearing on it.
The letter is stating that as I didn't pay back then that the account with the energy provider has been passed over to Lowell to handle as I 'apparently' owe them £100.
I've done some googling and have read that calling them wouldn't help but I'm unsure on how to approach this situation. There's nothing on my credit report about this and I really don't want to hand over money that I know I don't owe.
Would it be best to email them with this? I'm worried about ignoring it incase of any potential further action.
Thanks!
0
Comments
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Hi G.H5000 and welcome to the forum
I certainly agree it's best not to ignore this. Does your husband have any knowledge of the debt? For example has he been contacted? Did he put the account in your name? Or does he remember there being an outstanding bill?
You could send a prove it letter but we need to bear in mind someone who is responsible for a property can be chased for energy arrears, even if they were not named on the bill. You can ask why it is not your husband who is being chased for the debt but if the bill is correct you may find that between the two of you it needs to be paid.
You can find useful information on liability for energy bills here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/nireland/consumer/energy/energy-supply/energy-bills/understanding-your-energy-bill/who-is-responsible-for-paying-the-energy-bills/. Good luck with it all.
Susie
@natdebtlineWe work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps0 -
"Provit" letter available here :
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2607247
Best to keep everything debt related in writing only.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter0 -
I'd send a prove-it too.
How long ago is the period that the arrears relate to? Do they state the period? Is itfor after you moved out?
They should not just start a court claim (it's unlikely but not impossible for such a small amount) - they are first required to send a 'pre-action protocol for debt claims' letter.
So no need to worry or be pressured into anything.0 -
Just call them, they can talk you through it. As all debt collectors are governed by FCA this could be a potential dispute and they need to investigate it.0
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sourcrates wrote: »"Provit" letter available here :
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2607247
Best to keep everything debt related in writing only.
Great advice, You need a paper trail on this one. Don't phone.0
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