Scottish Power & BCW

[randomist]

Hi there

I'm quite new on here but I'd appreciate some advice.

I have been getting phone calls to my mobile daily from Buchanan Clark & Wells, which I have not been answering - after reading advice on this forum! They have left messages for me to call them on their 0871 number. I knew they would write to me eventually, so I have been waiting for a letter - this came today. It's about some debt to Scottish Power, which I have absolutely no idea about (I am always very careful to settle any final bills when moving house), and it must be from at least 2 years ago as it's in my maiden name.

The letter starts:
"FINAL NOTICE
We have been instructed by Scottish Power to recover this overdue account in the sum of £99.59. The outstanding debt value of £131.96 includes an administration charge of 32.5% to compensate our clients for the costs incurred in recovering this debt"

Then there's stuff about Debt Investigation Officers coming to visit, legal proceedings etc etc.

I am currently a customer of Scottish Power, and if the debt relates to my current account with them, I have certainly had no communication of such debt (I am definitely up to date with bills). If it's for an old address or something, I'd still rather deal with Scottish Power first rather than BCW nasty people.

What should I do next? I don't want to phone BCW, but how do I find out more info about what on earth this debt is?

thanks very much

[Curlyben]

Have you spoken to Scottish Power as this may be a simple mistake.
I'd send BCW a letter asking them to prove the debt is valid.
Try this:

You have contacted me/us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.

I/we would point out that I/we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to (insert company name).

I am/we are familiar with the Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance which states that it unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

I/we would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

I/we would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above account unless you can provide evidence as to my/our liability for the debt in question.

I/we await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise I will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

I/we look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

[randomist]

thanks curlyben, that's really helpful.

I tried to call Scottish Power this evening, but they're shut.

I'll send the letter to BCW tomorrow and try Scottish Power on the phone again as well.

cheers