Thanks both of you. I'll ignore and see if they stop chasing. Assuming if they bother to keep chasing £38 it's a genuine debt and will contact Northumbrian Water directly.

Forgot to say that they say payment must be lodged at their office by Thursday 22nd Feb (despite the letter being dated the 15th and sent over a weekend)

I recieved first contact from them this morning, by letter rather than card, although my case is slightly different from most mentioned here in two ways. It may be a valid debt that I owe. and It's for £38 not hundreds or thousands. They claim that "despite repeated requests for payment" etc - this is in fact the first i've heard from them. Here's the rub - the charge is for a water company that I used to have an account with, and so it's possible, - not likely but possbile - that the charge is valid, and if so was only 2003, so wouldn't be statuted I'm tempted to simply pay it as the balance is less than £40, but having read about them on here I don't want to encourage them, if they are fishing. In fact I'd rather feel guilty for not paying something I owe, if it means they leave me alone in future. I have visions of them rubbing their hands and saying, "We asked him for £40, he gave us £40. and we know where he lives. Let's ask him for a £100, and see what happens" If I simply lay low, do you think they'll pursue it. Ultimately I reckon not, as the balance is so low that surely it would not be cost effective for them. However, I can't afford to clear it until next month, and certainly can't afford court charges over and above the balance. What should I do. PS. I HAVEN'T RESPONDED TO THEM IN ANY WAY AS YET