Being pursued by UK Search Enquire DCA regarding northumbrian water debt I Wasnt Responsible for

[tiydal]

Id really appreciate some help on this, I always pay my bills and I'm annoyed I'm getting chased for this.

 

The Problem

Me and a room mate lived in a 2 bedroom flat, arrangements were made by a student only letting agency on behalf of the landlord.

 

Before signing we were told we had each got £8 a week allowance for gas/elec/water, but that the landlord would be handling the water bills.

 

A few weeks ago I got a letter from a debt collection agency saying I owe the water company for the property £260.

I didn't respond to any letters from the water company because I haven't lived at the address for a year now and I wasn't expecting any letters in the first place. For some reason its addressed to me only, not me and my my room mate.

 

I rung them up instantly and explained how the bill wasn't my responsibility

(I maybe shouldn't of done this, this is my first time ever dealing with this sort of thing I always pay my bills),

they put the case on hold for 14 days whilst they investigate,

 

I rung up the letting agent and they emailed me a copy of the agreement we signed for the property,

although they said they no longer have a signed copy,

me or my roommate also do not have a signed copy,

 

I kept it for months and just got rid of it recently as I thought i wouldn't need it.

I sent them the unsigned version, they said it wasn't enough.

 

I went to the lettings agency and got them to provide a signed letter that states that the unsigned contract I had shown them was in place during the dates they provided and that it was the landlords responsibility (attached to this post),

they replied saying that it is still not good enough and that I still needed to pay.

 

They are constantly emailing me,

I emailed back asking for an original invoice of the water bill addressed to me

(Someones advice, I was sure they wouldn't have it as I never agreed to pay for water or expected one whilst living there)

and I received an invoice today in the mail addressed to me.

 

According to the invoice I owe Northumbrian water £160 however the agency is saying I need to pay them £260.

 

More information:

I also just noticed the letter the lettings has provided had the incorrect dates (16/17 instead of 15/16) on it which don't line up with those that the debt collectors have provided (when they should), I've emailed asking for a corrected version.

 

Me and my room mate are still friends, if needed he was willing to still split the cost of the bill with me, id rather not have to do anything to jeopardise our friendship

 

The invoice and letters are solely addressed to me for some reason

 

I've done a credit check and this hasn't affected my credit score

 

The dates provided by the credit agency for the water and the dates we lived there do line up

 

I don't have any contact information for the landlord

 

Any help will be greatly received, I will be monitoring and replying to this thread.

[dx100uk]

opps 1st mistake was ringing the fleecing DCA

they ARE NOT BAILIFFS

never ever ring a DCA

 

 

I would now totally ignore them.

 

 

1. who Is the DCA?

2. who are they stating is their 'client'

[tiydal]

Thanks for the reply.

 

1. The DCA is 'UK Search Enquire'

2. The 'client' is Northumbrian Water

[renegadeimp]

ignore the dca completely. They have no legal right to do anything to you bar ask you to pay. They couldnt care less if you owe it or not. They just want the money.

 

Contact northumbrian water direct.

[tiydal]

What should I say if I contact Northumbiran water them?

[renegadeimp]

Tell them exactly what you told us, and provide proof to them if possible. Its not your debt, so let them worry.

[dx100uk]

copy them the DCA letter

copy them the attachment in post 1

 

 

tell them how long you've been harassed by the DCA

and the unwarranted distress it has caused you.

[dx100uk]

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?257843-Weird-email-claiming-to-be-from-uksearchlimited

[tiydal]

I'm showing Northurmbrian water the letter from the DCA and the letter that states it wasnt my responsibility.

 

What outcome should I expect? will they try and deflect/argue?

[dx100uk]

they probably don't even know the DCA is chasing you.

you do realise what you pay low life DCa's goes straight into their pockets.?

[tiydal]

I know DCA's have a horrible reputation, but As I said earlier I have no idea about any of this lol, I have no other debts etc I've never have to deal with anything like this at all before.

 

the way they have been relentlessly pursuing me it wouldn't surprise me if they are shady.

[renegadeimp]

Follow the advice given already. Youll come out of all this on top and alright.

[tiydal]

Thanks, appreciate it everyone. Ill post an update when its done and dusted.

[dx100uk]

make sure you document everything to NW whats been going on

I bet they know nothing about it.

[tiydal]

Will do, How would i get an invoice from northumbrian water from the DCA if they didnt know anything about it though?

[dx100uk]

the wonders of debt portfolios.

 

 

dx

[Bazooka Boo]

Will do, How would i get an invoice from northumbrian water from the DCA if they didnt know anything about it though?

 

Because DCA's like to fabricate things, and their childish imagination knows no bounds!