Debt collector letter to "present occupier" for an account that isn’t mine

Here is an article written by an experienced user of this forum that should help: How to respond to, and successfully deal with, letters from Debt Collection Agents. | The OVO Forum

Hey ​@MaerMaer 

I’m glad to see Firedog has already stopped by with a topic that might be really helpful here.

If you’ve not done so already, it might be worth reaching out to the Support Team as they’ll be able to confirm the period this was for if it doesn’t state the period on the letter.

Do let us know how you get on.

Hi, you are right, it belongs to a previous tenant. If it doesn’t have your name on it, it means you are not responsible for the debt. The best way to sort it out is to contact the supplier company and explain that it is not you and the person they are trying to reach isn’t living by this address. If it is in the stage when the debt collector company is sending the letters, it is often recommended to contact the debt collectors explaining the situation. In my own experience, it only worked when I was in contact with the supplier. It could take some time and several attempts – don’t take it personally. Sadly, that is how the system works. But be assured, if the letter doesn’t have your name, you cannot be held responsible for that. And, if I remember correctly, it shouldn’t affect your credit history either, even though the debt is related to your current address.

Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that - once a Debt Collection company is involved then the suppliers customer support can't change that.

That's why I wrote the guide that Firedog linked to above.

It's worth reading at least the first post on that link to understand that debt collectors work seperately to suppliers and the quickest way to stop them is directly with the debt collectors themselves.

Thank you all for your support! I've now talked to support and they assured me I owe nothing and should ignore the letters. I’ve also sent a letter to OVO to ask them to stop. I'll keep you posted. 

​@Nukecad I've read your great posts and I'm ready for when/if a debt collector comes knocking. Thank you!