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Rank 1
ambr2307
Rank 1
May 22, 2021 8:12 AM UTC
Solved

I moved house and closed my OVO account but my details have been found through 'trace and search' - how can I stop the debt collectors contacting me?

I moved house over 18months ago and moved to a new supplier. All bills were paid. I am now getting harassed by debt collectors as ovo have linked the period since leaving the house to my phone number due to a trace and search but not my name, so they won’t give me any information regarding the account. I have spoke to ovo who won’t stop the collectors ringing me as they need to find who is liable. What should I do?

Jess_OVO
Jess_OVOBest Answer
OVO Staff
May 24, 2021 9:56 AM UTC

Updated on 14/08/26 by Abby_OVO

 

Sorry to hear you’ve been contacted about a debt since moving house and closing your account with us, @ambr2307.

 

 I am now getting harassed by debt collectors as ovo have linked the period since leaving the house to my phone number due to a trace and search but not my name, so they won’t give me any information regarding the account.

 

This does sound frustrating and hope we can get this one sorted for you.

 

If we don’t know who’s responsible for a bill, our collections team will carry out a ‘Trace and Search’. This process involves using the information held for the address by credit reference agencies and the electoral roll to find who was registered at this time. If your details have been found in error, we can remove them once we’ve confirmed that this was a mistake. We may ask for a document to prove this, such as a signed tenancy agreement or council tax notification showing you were living at a different address by this date - you can submit this to our Support Team.

 

It is unusual that we have only located your phone number and not your name, is this the same number that was registered on your account with us? It might also be worth checking this account to make sure there were no outstanding charges once the final statement was issued. 

 

I’m hoping this will help us get to the bottom of this, don’t forget to pop back and let us know how you get on..

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Newcomer
Ashu912
Newcomer
Oct 19, 2026 11:16 AM UTC

Hi everyone,

I moved into my current property on 20 July 2026, and I have been paying my OVO Energy bills on time ever since.

However, I keep receiving letters about outstanding energy bills addressed to the previous occupier. Now, I have received another letter from LCS (debt collection agency) addressed to “The Occupier”.

I am getting concerned because these letters keep arriving despite me paying my own bills regularly. I have never been responsible for the previous occupier’s energy usage or outstanding balance.

Has anyone experienced something similar with OVO Energy or LCS?

  • What is the best way to get these letters stopped permanently?

  • Should I contact OVO directly, LCS, or both?

  • Can this situation cause any problems for me as the current occupier?

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have dealt with this before. Thanks!

Rank 2
costeek
Rank 2
Oct 19, 2026 12:33 PM UTC

You are not responsible for the debt. Letters don’t have your name on them. It shouldn’t cause any problems to you. It’s recommended to contact LCS, but I would contact OVO as well. This forum has thread on this topic. It should have more details.

Rank 2
costeek
Rank 2
Oct 19, 2026 12:35 PM UTC

Here it is: 

 

Nukecad
Super User
NukecadSuper User
Super User
Oct 19, 2026 6:26 PM UTC

Hi ​@Ashu912 

If you read my guide which costeek has linked above the first post there explains that it's the debt collector (in this case LCSDR) who you need to contact to get these letters stopped.

Then use the link there to “letters addressed to Occupier” for instructions on what to do.

Out of beer error >>>> Recovering memory.
    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    Abby_OVO
    Community Manager
    Oct 21, 2026 7:56 AM UTC

    Hey ​@Ashu912 

     

    I’m glad to see Nukecad and costeek have already stopped by with some really helpful advice here. 

     

    It’s likely that these are for an uncovered period prior to your move in, especially if you’ve got your account set up as it should be.  

     

    The topic Nukecad wrote will be very helpful here, so if you’ve not already, it’ll be good to have a look at that and follow the appropriate instructions.

     

    Do let us know how you get on. 

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