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Hi . I could really do with some advice. I have had a terrible time with EE who have registered a default on my credit file in May this year re an alleged £47.06 debt due to them - when it is not due, I cancelled the contract and they didn't contact me about it...
On Tuesday morning, I got an e-document from my bankers telling me they were cutting my overdraft from £3k to £250. I did not know why. I need and use my overdraft albeit not regularly but being self employed it is a comfort to have. I have used it on and off for 10 years at that level without issue. I went into the bank and they could not even tell me why this had happened – other than that the cutting of the overdraft was automated and will have been prompted by a check via Experian/Call Credit. They suggest I check my credit file – I was bemused to say the least as I have never had any issues, never been in default, never not paid a bill and never been in unauthorised overdraft.
I had to join Experian to get the info I needed. I found out that EE, the phone provider, has put a Default on my file in May this year pursuant to an alleged debt of £47.06. I knew nothing of this – I did have Pay Monthly Sim for my son in Dec 2016 until I cancelled it last year in March and then again confirmed it by call in June last year when I had set up a contract for my son's phone for 2 yrs with O2. I cancelled it by telcon with call centre person; husband and son were with me at time and would confirm when I called. I have had no other contact with EE or anyone instructed by them. Experian advised me to call EE to argue this and meantime they would also contact them and I was to email them ( Experian) asking for a Notice of Correction to be marked on my file re this default so a lender could see I dispute it. That has been requested by me but not yet actioned.
I spent 1 hour 25 mins on the phone with EE. The call centre person told me I had not cancelled it, they had passed it to Zinc Group for debt recovery of £47.06 I allegedly owed and they could do nothing. It took a lot of arguing, speaking to a Team leader, threatening Fin Ombudsman and Offcom, social media, you name it, and eventually demanding I speak to their “executive team member” that they finally told me they see that the Sim was never used after I say I cancelled it ( which, guess what, was same time I cancelled the direct debit) and that they would wipe off the sum but that I would have to contact their credit report enquiries department to seek to have the default removed ( and their team leader apologised for his attitude on the phone - which until that point had been deplorable saying in effect “go ahead, tell Fin Ombus, do what you want, tough luck”).
I emailed the credit report team, heard nothing and so wrote yesterday to them, their public affairs email address, their marketing email address and to the CEO and 2 other directors ( there are 3) – for what it is worth.
I then received an email from the credit report dept – in reply to my first email of Tuesday evening 13 Aug and not referencing the letter I subsequently emailed them and sent to a number of departments - telling me they do not accept what I say, that I had owed that money, that they are obliged to show a true reflection of a person’s paying habits (!) and that they are not removing the default but will mark it as “satisfied” given their “gesture” to write off the debt. That is useless because it appears to lenders ( and will so appear for 6 years) as if I had not paid that bill and then did pay it. I would appear like a risk. It was never due. Part of their argument is that I had not told them of change of address nor cancelled it. I did not tell them change of address as they had no reason to know it as I had cancelled it… and which I had told them. They claim they have no log of the call and only keep records of calls for 6 months ( go figure).
The effect of this is awful. I cannot get a mortgage, any credit, not even a new phone. I was about to renew my car as just about to pay off final payment in Sept re the 5 yr finance agreement I have on it ( and again, never defaulted in any payment therein). I also have lost my overdraft - I have a Select current account with Santander - you only get that if have more than £5k going in every month, or £75K in savings with them or higher than £500k mortgage with them. I have a good salary and not a risk ! I have had to lodge an appeal against my loss of overdraft and await outcome which is far from guaranteed. I have spent over 8-10 business hours dealing with this ( possibly more now) and been very distressed as a result.
If anyone can tell me what I should do now that would be great. My letter to them sought removal of the default failing which I would sue for loss of earnings, phone call costs and damages for the distress etc. I have a heart condition - had a heart attack - but still work, am breadwinner for my 2 kids and I work hard. I cannot believe EE have the power to ruin my life like this - had angina attacks brought on by stress of worrying about it, not being believed when its essentially their word against mine. Surely social media would be interested in this? Or am I being silly? am I just to accept this? It affects my business, my personal life, my everything. Would be so so grateful if anyone who knows anything about this could help. Thank you so much in advance,
Draconian123
