How to deal with LCS chasing SSE debt

[SofaBounce]

I have picked up a letter from LCS Debt Recovery addressed to me at a flat I rent out regarding an unpaid SSE bill from 2 years ago. This is the first correspondance I have ever received regarding this.

I have tried contacting OVO (who took over SSE) to validate the bill, but their agents are unable to find any information on this alleged debt saying the account has been closed.

I have registered a compliant with OVO, and will escalate to the ombudsman if I do not hear back.

I do not want to engage with LCS, but I'm mindful though that LCS will probably keep adding to the money owed. Should I contact them?

I'm finding the situation stressfull and would be greateful for any advice on what to do.

Thanks
Dave

[Pezza54]

Hi
Welcome to LB
Who transferred the utility company from Ovo? Was it a tenant if it wasn't you? Who is the current supplier?
It may not be Ovo's fault.
Did the tenancy agreement make it clear the tenant was responsible for paying utility bills and should contact utility companies to have their name inserted as account holder? Under the agreement did the tenant have the authority to change companies?

Have you got a copy of the SSE bill that LCS claim is unpaid?

[Pezza54]

It sounds like this may be SSE's final bill
Ovo took on credit balances but not debit balances, meaning SSE had to claim outstanding debit payments from customers

[echat11]

I would send the following letter to LCS, let them comeback with what they've got or haven't got.
Make sure you get Proof of Postage.

At some point if you get information that an account does exist, then you can SAR to get more information.

https://nationaldebtline.org/get-inf...-not-owe-debt/

https://legalbeagles.info/library/gu...ccess-request/

Also try not to worry about it, you just need to find out what is what.

[SofaBounce]

Hi
Welcome to LB
Who transferred the utility company from Ovo? Was it a tenant if it wasn't you? Who is the current supplier?
It may not be Ovo's fault.
Did the tenancy agreement make it clear the tenant was responsible for paying utility bills and should contact utility companies to have their name inserted as account holder? Under the agreement did the tenant have the authority to change companies?

Have you got a copy of the SSE bill that LCS claim is unpaid?

I believe OVO took over SSE's business. We didn't "switch" to them. Yes I have a tenancy agreement and no I've never had a bill

[SofaBounce]

I would send the following letter to LCS, let them comeback with what they've got or haven't got.
Make sure you get Proof of Postage.

At some point if you get information that an account does exist, then you can SAR to get more information.

https://nationaldebtline.org/get-inf...-not-owe-debt/

https://legalbeagles.info/library/gu...ccess-request/

Also try not to worry about it, you just need to find out what is what.

Thanks, great advice. I will do this.

Presumably I can just email a copy of the letter to the contact email address on their letter? They will then have my email address of course.

Or is there some legal reason it has to be a letter? If I write a letter I will be giving them my actual home address which I am not keen to do.

[echat11]

Thanks, great advice. I will do this.

Presumably I can just email a copy of the letter to the contact email address on their letter? They will then have my email address of course.

Or is there some legal reason it has to be a letter? If I write a letter I will be giving them my actual home address which I am not keen to do.

You can email it, but follow up if you don't receive a response within a reasonable time..