Received letter from Advantis

[AmelieP]

Hi,

I am writing to seek your legal assistance and guidance regarding a recent issue I have encountered with a debt collection agency called Advantis that is representing Thames Water.

To provide some background, I resided in the address they mentioned for nearly 14 months, this was from February 2020 until April 2021, during which time I made several attempts to establish a billing arrangement with Thames Water. However, they encountered persistent difficulties in locating the water meter associated with my flat.

Upon moving into the property, I promptly contacted Thames Water to activate my water bill. However, despite their numerous attempts, their workers were unable to locate the meter within my flat. The reason for this confusion must be from the fact that my flat was connected to the estate agency from which I rented the property. It was commonly assumed that the water meter was connected to the estate agency's building.

Recently, I received communication from a debt collection agency called Advantis, notifying me that Thames Water is pursuing me for an outstanding business. However, the communication doesn’t specify the amount owned. It is important to note that I never received a bill or any sort of letter from them in the time living in that address. Advantis insists that I contact them to address the matter. Given the circumstances, I am unsure how to proceed.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in assessing the situation and providing guidance on the appropriate course of action.

Please let me know if there are any additional details or documentation you require to better understand the situation.

Thank you so much!

[des8]

I would just write to them and request full details about this alleged debt, as it is the first you have heard about it.
Do not give them your phone number .... they are persistent callers.

I would also send a subject access request (SAR) (template in SHORTCUTS panel on right of this page to Thames Water

[AmelieP]

Thank you very much for getting back to me! Much appreciated!

[AmelieP]

Hi,

Advantis sent me a second letter stating that they are acting on behalf of Thames Water, and I have an overdue balance of £627.39, which they claim is now due for immediate payment.

During my time residing at the address associated with the bill, I recall that Thames Water came to my flat a few times searching for the meter (which they could not find) and had not issued any bills to me whilst I lived in that address, I lived there for 14 months and contacted them as soon as I moved in. Given this context, I find it puzzling and upsetting that I am now being contacted about an overdue balance and that the issue was sent to a debt collection agency.

According to the letter, Advantis is saying that Thames Water will not cease their pursuit of this debt until a resolution is reached. They suggest that my best course of action is to contact Advantis directly to prevent Thames Water from potentially taking legal action against me.

I am attaching the letter for your attention.

Thanks in advance, it's much appreciated!

[des8]

Standard letter from Advantis..

Just write back and tell them you are still awaiting full details of the alleged debt from Thames Water and do not expect to be contacted by them (Advantis) again.

Did you send a SAR to Thames water?
How long ago did you leave the flat, and did you tell Thames Water at the time when you left?

[AmelieP]

Thanks for your quick reply and mostly thanks for your help!

Yes, I did send a SAR to Thames Water,

I left the flat in April 2021, no I didn't contact Thames Water as at the time I didn't have an account with them so it didn't cross my mind.
I did contact them regarding moving into the new flat and have a direct debit set up with them since.

[AmelieP]

Hi,

I received a Sar from Thames Water.
The document displays my current account information (my current address) and the information about the old flat, which was their attempts to find a meter and a bill, which is dated February 2023, and it covers the period from February 2023 to March 2024, and this bill was passed on to Advantis.
What shall I do next?

Thanks for your time!

[des8]

If they are billing you for the period Feb 2023 to Mar 2024 write back to them and point out they were aware that in 2021 you moved to your present flat (quote account number) so why are they billing you for someone else's usage
You could also contact Consumer Council for Water (CCW) who offer free independent advice,