Legal matter?

[Nublue 22]

About two and a half years ago I was having a new heating system fitted, I was recommended a plumber who came over and started the job, within one day of starting I told him to go with his two lads. The reason was they turned up with the first fix pipes ect and started, I didn't arrive tell 10 o'clock only to arrive and see what can only be described as odd. I'd asked for copper pipe through out only to see his lads fitting plastic pipes, also I'd ask if I could pay for the parts as and when they came, he wanted to do the job on day rate. Only when i ask for the invoice for the parts and was told not to worry it's sorted at the end of the job alarm bells rang. Any way I was handed a written invoice for what was there and told the copper pipe would arrive soon, I had seen they had got the bits from a local suppliers, only on cross reference with them I had notice that he had add a large amount of pipe and fittings (not supplied to me) but I was paying for them. So he was told to get his parts and him and the lads told to go. The end NO ? I have just received an invoice from the plumbing merchant for nearly £2000.00, I have called them and they stated that I had a cash account and collected the parts, I have never opened or been in there and they are sending the in invoice to the debt collectors, how do I stand legal is my question please? Remember this was two and a half years ago. Thanks all. 

[enfieldspares]

To be valid a debt must be proved. So the first reply would be to ask for copies of all the delivery and collection receipts. And the initial authority for opening the credit account. I'd also, yes, get a free half hour advice from a solicitor.

[Lloyd90]

2 hours ago, Nublue 22 said:

About two and a half years ago I was having a new heating system fitted, I was recommended a plumber who came over and started the job, within one day of starting I told him to go with his two lads. The reason was they turned up with the first fix pipes ect and started, I didn't arrive tell 10 o'clock only to arrive and see what can only be described as odd. I'd asked for copper pipe through out only to see his lads fitting plastic pipes, also I'd ask if I could pay for the parts as and when they came, he wanted to do the job on day rate. Only when i ask for the invoice for the parts and was told not to worry it's sorted at the end of the job alarm bells rang. Any way I was handed a written invoice for what was there and told the copper pipe would arrive soon, I had seen they had got the bits from a local suppliers, only on cross reference with them I had notice that he had add a large amount of pipe and fittings (not supplied to me) but I was paying for them. So he was told to get his parts and him and the lads told to go. The end NO ? I have just received an invoice from the plumbing merchant for nearly £2000.00, I have called them and they stated that I had a cash account and collected the parts, I have never opened or been in there and they are sending the in invoice to the debt collectors, how do I stand legal is my question please? Remember this was two and a half years ago. Thanks all. 

They can send it to one of those dodgy “debt collector” companies but they just try and hassle you into paying. 
 

To have any real authority to enforce this supposed debt they’d have to take you to court and prove it’s owed, and get a court order. 
 

Write to them (very politely) stating that you’ve never opened an account with them, don’t owe them anything, ask them to please provide any proof they have that you’ve ever been in there store and note that you dispute their claim and will gladly see them in court.

 

If it does go to court eventually then you will have evidence you have acted reasonably and this will look good on you. 

[old man]

18 hours ago, Lloyd90 said:

They can send it to one of those dodgy “debt collector” companies but they just try and hassle you into paying. 
 

To have any real authority to enforce this supposed debt they’d have to take you to court and prove it’s owed, and get a court order. 
 

Write to them (very politely) stating that you’ve never opened an account with them, don’t owe them anything, ask them to please provide any proof they have that you’ve ever been in there store and note that you dispute their claim and will gladly see them in court.

 

If it does go to court eventually then you will have evidence you have acted reasonably and this will look good on you. 

Good advice.

[scobydog]

On 27/10/2023 at 14:52, Lloyd90 said:

They can send it to one of those dodgy “debt collector” companies but they just try and hassle you into paying. 
 

To have any real authority to enforce this supposed debt they’d have to take you to court and prove it’s owed, and get a court order. 
 

Write to them (very politely) stating that you’ve never opened an account with them, don’t owe them anything, ask them to please provide any proof they have that you’ve ever been in there store and note that you dispute their claim and will gladly see them in court.

 

If it does go to court eventually then you will have evidence you have acted reasonably and this will look good on you. 

This is very good advice, had a similar experience many years ago, sent a polite letter, signed for, and put on the bottom that if they sent debt collectors without an official court order, i would seek legal representation and sue for harassment, got a phone call a couple of days later apologising for there mistake  and heard nothing more from them.

 

scobydog

[Nublue 22]

Thanks all, drafting a letter myself can't get a solicitor to even look at it to busy or not interested, how mads that? I shall inform you all when it's been resolved as to the outcome.