being chased for a debt that isn't mine

A question about : being chased for a debt that isn't mine

I recently received a letter from Robinson way limited asking me to confirm my address which i ignored. They then sent a letter saying i owed a mobile phone company Ј350. I'm almost certain i don't as any contract i would have had with this company would have been about 10 years ago.

after researching on this website i got the prove it letter template which i sent to them. They have now replied saying i must contact the phone company myself for a copy of the agreement within 30 days.

Does anyone know if this is right? Surely if they are asking for the money they must have the agreement? I'm not really sure how to respond so any advice would be appreciated

Best answers:

• No. If they want to collect a debt, the onus is on them to prove it exists and is payable.
  If this was over 10 years old, even if yours it would be statute barred anyway.
  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...7#post34906257
  On either count, RW can take a long walk off a short pier.
• plus the debt isn't yours, so how can you ask the phone company for it?? Morons.
  Is it your name on the letter? Is it misspelt? could be a case of mistaken identity.
• It is my name I'm not really sure how they have got my details. I've checked my credit report to be sure and there is nothing on there. Should i just ignore the letter or respond telling them they have to prove it? Thanks for your help
• You're quite within your rights to ignore it, despite any threats they may make there is nothing they can do and they will probably give up soon enough anyway. If you want to put a stop to it then you can write to them disputing the debt, pointing out their refusal to prove it, and telling them you will be referring the matter to the regulators which includes the Information Commissioners Office for failing to ensure the accuracy of the personal data they hold. Personally I am of the view that they should be reported every time they cause hassle and distress to innocent people however I do appreciate that doing this is even more hassle so the choice is yours.
• I would also complain to the Credit Services Association, they have been very good ( I had a long standing case of mistaken identity)
• The first thing I would do is to check your credit rating on experian or one of the other websites to check if your identity has been stolen. This is really important then you can catergorically show them that it is not you. I was in a similar situation and once the companies heard that I had my identity stolen the asked for proof of identity (passport) and then it got sorted out. Be strong, don't take no for an anwser and you will get there.
• If your report indicates fraud or mistracing (ie a debt collector chasing the wrong person) please let us know and we can help set you the record straight.
  James Jones