National Insurance debt collection?

A question about : National Insurance debt collection?

Hi all. I've just received a letter from APEX Credit Management referring to an 80 quid unpaid National Insurance contribution. I have been on PAYE for 7 years and have had no notification whatsoever of any unpaid funds so am reluctant to pay anything.
Two questions, is this going to affect my credit rating and what is the correct way to deal with this?
Thanks all.

Best answers:

• If you owed NI contributions you would be contaced by DWP, not a debt collecting agency.
  Check that yu have read the contents correctly.
  What does the letter actually say.
• You would received a letter from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), not DWP.
  HMRC list Apex as an approved third party debt collector.
  If left unpaid, I imagine it would appear as a debt on your credit file.
  So, it may well be genuine. Have you at any point been self employed?
  I would call HMRC's National Insurance helpline on 0845 302 1479, with your national insurance number and ask them.
• Hi prinskipper, thank you for your query regarding National Insurance debt
  I would suggest you initially check the letter that your national insurance number is correct and if so contact HMRC and ask them to explain why there is a debt outstanding when you have been paying your national insurance through PAYE system. It is unlikely that this debt would affect your credit rating unless it went to a county court judgement. You can find more information on disputing debts at www.adviceguide.org.uk.
  Hope this is of assistance.