NTL send in the debt collectors.

[ronnyb]

I subscribed to NTL freedom dial up and telephone package about 2 1/2 years ago electing to pay by direct debit. There were problems from the start when they started taking 2 lots of monthly payments each month from my account. It took a long time and lots of unanswered e mails and letters until I recovered the money. I decided to change supplier in January this year and wrote to NTL giving them the date from which I no longer required their service. After what had happened at the beginning I cancelled the direct debit and wrote again telling them to bill me for the final amount and I would send a cheque (anticipating that they would continue to withdraw money). Meanwhile I get a letter from a debt recovery agency in Stockport demanding the outstanding amount (£15) Since then the cheque has cleared and I have had a letter from NTL thanking me for the payment. Today however it's the nasty phone call from the debt recovery agency. Presumably they'll send the heavies round next. I've been fortunate never to have had a debt in my life but it worries me I may get a bad credit rating or something.

Hi ronnyb, Welcome to the site.

If you want me to send this issue to ntl - Please send me a private message with some details - such as a name and contact number and I forward your issues on to our ntl contacts to investigate. Thanks.

[basa]

Originally Posted by ronnyb

...............Meanwhile I get a letter from a debt recovery agency in Stockport demanding the outstanding amount (£15) Since then the cheque has cleared and I have had a letter from NTL thanking me for the payment. Today however it's the nasty phone call from the debt recovery agency. Presumably they'll send the heavies round next. I've been fortunate never to have had a debt in my life but it worries me I may get a bad credit rating or something.

It is illegal for debt collectors to hassle you in any way shape or form i.e. by phone or in person (heavies).

Unfortunately the fact it is already in the hands of a collection agency may well mean there is a black mark on your credit rating. For £9.95 you can get a full credit reference from Equifax (I think Experian also have a 30 day freebie credit check ATM).

If it transpires there is a bad credit mark you should contact both NTL and the Credit reference agency to have it removed (or at least an explanatory remark).

[ronnyb]

Good news. I've been contacted by NTL today who assure me the matter has been resolved and I won't get a bad credit rating. Many thanks to Mick for his assistance.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by ronnyb

Good news. I've been contacted by NTL today who assure me the matter has been resolved and I won't get a bad credit rating. Many thanks to Mick for his assistance.

I would get a copy of your Credit File from the companies mentioned above by Basa before you have a problem getting a loan/mortgage, etc.

[Shaun]

Some interesting info here that may help you mate:

How to get your £2 statutory report


Here are template letter to use for sending to each of the agencies. Don’t forget to enclose a cheque or postal order for £2 made payable to either Equifax Plc, Experian Ltd or Callcredit Plc.

Equifax, Experian, Callcredit.

If you have recently moved home, it’s a good idea to enclose two separate forms of identification at your new address with your application, as sometimes they will have trouble locating you.

Alternatively, you can either download the postal application forms from the individual websites, or (for Equifax and Experian) use the online order systems.




IMPORTANT! Don’t pay more than statutory £2. These site’s will try to flog you more advanced credit reports, but see later for how to get those free.

It really is worth checking your file with at least the big two agencies, Equifax and Experian, every 18 months or so (it doesn’t impact your credit score) as bad data on you can cause many problems and it’s far better to catch it before you make any applications.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi...01485056,23650,

[ronnyb]

Thanks chaps, good idea.

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Shaun

Some interesting info here that may help you mate:



http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi...01485056,23650,

Following on from Shauns post (and the post from basa as well), you can sign up at www.creditexpert.co.uk for the free 30 day trial, and you'll get your credit file electronically - once you've received it, just cancel the trial. That's what I did anyway, and it didn't cost anything

[sf49er]

Stupid thing is it wont accept debit cards. you have to register with a credit card or you cant have the free trial