@o2 Lowell 'Pre-Legal Assessment'

[DSollis89]

Hi All,

 

I've been reading through multiple threads in the hope of finding an answer to my question

(and enjoying the hatred for Lowell!) but haven't found a definitive answer that fits my situation.

Financial terms and matters of this nature aren't my strong point

so would appreciate the most simple explanations possible (sorry!).

 

I left the UK in December 2012 for Australia and returned in 2015.

Prior to this I rarely took any forms of credit in the fear it would spiral out of control,

I had a small credit card and a couple of mobile phone contracts at the time.

 

 

Long story short, I ended up letting my UK finances get a little bit out of control whilst away

(not massive amounts but frustrating nonetheless).

 

 

Whilst I was away my mothers address was bombarded by letters from Lowell

stating I must pay back my debts to Orange/02 and she forwarded these onto me in Australia

- I completely ignored them as I've never dealt with this agency

and had no idea who they were or intention of paying them back,

but do personally acknowledge that I hadn't paid 02/Orange respectively.

 

On return to the UK,

I was instantly greeted with letters again as I setup a new bank account and began working

(presumably the vultures were waiting).

 

 

I began investigating the issue and accessed my credit report in the hope it could shed some light

on what was owed and too who

- but from reading these threads would I be right in saying that mobile phone accounts would not appear on a CRA?

(if so, why not!).

 

 

Being naive and probably a bit too honest,

I wanted to clear the debts in the hope of rectifying my situation and having a clearer conscience,

so I called them (d'oh!) and agreed to pay off the 3 amounts I owed (£449.02).

Those accounts were paid and I considered the matter closed.

 

 

At this time, I was obviously frustrated by having to pay such an amount

but definitely gave in too quick and felt a bit intimidated by it all.

 

 

I've since received further letters relating to ANOTHER 02 account for the sum of £172.96 which I'm now starting to question.

 

I initially ignored the letters (and daily calls) as I don't believe there to be any outstanding money owed to any mobile company

- the problem is, I simply cannot remember that long ago and what it could possibly relate too.

 

 

From memory, one of the accounts was mine and another for my Mum, both small monthly amounts.

At the moment, I have absolutely no intention of paying them again (until I have the right information to hand)

and wish I had done my research before making any payment to them in the first place

(not to mention being absolute nasty on the phone).

 

I'm in a bit of a difficult situation now as I've contacted them in the past about my other debts,

but have had no contact with them since these letters began arriving again.

 

 

When I initially spoke with them they only acknowledged 3 accounts, with absolutely no mention of a 4th

(I'm aware phone was the worst way to do this and will stand for nothing, but remember the call vividly).

 

I'd greatly appreciate any help on how to address this issue

and the best possible course of action to avoid giving them any more money/

gaining evidence to support my concerns about a non-existent debt.

 

Kindest Regards,

David

[martin2006]

Ask O2 for a statement of account and the mobile number the account relates to so you can investigate further as you believed all accounts had been cleared.

Alternatively send O2 a sar request which should have info on every account and all payments made including the settlements when you returned from oz.

 

The sar will cost £10 and take 40 days

[DSollis89]

Thank you Martin,

 

Would it be worthwhile writing a letter to Lowell informing them about my action? I'm sure it's all hot air on their behalf (I'd highly doubt court action over a sum of this amount) but I'd like to keep the wolf from the door so to say.

[dx100uk]

well if they were to do court

atleast you'd get letters making you aware of such from the court..

 

 

sadly, I think they see you as a mug now

hence dragging up anything they can remotely pin on your

as you coughed up nicely already.

 

 

what does your credit file say about these supposed debts?

[martin2006]

And no dont write nothing to lowlifes, at least not till we know what its all about

[DSollis89]

There is nothing reflecting on my credit file in regards to this amount or even 02 itself

which is why I've always questioned this company in the first place.

 

 

I wish I hadn't been so naive in the first place and made any payments to them,

but I've never discussed this particular debt with them and it's almost appeared out of thin air,

a tactic they seem very good at using.

 

I'm currently speaking with 02 in regards to the alleged account and will await further information from them

before taking any action.

 

 

I'm sure it's just bullying on Lowels behalf and they won't take any action but it's obviously very frustrating!

 

Will update once I have any information from 02.

[dx100uk]

make sure all your old addresses are showing on your credit file

[DSollis89]

I've been in touch with o2 and have the following update.

 

They have no issue with me directly and on their system have no active accounts or anything warranting collection with the only account dating back to 2012 - they have no outstanding issue with me and nothing regarding 02 reflects on my credit report which is completely up to date.

 

They've informed me that it was sold onto Lowell back in 2013 and have no access to the account information regarding balances and could see no outstanding payments due with them.

 

What would now be the best course of action? 02 have said it's nothing concerning them any longer and are satisfied with the situation.

[dx100uk]

see what lowells do

[DSollis89]

Will do.

 

There is no date on their letter requesting contact before a certain date so will wait for further correspondence from them

and let you know.

 

 

It only contained the usual 'may' 'possibly' language so not too concerned at the moment.

 

Many thanks so far, I'm expecting another letter shortly no doubt.