Credit Information

[thepheebster]

This is a long one.

I cancelled my o2 phone contract, my final bill was �297. I paid this, and thought it was all done and dusted and I wouldn't hear from them again.

I've just received a copy of my credit report to find out that o2 are saying that I've defaulted the last �297, beause I was 3 months late paying it...and infact still haven't paid it.

I've spoken to them on the phone and they said that they have never received this, and it's still outstanding.

I've asked can I show them proof in the form of a receipt from when I paid it in the bank over the counter and they have said there is no point as they haven't received it.

What can I do? Because now I've got a black mark against my name, at probably the worst time ever, because I've always had good credit history...and now I'm going to university it's unlikely that I will be able to get a credit card or even open a student account with an overdraft, which is essential for any student.

Help?! Will I be able to get it removed from my credit report, who do I complain to? Can I tell the police?  And also, will I have to pay the �297 again?

[Loosehead]

First go to where you actually paid it and get them to verify that they credited the account on the slip, then contact O2 with the details of the bank, copy all the documents and fax/send them to O2. It's a case of tracing it through. How did you pay? where? Did you use the correct slip? The trouble is banks can make errors when humans are involved. The most common is mis typing an account number and paying the money to someone else by mistake. I'd start where you paid the money and work from there. Once this is resolved o2 should fix your credit record.

[banjo]

As Loosehead has said, you should show them proof that you have paid it, and the best place to start is where you paid it - ask to speak to the manager/supervisor.  It is the bank's error not yours so you should not have to suffer the consequences of that. 

o2 don't sound like they're being particularly understanding - the fact that you have proof of payment is far from pointless, but it is your responsibility to ensure o2 get the money. I'm becoming increasingly wary of o2 and their miserly ways.....

[bobinspain]

you should do what loosehead suggestsand inform 02 what has happened by registered post. also contact the credit reference agencies (experian and equifax) and ask for a "notice" to be added to your credit file which states that you are disputing the debt and you are in the process of sorting it out with 02. this can all be done on line. also if you can prove that 02 did receive the money but the "lost" it, you should put them on notice that every letter, phone call, etc will be noted and you should send them an invoice for your costs. if they fail to agree to pay you your expenses, then issue a county court claim against THEM. again you can do this on line for a small fee, and once they are aware of your intentions they will probably look for the money in their account. Best of luck

[FP]

I had a long running battle with O2 a few years back.  It ended with me having to go through Oftel and the Office of Fair Trading and threaten legal action.  It was through a situation similar to yours.  O2 the worse company I have ever had to deal with and as far as I am concerned should be wiped off the face of the earth.   The credit collection company used by O2 at that time [Edited for legal reasons - AB Editor]  I won't mention them by name! 

In your situation I would recommend contacting both Oftel and the Office of Fair Trading.  They have both dealt with numerous complaints against O2.

[FP]

PS  O2 did nothing to fix my credit record after it was proved I had paid the monies they were claiming were outstanding!