Huge problem with BT - now have baliffs visit threats!
02 November 2010, 01:29 PM
#1
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Huge problem with BT - now have baliffs visit threats!
Sorry this is long but please read - really worried about this 
I can't believe how utterly utterly badly BT have handled such a simple job as changing over a business telephone line.
We moved into the business premises in May and contacted BT on the same day. My partner arranged a 24 month contract and completed all the details over the phone.
I called the following day to change the contract to 12 months because I didn't want to be locked to BT for so long.
On both occassions they were given bank details, new name on the account and I received call reference numbers.
In July I called again because we still hadn't received a bill. Nothing had been done at all!!! Even the lad on the phone apologised because he could see nothing had been done and said he would re-arrange the bills accordingly.
In the meantime we received a bill for the previous owners which included April which we are not responsible for. I attempted to get this altered with BT and I was told to expect 2 bills - the correct one and the outstanding balance owed by the previous owners.
September comes and still no bills from BT. However we receive a letter from a debt collection agency demanding £133 from the previous owners. I called the debt collection agency and told them the we had taken over and are not responsible - they said fine you won't here from us again.
I checked back through the bills received by the previous owners and BT have not made any changes and part of this £133 is actually our responsibility. I call BT and ask them to sort this out and the person I spoke to kept saying its not our bill to pay as its not in our name. I told them we called right at the start and subsequently to get this sorted out and she tells me that on each occasion WE ended the call so nothing was done - WE being us not BT. Even though the last thing the BT person does is give the call ref number.
At every stage I've been trying to pay this bill and get the debt sorted out properly - the girl on the phone was really snotted with me because I was trying to pay a bill that wasn't mine - well partly it is but I couldn't get the message across.
We then get a call from the shoe shop round the corner to say that our BT bill had gone there. We then ring BT and ask for the address to be corrected - we are told that BT wouldn't have made the mistake and it must have been us.
Today guess what - the line has been f*cking cut off and we get another letter from the debt collectors telling us the baliffs are on their way.
I've called BT and once again given them our bank details and I've been told the line will be re-activated within 24 hours. I've also waited 20 minutes to speak to the debt collectors but no one answers. I've written them a letter telling them the previous owners left in May.
I've never been so badly treated by any other company in my life. The way BT have handled this is utterly appalling. My wife is scared witless now that some big bugger baliffs are going to turn up and start taking things - can they do this?
I can't believe how utterly utterly badly BT have handled such a simple job as changing over a business telephone line.
We moved into the business premises in May and contacted BT on the same day. My partner arranged a 24 month contract and completed all the details over the phone.
I called the following day to change the contract to 12 months because I didn't want to be locked to BT for so long.
On both occassions they were given bank details, new name on the account and I received call reference numbers.
In July I called again because we still hadn't received a bill. Nothing had been done at all!!! Even the lad on the phone apologised because he could see nothing had been done and said he would re-arrange the bills accordingly.
In the meantime we received a bill for the previous owners which included April which we are not responsible for. I attempted to get this altered with BT and I was told to expect 2 bills - the correct one and the outstanding balance owed by the previous owners.
September comes and still no bills from BT. However we receive a letter from a debt collection agency demanding £133 from the previous owners. I called the debt collection agency and told them the we had taken over and are not responsible - they said fine you won't here from us again.
I checked back through the bills received by the previous owners and BT have not made any changes and part of this £133 is actually our responsibility. I call BT and ask them to sort this out and the person I spoke to kept saying its not our bill to pay as its not in our name. I told them we called right at the start and subsequently to get this sorted out and she tells me that on each occasion WE ended the call so nothing was done - WE being us not BT. Even though the last thing the BT person does is give the call ref number.
At every stage I've been trying to pay this bill and get the debt sorted out properly - the girl on the phone was really snotted with me because I was trying to pay a bill that wasn't mine - well partly it is but I couldn't get the message across.
We then get a call from the shoe shop round the corner to say that our BT bill had gone there. We then ring BT and ask for the address to be corrected - we are told that BT wouldn't have made the mistake and it must have been us.
Today guess what - the line has been f*cking cut off and we get another letter from the debt collectors telling us the baliffs are on their way.
I've called BT and once again given them our bank details and I've been told the line will be re-activated within 24 hours. I've also waited 20 minutes to speak to the debt collectors but no one answers. I've written them a letter telling them the previous owners left in May.
I've never been so badly treated by any other company in my life. The way BT have handled this is utterly appalling. My wife is scared witless now that some big bugger baliffs are going to turn up and start taking things - can they do this?
Last edited by EddScott; 02 November 2010 at 01:31 PM.
02 November 2010, 01:45 PM
#2
I think to start with they come round and meet with you. I had some round to my house and they just asked me to pay the person I was due money as soon as I could and within a certain date. If it wasn't paid within a certain date then they would be back round and taking things further. Obviously I paid the person!
But like you say you have been trying to pay what you owe and have sufficient evidence that you took over te premises on a certain date.
I don't think they can come and just take things. But I'm in Scotland not sure where you are maybe English laws are different.
I really hope you get it sorted and maybe someone can give you some more information.
P.s by are crap!!!! Hate them with a passion!
But like you say you have been trying to pay what you owe and have sufficient evidence that you took over te premises on a certain date.
I don't think they can come and just take things. But I'm in Scotland not sure where you are maybe English laws are different.
I really hope you get it sorted and maybe someone can give you some more information.
P.s by are crap!!!! Hate them with a passion!
Last edited by Dougmy06wrx; 02 November 2010 at 01:49 PM.
02 November 2010, 01:50 PM
#3
I fvcking hate BT with a vengeance , I will never deal with them again as long as I live , I swapped a few years ago to these http://www.xlntelecom.co.uk/?affl=eb...paign=Ebilling and find them very good.
I pay £25 a month for line rental , broadband and free calls to any 01 or 02 numbers anytime of the day , even phoning mobiles my bill are rarely over £50 inc vat
Can't help you on this occasion but it gives you another option instead of using these monkies !
Cheers Ian
I pay £25 a month for line rental , broadband and free calls to any 01 or 02 numbers anytime of the day , even phoning mobiles my bill are rarely over £50 inc vat
Can't help you on this occasion but it gives you another option instead of using these monkies !
Cheers Ian
02 November 2010, 01:51 PM
#4
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First thing to do without spending money at a solicitors is ring CAB and explain and see if they can provide any useful advice.
Also contact http://www.otelo.org.uk/ - the telecoms ombudsman and raise a complaint/disagreement and get the process started. This will also make BT get the bailifs off you until sorted.
Also contact http://www.otelo.org.uk/ - the telecoms ombudsman and raise a complaint/disagreement and get the process started. This will also make BT get the bailifs off you until sorted.
Last edited by Bravo2zero_sps; 02 November 2010 at 01:53 PM.
02 November 2010, 01:53 PM
#5
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I hate BT with a passion, I've never encountered a bigger bunch of incompetent fcukwits in my life
The trouble is that they still act like they are a government owned monopoly (BA have the same problem), and as such waste, incompetence, appalling service, and zero accountability are endemic, from the top down
The trouble is that they still act like they are a government owned monopoly (BA have the same problem), and as such waste, incompetence, appalling service, and zero accountability are endemic, from the top down
02 November 2010, 01:53 PM
#6
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My main concern is whether the baliff can take our items even though the debt isn't in our name.
I can't get over how awful this has been. I can't put into words how stunned I am by BT and their behaviour.
I can't get over how awful this has been. I can't put into words how stunned I am by BT and their behaviour.
02 November 2010, 02:01 PM
#8
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I hate BT with a passion, I've never encountered a bigger bunch of incompetent fcukwits in my life
The trouble is that they still act like they are a government owned monopoly (BA have the same problem), and as such waste, incompetence, appalling service, and zero accountability are endemic, from the top down
The trouble is that they still act like they are a government owned monopoly (BA have the same problem), and as such waste, incompetence, appalling service, and zero accountability are endemic, from the top down
i think thats why they use all these foreign call centres cos they know alot of ppl will just give up, i dont **** about anymore i just cancel whatever it is, then you either find someone else or you at least get put through to someone with half a brain who will sort it out.
to the op i `m pretty sure if its not in your name the bailiffs cant do anything
Last edited by stedee; 02 November 2010 at 02:04 PM.
02 November 2010, 02:15 PM
#9
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I would also get something put into writing to BT outlining the (lack of) service and the appalling way you've been dealt with since you initailly contacted them. At least get a paper trail started.
Dave
02 November 2010, 02:23 PM
#14
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If you are in arrears, creditors will sometimes send representatives to your home to try and negotiate repayments with you.
These people might be called 'counsellors', 'collectors' or 'advisers'.
They do not have powers to enter your home and seize your goods.
Have you had anyone come and talk to you yet?
Most bailiffs do not have the right to force their way into your home to seize your goods. The only exception is that bailiffs from the Collector of Taxes (Inland Revenue) can get a warrant to force entry, but this is very rare.
All other bailiffs have a right of peaceful entry only. This means that they cannot use force to enter your home, for example, by breaking a window or a door. However, they can enter your property through an open door or window (front and back) and can climb over fences and gates, but cannot break them down.
You do not have to let a bailiff into your house. A bailiff cannot force their way past you if you answer the door. If all your doors and windows are securely closed they will not be able to gain peaceful entry to your house unless you let them in.
Bailiffs are well aware of their limited powers and may use a variety of different means to gain entry peaceably. They may attempt to walk in as soon as a door is opened. They may ask if they can use your telephone to check if an arrangement is satisfactory with their office. They may simply ask you if you would prefer to discuss matters inside.
You do not have to go along with any of these methods.
Secure your premises and do NOT, under any circumstances, allow them in!
These people might be called 'counsellors', 'collectors' or 'advisers'.
They do not have powers to enter your home and seize your goods.
Have you had anyone come and talk to you yet?
Most bailiffs do not have the right to force their way into your home to seize your goods. The only exception is that bailiffs from the Collector of Taxes (Inland Revenue) can get a warrant to force entry, but this is very rare.
All other bailiffs have a right of peaceful entry only. This means that they cannot use force to enter your home, for example, by breaking a window or a door. However, they can enter your property through an open door or window (front and back) and can climb over fences and gates, but cannot break them down.
You do not have to let a bailiff into your house. A bailiff cannot force their way past you if you answer the door. If all your doors and windows are securely closed they will not be able to gain peaceful entry to your house unless you let them in.
Bailiffs are well aware of their limited powers and may use a variety of different means to gain entry peaceably. They may attempt to walk in as soon as a door is opened. They may ask if they can use your telephone to check if an arrangement is satisfactory with their office. They may simply ask you if you would prefer to discuss matters inside.
You do not have to go along with any of these methods.
Secure your premises and do NOT, under any circumstances, allow them in!
02 November 2010, 02:24 PM
#15
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The calls in May - yes. The ones BT say we hung up before the end of the call.
The July call the lad was english.
The call made in August/September - yes. The one where I was told the bills would be split properly as I'd requested.
The October call - no. English girl who was very good at calming me down in fairness but when we spoke again the following day I voiced my concern that we did owe money before July but BT were only charging us from July so some of the outstanding debt was morally ours - "oh, so you want BT to charge you more money then?" was the reply. Sadly this call ended very badly on my part with me telling her BT was "F*cking ****"
Today - yes. Gave bank details yet again - was told we are being charged £25 re-connection fee - I said this was unacceptable and he said he had taken it off but who knows. The phone is working again anyway which so we are getting somewhere.
At home yes, being a business they can't really keep the door locked.
I think as said, baliffs come after court action. These "collectors" may well turn up but we've got bills and Kelly will have proof of who she is. Hopefully that will put them off.
The July call the lad was english.
The call made in August/September - yes. The one where I was told the bills would be split properly as I'd requested.
The October call - no. English girl who was very good at calming me down in fairness but when we spoke again the following day I voiced my concern that we did owe money before July but BT were only charging us from July so some of the outstanding debt was morally ours - "oh, so you want BT to charge you more money then?" was the reply. Sadly this call ended very badly on my part with me telling her BT was "F*cking ****"
Today - yes. Gave bank details yet again - was told we are being charged £25 re-connection fee - I said this was unacceptable and he said he had taken it off but who knows. The phone is working again anyway which so we are getting somewhere.
I think as said, baliffs come after court action. These "collectors" may well turn up but we've got bills and Kelly will have proof of who she is. Hopefully that will put them off.
Last edited by EddScott; 02 November 2010 at 02:27 PM.
02 November 2010, 02:32 PM
#16
I don't get "big" companies, they know these stupid Indian call centres save them some money, but give the customer terrible grief.
Sky are exactly the same.
We used to outsource some software development that direction, but in the end we knocked it on the head as the hassle just wasn't worth it.
They wouldn't do what you'd asked/agreed initially and it would take 5 or 6 attempts to make them see the error of their ways.
Make us a curry big lad - thats what you're good at after all
Sky are exactly the same.
We used to outsource some software development that direction, but in the end we knocked it on the head as the hassle just wasn't worth it.
They wouldn't do what you'd asked/agreed initially and it would take 5 or 6 attempts to make them see the error of their ways.
Make us a curry big lad - thats what you're good at after all
02 November 2010, 02:32 PM
#17
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What I would do it write a letter stating what has happened and send it to..
BT Business Accounts
Providence Row
Durham
DH98 1BT
Wouldn't bother dealing with the collection company, that would be a complete waste of your time.
02 November 2010, 02:52 PM
#18
To ease your worries - have dealt with BT on countless occasions and can definately say they won't bother sending bailiffs for such a small amount.
Furthermore, keep a log of every correspondence you've sent/received so if somebody does come a'knocking you can show what's been going on. They cannot levy on anything anyway as they are all personal possessions and not belonging to the Limited company.
If the debt is in the name of the previous business then they cannot chase you anyway.
The problem you have is the number - if it's not important leave it barred and get a new line. If it is, then you'll need to get it resolved.
Hope I've been of some help
Jai
Furthermore, keep a log of every correspondence you've sent/received so if somebody does come a'knocking you can show what's been going on. They cannot levy on anything anyway as they are all personal possessions and not belonging to the Limited company.
If the debt is in the name of the previous business then they cannot chase you anyway.
The problem you have is the number - if it's not important leave it barred and get a new line. If it is, then you'll need to get it resolved.
Hope I've been of some help
Jai
02 November 2010, 04:54 PM
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If the "bailiff" arrives, tell them to get lost. Proper baillifs may only come after court action, a CCJ, and you not adhering to the terms of the CCJ. BT's chances in court, given what you've said - pretty much zero. Chance of BT taking you to court - even less, but they are aren't the brightest and communication within the company is pitifull.
If someone arrives at the door from a debt collector asking for money, you do not need to speak to them, tell them anything, show them anything, or give them any information. They are just parasites. Just tell them to leave. They have no rights of any entry - peaceful or not. If you leave your door open they may walk in (they have a bigger opinion of their powers than what actually exists) and rely upon your ignorance to stop you booting them out. They have no right to be there, if they don't leave immediately you should call the police and tell them you have an intruder in your building who won't leave. The chances of someone actually appearing at your door is very small, but if they do, don't entertain or appease them in any way. A good "f*k off" is all they deserve.
If someone arrives at the door from a debt collector asking for money, you do not need to speak to them, tell them anything, show them anything, or give them any information. They are just parasites. Just tell them to leave. They have no rights of any entry - peaceful or not. If you leave your door open they may walk in (they have a bigger opinion of their powers than what actually exists) and rely upon your ignorance to stop you booting them out. They have no right to be there, if they don't leave immediately you should call the police and tell them you have an intruder in your building who won't leave. The chances of someone actually appearing at your door is very small, but if they do, don't entertain or appease them in any way. A good "f*k off" is all they deserve.
02 November 2010, 05:53 PM
#20
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I certainly would not be taking the debt collection agency so well and would have demanded action before now. A few choice words and the threat of legal action against them has helped me inthe past with regards unfair treatment.
02 November 2010, 06:09 PM
#21
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Tell BT to **** off
03 November 2010, 11:30 AM
#22
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Just spoke to the debt agency to attempt to convince them that the limited company responsible for the debt left in May of this year. They wanted our details which I was no prepared to give them and the lad said they would have to send someone to the premises.
I said that would be a waste of time as they would not be allowed to enter the premises. He said they are able to enter the premises legally and we could not stop them.
I'm fuming that BT have put us in this position. Going to contact the watchdog and CAB today. Told the wife that if anyone turns up at the salon tell them to leave immediately or you'll call the police - and then call me.
I said that would be a waste of time as they would not be allowed to enter the premises. He said they are able to enter the premises legally and we could not stop them.
I'm fuming that BT have put us in this position. Going to contact the watchdog and CAB today. Told the wife that if anyone turns up at the salon tell them to leave immediately or you'll call the police - and then call me.
03 November 2010, 01:10 PM
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Really Edd, you are wasting your time dealing with the collection agency, just ignore them, they business model is based on threats and intimidation. If you feel you have to, send them this letter..
Account number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Whereas I have been a customer of BT since XXXX and whereas I consented in my contract with them the disclosure of certain data to third parties, at no time did I consent and neither was it within the contemplation of the parties to the contract that I did consent to the data in any manner which would be unfair or inaccurate or which in any way would breach The Data Protection Act 1998
Therefore Take Notice that I require that you cease from processing within 7 days of the receipt by you of this notice or else that you do not begin to process any personal data of which I am the subject insofar as that processing involves the communication or passing of personal data of which I am the subject to any third party and insofar as the said data relates wholly or in part to EXPLAIN, IN SHORT HERE
This Notice is given on the grounds that the processing or continued processing by you of the said data will be likely to affect my credit rating and my reputation and cause substantial damage and/or substantial distress to me and my family members in addition to that which may already have been caused and that as the processing of the said data in the way referred to in this notice would violate the fourth, first and sixth principles of The Data Protection Act 1998 to do so would be unwarranted.
Notice pursuant to s.10 of The Data Protection Act 1998.
Account number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I do not acknowledge any debt to your company
Whereas I have been a customer of BT since XXXX and whereas I consented in my contract with them the disclosure of certain data to third parties, at no time did I consent and neither was it within the contemplation of the parties to the contract that I did consent to the data in any manner which would be unfair or inaccurate or which in any way would breach The Data Protection Act 1998
Therefore Take Notice that I require that you cease from processing within 7 days of the receipt by you of this notice or else that you do not begin to process any personal data of which I am the subject insofar as that processing involves the communication or passing of personal data of which I am the subject to any third party and insofar as the said data relates wholly or in part to EXPLAIN, IN SHORT HERE
This Notice is given on the grounds that the processing or continued processing by you of the said data will be likely to affect my credit rating and my reputation and cause substantial damage and/or substantial distress to me and my family members in addition to that which may already have been caused and that as the processing of the said data in the way referred to in this notice would violate the fourth, first and sixth principles of The Data Protection Act 1998 to do so would be unwarranted.
Last edited by Dedrater; 03 November 2010 at 01:11 PM.
03 November 2010, 01:14 PM
#25
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[quote=EddScott;9691704]Just spoke to the debt agency to attempt to convince them that the limited company responsible for the debt left in May of this year. They wanted our details which I was no prepared to give them and the lad said they would have to send someone to the premises.
[quote]
sniff sniff, sniff sniff, whats that wiff im getting?
smells like bull***t to me.
there basicly trying everything and anything to get you to pay up.
Without police assistance they can not make entry, police need to be present with a court order to allow entry and the chances of them having that are somewhere between 'bob' and 'no' hope.
personaly i'd go see a lawyer, if just for peace of mind. Maybe even get a letter drafted and sent off warning of taking harasment procedings against them if they don't back off.
[quote]
sniff sniff, sniff sniff, whats that wiff im getting?
smells like bull***t to me.
there basicly trying everything and anything to get you to pay up.
Without police assistance they can not make entry, police need to be present with a court order to allow entry and the chances of them having that are somewhere between 'bob' and 'no' hope.
personaly i'd go see a lawyer, if just for peace of mind. Maybe even get a letter drafted and sent off warning of taking harasment procedings against them if they don't back off.
03 November 2010, 01:31 PM
#27
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Too many phone calls IMHO, should have written to BT at some point. Now you're left in a tricky situation where BT can just deny what's been said or agreed. I'd dump BT, go somewhere else & tell BT & debt collection people to sing for their money. They can't take a thing if you don't let them in (will need Police & Court Order to get in without your say so) + it all belongs to your other half doesn't it ...
When I've been in this situation I've just written to debt company & confirmed that there is no debt for them to collect. Never usually hear from them again. I also write to Equifax etc & advise there is a problem & it needs adding to my credit records - this normally puts the wind up everybody involved!
I've even had a debt company call me on my mobile & ask me to confirm some security details before they'll tell me what they want needless to say I told them to do one.
TX.
When I've been in this situation I've just written to debt company & confirmed that there is no debt for them to collect. Never usually hear from them again. I also write to Equifax etc & advise there is a problem & it needs adding to my credit records - this normally puts the wind up everybody involved!
I've even had a debt company call me on my mobile & ask me to confirm some security details before they'll tell me what they want
needless to say I told them to do one.TX.
03 November 2010, 01:56 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by tidgy
Without police assistance they can not make entry
BT has to call off the dogs. This can be tricky as the debt was probably sold in a package of similar client's debts. May even have been sold again.
03 November 2010, 02:07 PM
#29
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We received the new bill today but again they haven't corrected the address.
Wife is really anxious now about having someone turn up on the door - it will look bad if there are clients in the salon. She wants to pay the debt to get shot of them. Personally I'd fight it but if things escalate then because I've been the one to fight my corner the wife will blame me if it goes further.
So, on that basis, we are just going to pay the £133 and move on. 2/3 of it is actually our bill but as I can't get BT or this debt collector to listen I'd rather just pay and move on.
Wife is really anxious now about having someone turn up on the door - it will look bad if there are clients in the salon. She wants to pay the debt to get shot of them. Personally I'd fight it but if things escalate then because I've been the one to fight my corner the wife will blame me if it goes further.
So, on that basis, we are just going to pay the £133 and move on. 2/3 of it is actually our bill but as I can't get BT or this debt collector to listen I'd rather just pay and move on.
03 November 2010, 02:11 PM
#30
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We received the new bill today but again they haven't corrected the address.
Wife is really anxious now about having someone turn up on the door - it will look bad if there are clients in the salon. She wants to pay the debt to get shot of them. Personally I'd fight it but if things escalate then because I've been the one to fight my corner the wife will blame me if it goes further.
So, on that basis, we are just going to pay the £133 and move on. 2/3 of it is actually our bill but as I can't get BT or this debt collector to listen I'd rather just pay and move on.
Wife is really anxious now about having someone turn up on the door - it will look bad if there are clients in the salon. She wants to pay the debt to get shot of them. Personally I'd fight it but if things escalate then because I've been the one to fight my corner the wife will blame me if it goes further.
So, on that basis, we are just going to pay the £133 and move on. 2/3 of it is actually our bill but as I can't get BT or this debt collector to listen I'd rather just pay and move on.