Why would you receive a debt letter for a debt that is not yours?
There are several reasons this happens. The debt belongs to someone with a similar name at a previous address. The debt collector has incorrect information. You are the victim of identity fraud — someone opened credit in your name. The debt genuinely does not exist and the letter is a scam. In all cases your response is similar: dispute it clearly and in writing, and do not pay.
What to do immediately
Do not pay anything. Payment could be interpreted as acknowledging the debt is yours.
Write to the collector. State clearly that you do not recognise this debt, that you have never had an agreement with the named original creditor, and that you require them to provide full documentary proof before you will engage further.
Check your credit file. Use Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion (all offer free reports) to check whether any accounts you do not recognise appear under your name.
If you suspect fraud: Report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) and to CIFAS (the UK fraud prevention service). Place a protective registration on your credit file.
What to say in your response letter
Keep it short and factual. State: you do not recognise the debt; you have never had an agreement with the named creditor; you require documentary proof of the agreement, the account number, and evidence that this debt is legally yours before any further contact; and you are reporting the matter to the relevant authorities if fraud is suspected.
Do not confirm personal details over the phone. If they call, say you are dealing with this in writing only and hang up.
Do not say "I think this might be a mistake." This implies the debt might be yours. State clearly it is not.
Check whether the letter is genuine. Look up the company independently. Scam letters mimicking debt collectors do exist.
Not sure if this debt could be yours or is completely wrong?
Upload the letter and get a clear assessment — including the right response to send.
Upload your letter — it's free →They can attempt to, but if you dispute the debt clearly and in writing from the start, you have a strong defence. A court would require them to prove the debt is yours — which they cannot if it genuinely is not.
You are not liable for debts belonging to previous occupants. Write to the collector explaining you moved in after the debt was incurred and provide your tenancy start date. They should update their records.