What to Do When You Get a Bill You Do Not Owe

If you have ever received a bill that you did not owe, hopefully you have already figured this out. If not, I want to offer a little advice but first, would you indulge me with a story?

Yesterday, there was a BIG knock on the door. I peeked out the window to see a county police officer at my door. Nervously, I opened the door. He asked for Jerry Watson.

Relief flooded me. You see, we have been getting phone calls and mail for Jerry Watson and a lady I presume is his significant other, Doris Jackson. I explained to the police officer that we have lived in this home for over six years and do not know these people, although we get requests for them often.

As I closed the door, I remembered something that happened from further back in my personal history.

Before I married Bill, there was a lady living in our area who had the same name that I did. Strange, as my maiden name was not exactly common. Regardless, even while living with my parents, I began getting past due notices and nasty collections letters. Then, there was a mix up at the bank. And best of all, I was almost turned away for medical treatment in a local emergency room because of her debts.

So, what did I do then? What should I do now about Jerry and Doris?

What should you do if you receive a bill you do not owe?

If the bill is addressed to someone you do not know ~

• Mark all mail as “Return to sender ~ Addressee unknown” and put it back in your mailbox.
• Inform all callers that the person does not reside at your address nor do you know who they are. (Many companies will use an address to pull up the current phone number for the residence to which the collection was billed.) Ask to have the file noted and request that your phone number be removed from the call list.

If the bill is addressed to you ~

• Confront the situation immediately. Putting it off does not help your case.
• Ask for a copy of the invoice from the original transaction. This way, you can see who signed the invoice as well as any specifics involved as many collection notices just state a balance.
• Check your records and make SURE that you do not owe the bill. If you do not recognize the company’s name, verify that they have not changed their name. Look at your calendar and figure out what happened on that day. Consider your files and look for receipts.
• Gather evidence such as receipts (which would show it paid) or proof that you were not in that area/home when the service was processed and make copies. Mail those copies with a letter explaining the situation and a copy of the invoice you received by certified, return-receipt mail. Keep the return-receipt and all copies filed together.
• Seek legal advice is the situation continues.

If the person shares your name ~

• Provide proof of identity to the company which is sending you bills. (Your social security number or birth day is the best information to prove you are not the person they are seeking.)
• Change your bank (if they bank in the same place you do). While a banking mistake would be extremely rare, it is possible.

Have you ever received a bill you did not owe?