A woman has been left terrified after bailiffs began pursuing her for unpaid council tax – for a house she has never even set foot in. The shocking administrative error has thrown her life into chaos, with debt collectors demanding payment for a property located miles from her actual home.
How the Nightmare Began
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, first realised something was wrong when threatening letters started arriving at her address. "I couldn't believe what I was reading," she said. "They claimed I owed thousands for a house I've never even seen, let alone lived in."
The Council's Costly Mistake
Investigations revealed the local council had mixed up similar names on their database, leading to the wrongful debt being assigned. Despite providing proof she wasn't the liable party, the bailiffs continued their pursuit – even turning up at her workplace.
The Emotional Toll
The stress has taken a severe toll: "I've lost sleep, my work is suffering, and I'm constantly worried about my credit rating," the woman explained. "All because someone couldn't be bothered to check their records properly."
Fighting the System
Legal experts say such cases are becoming worryingly common. "Councils are outsourcing debt collection without proper checks," warned a consumer rights solicitor. "Innocent people are being harassed due to basic administrative errors."
What You Can Do
If you find yourself in a similar situation:
- Demand written proof of the debt immediately
- Contact the local council's complaints department
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice or a solicitor
- Keep records of all correspondence
The victim is now considering legal action against the council for distress and damages. "This can't keep happening to people," she said. "Someone needs to be held accountable."
