Hi, ive recieved a letter out of the blue today from the department of work and pensions, it says I owe £158, Ive called them and apparently this loan was taken out for pots and pans and a bed nearly 10 years ago! I was claiming job seekers allowance for about 3 months at the time, and unfortuately I was with a very nasty partner, I have a suspision he took this out somehow in my name, I know I didn't, this is also a man who caused myself and my family a lot of trouble and was put in prision for many reasons shortly afterwards, really not a good time in my earlier life I want to remember,

Anyway, where do I stand? do I have to pay this back after this much time? they have told me to write into them otherwise I may get blacklisted, which I really dont want.

Any help or advise would be appreciated, thanks.

moomin - Write in to them as they suggest by recorded delivery... keeping a copy and the proof of postage slip, explaining your unfortunate experiences at the time and disputing any personal liability.

Provide them with all the information in support of your belief about the real culprit i.e. name, forwarding address (which prison) of that person, or any information you may have in your possession that could assist the DWP with their enquiries.

As long as you are seen to co-operate fully with their requests, they will conduct their own follow up investigations without holding you responsible for repayment of this sum that they have been defrauded of. You have nothing to fear, this is a common occurrence with the DWP... they will get in touch with you should they require anything else from you.

Thanks for the reply, I will write a letter tomorrow, I have no idea what happened to him after he got arrested, and I dont want to run the risk of them getting in touch with him about me, the thought of him trying to get in touch with me would cause a lot of grief that I dont want after all these years, maybe il mention that in my letter, in a way id rather pay it than them to keep them from mentioning my name to him, which is not fair on me, we'l see what happends.

Yes, by all means inform the DWP about your concerns that under no circumstances do you wish for this person to contact you regarding this matter, or to be informed of your current address.

Remind them of their obligations to protect your identity or whereabouts under the data protection act or from fear of reprisals from a violent partner, if that was the case. Inform them you will comply fully with any reasonable request made by any inquiry.... on condition it does not encroach or contravene your legal rights to anonymity from this individual.