got CCJ through the post today for the guy who used to live here...

[paddingtonbear1]

dh opened it by mistake. He couldn't see the name and just assumed it was for us. Turns out it's a CCJ for the guy who lived here before us, for unpaid road tax. What's best to do? I assume I can't just ignore it or they might send the bailiffs round, or it might affect our credit rating? Should I just send it back, with a note?

Does the envelope quote an adress for return if no reply/wrong address? Usually what you need to do is simply cross out out the adress, write No longer at this address and then pop it back in the postbox. They'll then register him as not known. Or ring up the court its been issued from and explain the situation. Experian might also be able to give you some advice? It won't effect your credit rating.

Send it back with a note or call them - we had this problem with a tenant in our flat - I spent ages sending things back and calling people (we had no forwarding address, as he had bailed owing everyone money), but it was worth it as no credit issues showed against the address when we sold it.

phone a contact number on the letter (there should be one) and tell them what has happened. Offer any information you can about the person and where they might be now.

I've had to do it a few times, and this usually stops anything more coming throuhg.

Thanks guys, there is a number on the letter - I will call tomorrow. This guy used to live here with his then wife, they separated which is why the house was sold. I know where she lives but she's not heard from him in over a year and has no idea where he lives now. He never left a forwarding address.

Also in the (hopefully unlikely) situation that bailiffs did come round, if you tell them you aren't him, and he doesn't live there any more, they will go away. They can't force entry even if you were him.