Trying to pay closed account in other name...

Hi all,

I have an issue that is driving me crazy.

My ex-wife contacted me regarding an 'in default' Virgin Media account that's been added to her credit file, and although the account is in her name, it's not hers, it's mine.  Please allow me to explain as best I can.

In 2008 a Virgin Media Sales man came to my house to sell me Virgin Media TV etc.  We talked about my situation at the time and he told me it would be better to open an account in my ex-wife’s name, due to sharing custody of the kids.  I thought it was odd, but he said that I could change the details once the account was opened.  He was the experienced Virgin Media Rep, so I agreed; I now believe he was simply trying to guarantee his sale [face-palm].  Once the confirmation came through, I tried to change the details as he explained, but Virgin Media said no.  I then manually added my name and email address to the account online, and I continued that way for the entire proceeding 12 years I had the account, using my own name & bank details.  Also, each time the contract was renewed, Virgin Media were more than happy to only ever deal with me on every occasion!

To cut a boring story short, I was made redundant several years ago, I then had a mental health episode, and ultimately defaulted, despite trying to get the account closed while I was still able to pay.  When the account finally defaulted, I was requested to pay just over £300.  After a dispute/discussion, I received a revised bill of just under £100, but was unable to pay in full due to lack of income.

Anyway, 2 debt collection agencies later, and paying them a little before they both learned that I wasn't my ex-wife, the debt has now been added to my ex-wife's credit file even though she's got her own VM account and has done for over a decade...!

I wanted to pay the remaining debt, just under £80 now I believe, I offered to pay, but I have been repeatedly ignored over recent years, by Virgin Media and by the Debt Collection Agencies, and the next I hear is that Virgin Media have added the debt to my Ex-Wife’s credit file.  I have been honest, open and up front from the beginning, but it is apparent that no-one will take any notice or help me, understandably but blindly referencing the data protection act at me when they don't want to deal with me, despite my not requesting any information and only wishing to pay the account!  VM won't deal with me on the phone and I can't use chat as there is not account, so I can only email.  I've had no option but to raise a complaint, and receipt of my initial email has been acknowledged, but further emails remain unacknowledged.

I still reside at the same address as was supplied by Virgin Media; therefore, I have not tried to hide, and I have not tried to shirk my responsibilities.  My re-married ex-wife (21 years ago!) cannot sort this as it's not her issue, it's mine, but it needs resolving and I can't resolve it because no one will let me!  It's bureaucracy gone mad...!  Also, it needs to be removed from her credit file as it's nothing to do with her.  I'd be fine for it to be added to mine, as it's my debt...!!

I want to pay, so does anyone have any ideas how I can?  I am not asking for any information, I am providing you with information, so I don't think this request does not contravene any part of the Data Protection Act.

Thank you for reading this and for any help or advice that might follow.

P.