Anonymous payment that can be tracked

...got a trusted friend who would act as an intermediary?

hmmm, I suppose *you* could always be the 'trusted friend' if you see what I mean. "I have been asked by Mr X to pay the enclosed amount to you in full and final settlement of the bill concerned with telephone number 1234..."

Surely, despite frowns from official sources, it is possible these days to do a reverse "directory enquiry"... so they probably have your address, at least, already.

Putrid poetry, dismal doggerel, extrava-stanzas...

"Tiddy Ogg" wrote

Yes. And if not, then (as the payment is disputed anyway), the OP could just not pay it & the "person with just his phone number" wouldn't be able to do much about it!

could you ask for their bank details: sort code, a/c number, etc and pay cash into their account (at the counter of a branch of their bank)?

then tell them you have done it: date, reference, amount so they are not confused when they get their bank statement.

Is it TBS, who claim you made calls to a sex line? This was discussed on uk.telecom recently.

If so have a search for TBS on the uk.telecom archive, and the following:

Is is a scam? Don't pay 'em, it only encourages them.

Otherwise, how about paying through Bidpay. They send 'em the loot with a message.

FoFP

Very interesting. Is it just mobile phones they hit or landlines too?

I can just imagine them trying that shit on me:

Them: So you owe us some money. What's your address?

Me : So you're a sex line eh? Go on then, say something sexy....

Them: You don't understand, we're justb trying to bill you.

Me: I'll get you started: are you wearing suspenders?

Them: Really...

Me: So what do you like to do once you get your kit off? Do you have big nipples?

Keep at it until *they* hang up. What can they do? Sue me for obscenity? I'd just love to get my hands on the loot from *that* Sun interview...

They're trying to screw you, so f*ck with their minds.

FoFP

Landlines too. Happened to someone I know (don't know if it was the same lot but it sounds similar).

Turned out his 17 year old son had actually made a call to their line, and they kept phoning him asking for the address to send the bill, they even offered to play a recording of the conversation! He simply kept refusing to give it and telling them where to stick their bill. They gave up in the end. I did suggest he tells them it was his 15 year old son and threatens to get them prosecuted for corrupting a minor.

LOL..I do the same with people who phone up trying to sell me stuff.

"We're looking for showhomes in your area - would you be interested in a half price kitchen?"

"No thanks - I've already got one. But while you're on, would you like an armchair, only 40?"

"Sorry?"

"I'm selling an armchair, do you want it?"

"No thanks. But we can give you a no obligation quote for the kitchen, and a 50% discount for being a showhome"

"No. But if you don't want the armchair, can you give me your home number in case I have any other items of furniture I want to sell - then I can phone you to check if you want it".

"Don't be silly sir"

"What's so silly about phoning someone up on the off chance they may be interested in something I'm selling??"

"Brrrrrr...."

What about postal orders?

Contracts made whilst impeded through drink or drugs are not enforcable. Perhaps the company called has some technology which assesses whether or not the caller was drunk? Probably not.