Bill sold to debt collectors

guss080406

I have just received a formal demand letter from Buchanan clark and wells (debt collecting agent) who have bought my debt from British Gas to the value of £50.
I have received a letter and 3 telephone calls within two days demanding full payment or they will commence legal proceedings. The bill is from an old address and is for a supply period exactly three years ago

The problem I have is that British Gas have not once asked or made me aware that this bill was outstanding, Infact the bill was settled from what I can remember.
If they had notified me (which they could of have done with no problem as they where given my new address when i moved) the bill would have been settled. But now i have to put up with this hawks demanding money with fretting calls and possible a bad credit rating.
Is it really ok for British Gas to sell my bill without even first notifying me that I have a outstanding bill, allowing me to settle the account?

any advice please

sporedude

Yeah they dont have to tell you its being sold to a DCA.

4$£&*(£$&*(!

Ask the debt collection agency for a copy of the British Gas bill, a breakdown of what you owe the amount for and the period it is owed. Do this by recorded delivery.

At the same time send a recorded letter to British Gas asking for the same breakdown, and ask them what attempts they made to contact you prior to referring to the debt collection agency. Send this by recorded post also.