British Gas - dodgy?

Selfsufficient_Girl

Can I just say people DO have the right to be wary of credit checks - which leaves a footprint on their credit file.

At least Brennan1 was asked about a credit check by BG, I moved house 2 years ago - decided to stay with the suppliers of the property which was BG - was NOT asked or told my bills would end up on my credit file. I found out by chance because I check my credit report every 3-4 months to ensure there are no errors and was shocked to see my bill on credit file - was with NPower before and this was not done.

Secondly even if you pay your bills on time - BEWARE OF BG. I cannot vouch for other utility companies that put your bill on your credit file. But this is the SECOND time - as of today 25/08/11 that I have paid a bill on time (within the 14 day window) and the balance is STILL showing on my credit file. Today when I spoke with BG they were quite hostile in admitting THEIR error but refused to acknowledge there is a flaw in their updating methods with regards to customers credit file.

I paid bill on 10/07/11 payment cleared on 12/07/11 (confirmed by BG) they updated my credit file on 17/07/11 with an outstanding balance of £326.00 - which was PAID ON THE 10/07/11 AND CLEARED ON 12/07/11 -SO I DID NOT OWE THEM ANY MONEY AS OF THE 17/07/11 - why did they say I owe this money?- No idea - as of TODAY 25/08/11 - this balance is still shown on my credit file - even though my balance with BG is £0.00 - They confirm it is £0.00 -

Upon further proding on why this balance is shown as outstanding for the last 6 weeks, when I dont owe them anything - I was hastily told that they update info for customer's credit file every 2nd Sunday - upon highlighting the anomaly of that statement based on my account shown in arrears for 6 weeks, the customer service representive starting getting hostile with me - saying they will update my account manually to reflect I don't owe they any money - there is nothing wrong with their system!

This is simply NOT good enough - particularly if people are not checking their credit file on a regular basis - their credit could be seriously compromised or ruined by utility companies

I do not feel utility bills should be put on a credit file unless there is a history of customers always paying late or constantly in arrears - in that instance I fully support it

gazjoneswales

Selfsufficient_Girl wrote: »

I do not feel utility bills should be put on a credit file unless there is a history of customers always paying late or constantly in arrears - in that instance I fully support it

I think its completley fair that if you are using a credit meter and obtaining credit from a supplier then this should be showing on your credit file.

What about people who do pay on time etc and utility companies have a positive effect on their credit rating? should that stop too?

As with most problems with suppliers they need to get their computer software correct so that it can efficently handle this process

Selfsufficient_Girl

I do pay on time and yet to reap the positve effects of this as I seem to have spend more time keeping an eye on my credit file and BG errors.

Like my post said my experience is based on BG and cannot vouch for other utility companies - your experience with other utility companies may be fantastic and that's good.

gazjoneswales

Selfsufficient_Girl wrote: »

I do pay on time and yet to reap the positve effects of this as I seem to have spend more time keeping an eye on my credit file and BG errors.

Like my post said my experience is based on BG and cannot vouch for other utility companies - your experience with other utility companies may be fantastic and that's good.

I have been with BG in the past (i even used to work for them) and there was never a problem with my credit report. the fact that you have been so patient to BG is remarkable and i personally feel a formal complaint is in order.

But what i disagreed with is that you feel utility companies should not report to credit reference agencies. It just seems to be one of them things that suppliers get wrong from time to time

[Deleted User]

i really dont see a problem,we are credit checked time and time again usually without knowing it,for a contract mobile a catalogue,the list is endless

lillmisschatterbox

I do see both sides of the arguement - however when every company is fighting for customers, I get a few cold callers every day from various companies telling me about their tariffs, I think if you wish to object to a credit check your well within your rights to do so, and just go with another supplier who doesnt require this.

mattcanary

Not much the supplier can do if the OP refuses it anyway is there? After all, they are supplying electric to the address, so without setting up an account in the OP's name they would just have to open an account in the name of the"occupier". They would then be supplying electric to the OP but not getting paid for it!

backfoot

lillmisschatterbox wrote: »

- however when every company is fighting for customers, I get a few cold callers every day from various companies telling me about their tariffs,

Can I suggest some sort of queueing system.

Singling you out for this intensity must make you feel very important.:p

cing0

If you where to move into a property previously supplied by BG, you would have a deemed contract and 'the present occupier' would not undergo a credit check.