Don't know what to do next! Help please!

Maz

This is driving me mad and I don't know what to do about it anymore!

Four years ago, I rented a cottage. About a year ago, I received a letter from a debt collection agency saying I owed British Gas £125.88 from my stay there. (News to me!) So, I made all the right enquiries, got dates etc and it turned out I wasn't living there when this debt was incurred. I then provided the agency with a letter from the letting agents stating the date that my tenancy finished and had in fact moved out. Didn't hear anything for a few months so I (in my stupidity) thought it was sorted. Since then, I've received at least three letters from other agencies demanding this money. After I'd calmed down, I rang the last but one and the bloke I spoke to wasn't aware that any evidence had been received as they 'just bought the debt'. Yesterday, I received yet another letter from another agency demanding this amount! I mean, what the hell's going on here??? How can I get rid of these b***y people??? Any ideas, kindly folk?

CLAPTON

you need to contact British gas.

eyelinerprincess

Call them again. You don't owe anything.

ms_london

Hiya!! Try not to worry (although easier said than done!!). Get another copy of the letter, or do a similiar one, and send to the agent, British Gas, and the debt collect - send them all recorded delivery and keep doing it, until you get closure on the matter. It's easy to assume things are dealt with, but often better to have things in writing! Try not to worry too much, at least you have proof you werent in the property at this time, so it will get sorted eventually!! xx

competitionscafe

I had a very similar problem with NTL (Charged for services after I had moved out and cancelled the contract) - Do what ms_london says above and you will get it sorted - might be worth going to your CAB for advice too, but I had basically done what ms_london outlined above and CAB said that I had done everything 'by the book'. You owe them nothing so as long as you have taken those steps you have nothing to worry about: hope they stop hassling you soon!

Bunnie1982

British Gas are very good at collecting information but not very good at using it.

In terms of disputes, British Gas have not got the manpower to deal with disputes in relation to debts passed across to a debt collection agency so generally accounts seem to sit in a void for a while and then passed on elsewhere. Not very helpful I know

I agree with what ms london has said

whatatwit

I had a similar arguement with N-power, write to B Gas and send copies and a letter requesting that they hold collection until advised by B Gas.

I would also mention to B Gas that you intend to contact the energy regulator with regard to their treatment of you.

plumduff-2

British Gas are crap...!

If yu write to them state that they are in breach of several OFT guidelines, that you have provided evidence which clearly shows that the debt is not owed by you and that they should continue their enquiries with the landlord..

The breaches are - using several DCA's at te same time.... continuing with collection when the debt is disputed... contacting the wrong person about the debt...

I would recommend that on any letter sent, tell them that any further letters sent to you about this matter will mean a complaint to the relevant bodies...