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British Gas using British Gas Trust to talk you into upping debt repayments!
British Gas seem to have sunk to a new low. They are using the existence of the British Gas Trust - run by Charis Grants - to persuade folk to up their debt repayments in a very underhand manner. Just when winter is hitting, right before Xmas and just as they are raising prices:
Letters sent out to folk with arrears stating they could be 'debt free by new year' by applying to the British Gas Trust by phoning them (not freephone) to get an application form.
I phoned and was told it Charis Grants that make the decisions but BG would send the the form, then 15 mins of persuading/advising me to up my debt repayments 'in the meantime' to make my application look good. No checks on circumstances, could I afford it, just banging on about how 'debt free' I could be and advising how if I pay more, especially while struggling, I would havemore chance of getting the grant.
Told the form would take 2 weeks but the repayment increase would take 4-5 weeks to kick in - I did not think I would get the form without agreeing. Also told I can drop my payments again at any time (repeatedly)
NO mention that you can apply direct for free to Charis Grants.
I eventually agreed and my payments went up within the week, I am now seriously struggling, customer service refuse to drop them and want me to explain why in writing I cannot afford my 'agreed' amount now.
Called the same number that did this increase and they informed me they can only INCREASE repayments, not drop them! They are also filling in spreadsheets with who they get to raise payments, so I suspect they are on bonus for doing this.
Essentially, they have sent letters targetting anyone struggling, carefully worded so you only contact them, they then 'persuade' you into upping your payments whether you can afford or not using the carrot of the possible grant - and you are then stuck.
This is despicable - the number you call is even called the British Gas Trust 'Helpline'. People need warned about this.
Letters sent out to folk with arrears stating they could be 'debt free by new year' by applying to the British Gas Trust by phoning them (not freephone) to get an application form.
I phoned and was told it Charis Grants that make the decisions but BG would send the the form, then 15 mins of persuading/advising me to up my debt repayments 'in the meantime' to make my application look good. No checks on circumstances, could I afford it, just banging on about how 'debt free' I could be and advising how if I pay more, especially while struggling, I would havemore chance of getting the grant.
Told the form would take 2 weeks but the repayment increase would take 4-5 weeks to kick in - I did not think I would get the form without agreeing. Also told I can drop my payments again at any time (repeatedly)
NO mention that you can apply direct for free to Charis Grants.
I eventually agreed and my payments went up within the week, I am now seriously struggling, customer service refuse to drop them and want me to explain why in writing I cannot afford my 'agreed' amount now.
Called the same number that did this increase and they informed me they can only INCREASE repayments, not drop them! They are also filling in spreadsheets with who they get to raise payments, so I suspect they are on bonus for doing this.
Essentially, they have sent letters targetting anyone struggling, carefully worded so you only contact them, they then 'persuade' you into upping your payments whether you can afford or not using the carrot of the possible grant - and you are then stuck.
This is despicable - the number you call is even called the British Gas Trust 'Helpline'. People need warned about this.
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