Debt Collection Agency Advice

MiniLaura

Wee bit of a story! Would like some help and advice.

Got a bill in from Scottish Gas couple of months ago - £66 gas charges.

It was addressed correctly to my flat but with occupier on it. af

I get elec and gas from Scottish POwer and my landlord had an agreement with Scottish Gas for homecare services.

Called them up and was told wouldnt hear from them again, admitted no account on my address.

Been sent further three bills and phoned each time - oh wont hear from us again. Data collector sent out and i let him in as so insistant - BF was with me at time - he looked at meter and went oh i dont read them so no reading was taken.

Now got letter two weeks ago saying debt going to agency - wrote back and said im not a customer.

Now had letter warning me that a warrant will be issued to enter my home, and police may be present plus all the charges etc.

Phoned and ended up hanging up on them as they wouldnt give me a guarantee it wont happen ie letter stating that i have no accont or arrears.

Now im really worried my home wil be broken into by the debt collection agency - im at work all day and when at home im not aware of doorbells, im deaf and would be extremely terrified if soeone broke in whie in house.

Any idea what my options are here? Im being harrased and in tears with all these letters now gotta worry gas will be turned off, and stuff taken for a non existant debt plus personal stress if dealing with people unexpectedly appearing at my door.

Should I contact police? Raise harrasement issue against Scottish Gas? Im really angry ive gotta worry about this, i pay all my due debts and this is non existant but seems im still getting harrased.

RAS

Who sent the threatening letter? This a ll it is but you need to send them a letter disputing the bill.

Yoy are being bullied for something that it not your fault. Debt collectors cannot enter your house, even once they have a court order against you ( and you seem to be some way off that), as long as you pay what is agreed by the court. They are lying to you and using your ignorance of the law to frighten you into paying something you may not owe.

Also there will be a ombudsman, and you can complain to Trading Standards about these idiots.

MiniLaura

Letter is from Scottish Gas Debt collections.

Had two letters, one informing me that on 26th Nov (mon) or after someone will enter my property and turn off gas. Letter today tells me to pay up or somoene will be out with warrant and police.

I DO NOT owe any money so will not repay, just dont want letters - im imagining letters are automatically raised and sent but when referred to debt agency its manuallly done? SG offer no reassurrance. Plan to report them but i ont want to take smallest chance somoene could be at my door and Im unaware of them.

Im just at a loss as to what to do? I dont owe SG and they admit on phone but not stopping letters?!

Gale_10

Hello,

Write to the Debt Agency and tell them you are not with Scottish Gas. Tell them you are not the person they need to speak to. If it is your Landlords debt, tell your landlord he has to pay it. Do not let the Debt Agency bully you. If you want to complain about Scottish Gas you can at http://www.energy-ombudsman.org.uk.

The Debt Agency will try many things to make you pay up, they will threaten you. But please do not worry, just write and tell us on here about it and we will do our best to help you.

All the best,

Gale

Gale_10

Laura,

Please write to the https://www.energy-ombudsman.org.uk and tell them what you are going through. They may be able to contact Scottish Gas and tell them what is going on with you. You have told them many times that the person that owes this money is not you, and they have ignored your calls. The energy ombudsman will help you. I think thats the best way to get things sorted.

Gale

MiniLaura

Its not yet at debt collection agency, im wondering how much notice ill get of them having debt and them coming round if it goes this far.

Letter really seems to say they will force entry to property with police there to disconnect gas - thats what im worried about.

Homework

Trading Standards should be able to contact them and get something sorted. Failing that the ombudsmen and tell Scottish Gas you have the number to call the Daily Record/Sunday Mail if anyone dares turn up at the house.

MiniLaura

Got this all sorted! I went to energywatch on advice from CAB who put me through to highest level of complaints team in British Gas - got a letter of apology which stated that the bills were not for me! Yippee!!

Gotta say I really love CAB for advice, they do a really good job! I'd recommend anyone in difficulty getting in touch - if the office is busy then call helpline or send in letter - got good responses all ways!

:j