Help - Unexplained debt email from Opos Ltd re. Spark Energy (left 3 years ago)

LauraKS18

Hello,

I was with Spark Energy for a period of 6 months back in 2018/19 - I switched to another provider in April 2019 after they had been taken over by OVO Energy.  I contacted them to confirm that I had closed the account, cancelled my Direct Debit and requested the final bill.  I received an email confirming that a final bill had been sent out and that my final closing balance was £45.48 in credit - I received this refund in my bank account on 25th April 2019.

On Monday 28th March 2022, three years after I left Spark Energy, I received an email from Opos Limited in my Junk folder saying that they have been instructed to collect a debt of £75.89 which I owe to Spark Energy.  This is the first communication I have received from Opos and I was understandably, both confused and worried.  I am very confused about where they have got this balance from as I submitted meter readings regularly and my Direct Debit always went through.  I have tried to contact Spark, who have closed down and do not have a phone line.  I have contacted OVO and SSE, who have taken over the energy supply in the area, and they are unable to shed any light. 

Has anyone else had a similar email?  I am not sure what to do next - I obviously do not want to pay a debt I do not owe.

Many thanks

Mstty

You have the email stating your final balance was in credit just send that to Opos. If you have statements saved to that effect send them that as well.

Check Opos are legit first via Google etc

LauraKS18

Mstty said:

You have the email stating your final balance was in credit just send that to Opos. If you have statements saved to that effect send them that as well.

Check Opos are legit first via Google etc

Thank you for your advice!  Unfortunately, Opos are legit - will email them my statements and see what they say.

FreeBear

LauraKS18 said:

Mstty said:

You have the email stating your final balance was in credit just send that to Opos. If you have statements saved to that effect send them that as well.

Check Opos are legit first via Google etc

Thank you for your advice!  Unfortunately, Opos are legit - will email them my statements and see what they say.

Don't send them any documents (yet). You need to ask (demand) evidence of this "debt" and how it came about - Basically, you tell them to "prove it".

cauliflower222

LauraKS18 said:

Hello,

I was with Spark Energy for a period of 6 months back in 2018/19 - I switched to another provider in April 2019 after they had been taken over by OVO Energy.  I contacted them to confirm that I had closed the account, cancelled my Direct Debit and requested the final bill.  I received an email confirming that a final bill had been sent out and that my final closing balance was £45.48 in credit - I received this refund in my bank account on 25th April 2019.

On Monday 28th March 2022, three years after I left Spark Energy, I received an email from Opos Limited in my Junk folder saying that they have been instructed to collect a debt of £75.89 which I owe to Spark Energy.  This is the first communication I have received from Opos and I was understandably, both confused and worried.  I am very confused about where they have got this balance from as I submitted meter readings regularly and my Direct Debit always went through.  I have tried to contact Spark, who have closed down and do not have a phone line.  I have contacted OVO and SSE, who have taken over the energy supply in the area, and they are unable to shed any light. 

Has anyone else had a similar email?  I am not sure what to do next - I obviously do not want to pay a debt I do not owe.

Many thanks

Hello,

The exact same thing has happened to me. I was with Spark Energy for a period of roughly 12 months from 2018 to 2019 and switched once they were taken over by OVO. I was also in credit in my account upon leaving Spark Energy.
And, on Monday 28th March 2022 I also received an email from Opos Limited in my Junk folder requesting a payment of £46.55 on behalf of Spark Energy. This all seems a bit odd. 

I will get in contact with Opos and see what they say.

cauliflower222

LauraKS18 said:

Mstty said:

You have the email stating your final balance was in credit just send that to Opos. If you have statements saved to that effect send them that as well.

Check Opos are legit first via Google etc

Thank you for your advice!  Unfortunately, Opos are legit - will email them my statements and see what they say.

So, just got off phone to Opos. Apparently, these emails were sent out as part of an admin error. They no longer have accounts with Spark Energy and so you do not have to make these payments. I've requested that I receive this in writing.

However, I would strongly advise phoning them up and giving them your reference just to double check it will be the same for you. He didn't clarify if this was a widespread admin error, although seems very likely if we received the email on same day. But definitely double check with them yourself on the phone and get them to confirm it in writing with you!

Hope this has helped.