Paying back a cheque they agreed was correct

scoobydoo246

I’m wanting a little advice. We’ve recently received a large bill from British Gas (we haven’t been with them for over a year now). About 9 months ago we received a cheque from British Gas confirming they owed us money. I called them to query this to make sure it was correct as I didn’t understand why, they confirmed it was correct. 

When ringing up recently to query to large bill they said the cheque should never have been sent and it was an error and we need to pay it back!! I’ve raised a complaint to which they’ve declined and said I need to take it to the ombudsman. 

I’ve agreed to pay then money we owe for the energy they never made us aware of when leaving British Gas ( around £300) but said I’m not paying back the money they gave us nearly a year ago (around £500). 

The whole experience with them has been ridiculous. I’ve received 3 letters since the start of 2025 all with different figures, none of the breakdowns are the same. It’s like they pulling figures from thin air. 

Brie

Not sure what you want advice about as you haven't actually asked a question as far as I can see.. 

But if you are saying you don't owe money and they say you do then they need to explain clearly and succinctly what you owe and why and stick to that.  And if/when you disagree you need to ensure that you have exhausted their complaint process and then take it to the ombudsman.  

MWT

scoobydoo246 said:

I’ve agreed to pay then money we owe for the energy they never made us aware of when leaving British Gas ( around £300) but said I’m not paying back the money they gave us nearly a year ago (around £500). 

If the £500 was paid to you in error then they are entitled to recover it from you, the Ombudsman may award a payment for poor customer service that could reduce it a bit, but this is something they are entitled to do unfortunately.

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