My sister had a similar problem with power/gas companies, though I haven't heard of these Past Due Credit people -- anyway, the whole thing was a big, complicated mix-up and after many letters and phone calls, the whole thing eventually got settled. I can't remember the exact nature of the problem, but it wasn't far off -- basically a demand for payment of £700-odd, which wasn't actually owed.
Personally, I'd call Eon and try to get it sorted out with them -- debt collection agencies likely aren't privy to all the information involved and only care about doing what they were hired to do, while Eon/Powergen will more likely be able to dig up old records and correct the mistake.
I agree with gravecat. Call Eon/powergen directly, explain that you'd heard this company was a scam and since they're still bothering you you want to make absolutely sure that you don't owe them anything.
The first thing you should do is ask them what it is about, I've had my fair share of problems in the past with gas/power companies, and with the formal demand (at least here in the Netherlands) they always should:
1. Say what it is about, provide reference numbers so you can call your company in question to verify the claim.
2. Offer a chance to pay it in terms. They ask a hefty amount from you and it is only reasonable that you ask for terms.
So yes, first thing you should do: Ask for reference and contact both this company and the powercompany. If they don't want to give a reference, the fishy smell might cause a smog alert ;)
Grave cats main point was what i was going to say. Debt collectors have no interest in mistakes being sorted, It is in their interest only for you to pay up. Call Eon and ask them what the hell is going on. They have probably made a mistake. It is their problem to fix and they probably will but I would advise you call them today.
There are all sorts of ways your name can be left on a bill when it shouldn't be, so you need to get details of the original invoice from Eon asap.
If they persist in billing you erroneously, then immediately state that you want the dispute to be considered as a customer complaint. After that, the clock starts ticking on when you can take the matter to arbitration. Don't engage with the debt collectors unless Eon confirm first that they are their representatives. But if they are official, then do speak to them as ignoring them could leave you out of the loop on what enforcement actions they try.
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Personally, I'd call Eon and try to get it sorted out with them -- debt collection agencies likely aren't privy to all the information involved and only care about doing what they were hired to do, while Eon/Powergen will more likely be able to dig up old records and correct the mistake.
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Reply
1. Say what it is about, provide reference numbers so you can call your company in question to verify the claim.
2. Offer a chance to pay it in terms. They ask a hefty amount from you and it is only reasonable that you ask for terms.
So yes, first thing you should do: Ask for reference and contact both this company and the powercompany. If they don't want to give a reference, the fishy smell might cause a smog alert ;)
Good luck!
Reply
Reply
If they persist in billing you erroneously, then immediately state that you want the dispute to be considered as a customer complaint. After that, the clock starts ticking on when you can take the matter to arbitration. Don't engage with the debt collectors unless Eon confirm first that they are their representatives. But if they are official, then do speak to them as ignoring them could leave you out of the loop on what enforcement actions they try.
Reply
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