Do I Have to Pay British Gas Debt Collection Agency?

Many households are struggling with rising costs, so you may be one of the people who ask, ‘do I have to pay the British Gas debt collection agency when they get in touch?

I take a look at your options in my post and provide advice on how to respond when debt collectors get in touch. For more information check out the paragraphs below!

Do you have to pay British Gas debt collectors?

You might not have to pay British Gas debt collectors.

If you genuinely can’t afford your debt repayments then looking into whether you could have your written off might be just what you need. 

If you want to find out whether you qualify for having debt written off or payments lowered then fill out the short form below.

Who are British Gas debt collectors?

British Gas has its own department dedicated to recovering debts owed by its customers. Founded in 1812, the energy provider has about 12 million customers throughout the UK.

So, when you fall into arrears with a British Gas account, the provider may pass your details onto their own debt collection department! Or they could use Advantis or Arvato to chase you for payment.

However, if you have a business account with British Gas and fall behind with payments, the energy provider may use an external debt recovery agency.

Is British Gas debt collection regulated?

Yes. British Gas is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 490565) and the Financial Conduct Authority (CSA).

That said, British Gas Limited is the trading name for several other entities.

Can you lower your repayments?

If you’re struggling to pay back your debt, then you might qualify for a debt solution.

Some solutions lower your monthly payments while others write off a portion of your debt. 

To find out whether they could work in your situation, hit the button below.

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Is the British Gas debt letter genuine?

You should always check whether a letter from a debt collection agency is genuine or a scam. There are lots of scammers out there who take advantage of vulnerable people.

So, you shouldn’t respond to any contact details on a letter claiming to be from a British Gas debt collection agency. Instead, contact British Gas using one of the online contact numbers!

Like this, you’ll know if the letter is genuine or not. You’ll have to quote the reference details on the letter, prove who you are and then take it from there!

Which debt collection agency does British Gas use?

The debt collection agencies that British Gas may use are:

• Advantis
• Arvato

How do you respond to a British Gas Debt collection letter?

Once you’ve established the letter is genuinely from British Gas debt collection, the next step is to establish whether the debt in question is yours.

Mistakes happen and a clerical error could result in the department chasing the wrong person. As such, write back to British Gas asking their debt collection department to ‘prove’ you owe the money.

All debt collectors must prove you owe the money by providing you with a copy of an agreement or contract. The copy must be authenticated for it to be valid!

It’s up to the debt collector to prove the debt is yours. That said, you could always gather as much evidence as possible proving you don’t owe the money!

How do I clear my British Gas debt?

You’ll have to pay if the debt is proven to be yours. However, there are solutions if you’re struggling with your finances. When you can’t settle the amount in one go, you should offer to pay the amount owed in instalments.

In short, send a debt settlement offer to the debt collection department. But not before you seek advice from a debt charity or independent debt adviser!

You shouldn’t agree, admit, sign or pay any money to the debt collection agency before you’ve had time to assess the debt solutions available.

Check out one option open to you if you’ve got a British Gas debt:

Source: Moneysavingexpert

What happens when British Gas can’t prove the debt?

If British Gas can’t prove you owe the money, you can’t be held liable. Their debt collection people should stop contacting you unless they’ve got solid proof the debt is yours!

You can’t be forced to pay an unproved British Gas debt!

Should you pay British Gas debt collection?

You should only pay British Gas debt collection once you’re satisfied the debt is yours and the energy provider or debt collection agency has proved it.

If you can afford to settle the amount in one go, all the better. It’ll get the debt collectors off your back.

Otherwise, try to set up an affordable payment plan to clear the debt. British Gas should be open to negotiating a repayment schedule with you to avoid further action.

Should you ignore a debt collection agency?

No. Ignoring debt collectors won’t make them go away. It’s a short-term solution that may well backfire.

You’ll just get more letters, phone calls and emails from them. As a last resort, a debt collection agent will typically pay you a visit at home!

Also, you could be missing out on the following when you ignore British Gas debt collectors:

• Establishing the debt isn’t yours or maybe it’s too old to enforce. Statute-barred debts must be at least six years old though!
• Being offered an affordable repayment plan
• Having some of the debt wiped off could make it easier for you to settle

What happens if I don’t pay British Gas?

There’s always the chance that British Gas will take you to court over an unpaid debt. So when you ignore them or you fail to pay the money owed, you could:

• Face legal action
• Get a County Court Judgement (CCJ) on your credit file
• Deal with enforcement officers (bailiffs) seizing possessions to sell at auction
• Have an attachment placed on a bank account or your earnings

However, before being taken to court, British Gas must send you a Letter Before Action (LBA). This is to warn you of the impending court action!

How do you contact the British Gas debt collection agency?

You should always try to stay in touch with British Gas when you’re behind with payments and your account falls into debt.

It’s wiser to speak to the energy provider rather than ignore things. I’ve listed their contact details here:

What debt help is there?

British Gas claims to help its customers when they struggle to pay their bills. But it’s always a good idea to seek free debt advice from one of the UK’s leading charities too.

I’ve listed a few of the main debt charities here:

• Money Advice Service
• National Debtline 
• Citizens Advice
• My Money Steps
• Step Change Debt Charity

Always stay in touch with British Gas when you seek independent debt advice. You have the right to assess your best debt solutions options. As such, debt collectors must allow you this time.

“It will only get worse” 😩

It’s cliché to say, but with debt it’s true; the longer you leave it, the worse the problem gets. 

There are straightforward and effective ways to deal with debt, but you have to know your options. 

Fill out the short form to find out about the debt solutions that could reduce your monthly payments or even write off some of your debt.

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Thanks for reading my post. I hope the information helps answer the question, do I have to pay the British Gas debt collection agency so it saves you time and money!