Do I Have to Pay British Gas Debt Collection Agency?

Are you worried about the British Gas debt collection agency? You might feel scared and unsure about what to do next. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every month, over 12,000 people visit this site for advice on debt subjects like this.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Who British Gas debt collectors are.
• If you need to pay them and how to lower your repayments.
• How to check if the British Gas debt letter is real.
• What to do if British Gas can’t prove the debt.
• How to get in touch with the British Gas debt collection agency.

We know how hard it can be when you owe money, as some of us have been in the same boat. We’ve had to deal with owing money and not knowing what to do, which is why we’re here to help you. Let’s get started and learn more about dealing with British Gas debt collection.

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!

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.

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!

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

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

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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 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: