didn't receive a bill, now have debt collectors after me!

[gherkinfiend]

Today I got a letter from a debt collection agency for a debt of �75.65 owed and outstanding to Powergen...only problem is that I never received a bill for this amount or a red letter reminder...so have never had the chance to pay them.

I actually left Powergen over a year ago and therefore can't remember all the details of my saga with them, but I was told after they did a credit transfer from my gas account to electric that my final bill was 12 pence which they would waive...my transfer to eDF went through and I never heard a peep again...until today!

They are now saying that they can't take the debt out of the hands of the agency which only gives me 11 days to pay the money or risk bailliffs and what not...

Is that true and does having had a debt agency come knocking have an impact on my credit rating? And is there anything I can do about the whole thing?

Any advice would be gratefully received...

PS: I'm on benefits so not exactly flush and coming up with �75 isn't going to be easy!

[PrinceRainie]

Dont worry.......
First of all, it wont be registered on your credit file as it is not a credit agreement you have/had with the power company, however if it went to county court for a judgement (CCJ) then it will be registered on your credit file. It is unlikely that it will get that far though due to the low amount outstanding.

You should first of all contact the power company and dispute that fact that you have had no bill or subsequent reminders. this will usually delay any potential court action (if it ever gets that far) as you are disputing the "debt". Therefore if a judge were to look at the case, it would normally be referred back to the company for further investigation.

The simplest course of action (seeing as you dont seem to dispute the fact that you actually owe the money) would be to offer them say �10 per month until it is paid off. If you dont have any money...then they cant expect you to pay it off in one go. If you do enter into a repayment agreement with them try and make sure you stick to it though!!!

As for the bayliffs, I canot see them sending the baylifs round to collect such a small debt.....just call them and offer �5 or �10 per month..and they should accept.

Good luck...but dont worry....