Over cautious or not?

[tigwig]

At 7.30pm I was phoned by someone who said they were from EDF and they needed me to make a card payment over the phone to settle my bill. I have just left them and the amount they said was correct as I cancelled my direct debit with them before knowing I was in debt with the final bill. I was just about to give her my details when something stopped me, I didn't trust her. I told her I was sorry but I didn't want to give details over the phone and could I do it online or by post. She gave me a number of customer services but it doesn't match the one on the bill! Has anyone else had a fake call like this or do you think she was genuine? She did know my full name and obviously landline number.

[237SJ]

I wouldn`t give them anything at all. I would think if they need to contact you about such matters they would do it by post

[gingejbee]

Better safe than sorry. If you know you owe this amount, YOU phone THEM at the number on the bill and pay with debit card. Done!

[naomi24]

You can't be too cautious. Never give personal details to people who phone you. Just tell them to write to you. I had something similar from a bank once so I told them to write to me and I never heard from them again.

[paddywak]

good advice from 237SJ. if it's genuine they'll soon be in touch if not you'll never hear from them, don.t forget it's better to be safe then sorry

[ruthann58]

tell them to send you a bill and you will pay it by giro credit at your bank if they ring again

[cazzz1975]

not over cautious at all tig, I would ask them to send me a statement covering the offending bill rather than just accept I must owe money

[redcrx]

always be cautious though you say they did have the correct figure so chances are it was correct.
I would then have called and paid the bill using the number on the bill to avoid further calls though. Chances are you'll get a couple of calls a day saying same thing until they see your payment.

[askyourgran]

I agree, ask them to send you the bill.

[carmalee]

never give,pay or admit anything at all to an unsolicited phone call -whatever the problem is, or may be, can always be sorted out in normal working hours to a recognised contact number or address.

[welshlibranr]

Not over cautious at all!....................Just sensible!.........let them send the bill by post!................

[tigwig]

Thank you everyone, I don't feel as stupid now. I will also wait and let them send me a bill through the post, don't see why I should save them money by phoning them.