On 5th November 2002 I moved, advised British Gas with new contact details and meter readings of both Gas & Electric, both being with them and paid for via Direct Debits.
A year later I received a staggering bill of £3075.09 despite having received a bill of the same date of £1.05Credit! After attempting to deal with people who appeared unable to read (they continued to send my bills and mail to the old address) the bill then dropped to £1726.81 - they failed to respond to my letter in March 2003 requesting an updated bill.
I received a letter dated 20th January 2009 from British Gas advising me they had attempted to get in touch with me - this untrue as I had received nothing from them since 2003 - they also advised they had sold my 'debt' to a debt collector in the sum of £1704.81 - yet a different amount!
I immediately wrote a letter on 26th January 2009 to British Gas and copied to the Debt Collection Service, advising that I have never admitted any liability neither have I made any payments since 2002 AND that their claim was Statue Barred under the Limitation Act of 1980 Part 1 Section 5. I received a response dated 31st March 2009 requesting I telephone someone to assist me with my dispute. I have not telephoned.
Today I have received a letter dated 14th April 2009 giving me 72 hours to register my interest in their offer to substantial reduce my outstanding debt.
I am not familiar with the process that I should follow - can some kind and wise soul give me urgent assistance please?
Thanking you most sincerely in advance.
DD