Martin Lewis ’ MoneySavingExpert has tips for households being asked to pay British Gas or Eon energy bills they do not owe.
Energy bills have already shot up for millions of households across the UK after Ofgem hiked the April price cap to just under £2,000.
This price cap limits how much the average home on a variable rate deal pays for energy each year, and is expected to rise to £2,800 in October.
Amid the struggle of rising bills, MoneySavingExpert said many households have been mistakenly sent letters from debt collectors working for firms like British Gas or Eon.
The money saving website advised Brits not to ignore these letters, as if it seems you have outstanding debts it could still affect your credit score.
If you really don't owe the money, first contact the debt recovery law firm or debt collector to explain.
MoneySavingExpert said: "You may need to provide proof, such as letters confirming when you lived at the property, if you held an account with the energy firm, proof from your energy firm that you don't owe any debt, or documents showing you were a customer at a different firm during the period in question."
This is likely to mean your case is closed.
If you are still being chased for payment, you have several options.
1) Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If the firm is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
The FOS can make the debt agency take action, but only if you have not had a response within eight weeks of contacting them or if you are unhappy with this response.
2) Legal Ombudsman
You can complain to the Legal Ombudsman if the debt collection agency is regulated by a trade body.
It can sort things out for you and order the firm to pay compensation of up to £50,000.
3) Credit Services Association
You can complain to this body if the firm bothering you is signed up to it.
It will then decide if there has been a breach of its code of practice, and what to do about it.
4) Solicitors Regulation Authority
This body can step in if the debt company chasing you is a law firm regulated by it - not all are.
You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office or Trading Standards.
