British Gas

[maggiebee]

This is a new one on me. Question. If they owe me money, why do they want me to pay them?


Dear Client,

British Gas wants to inform you that you are eligible for an over-payment return of £467.20.

Our records indicate that you have paid more than you should have for your British Gas Service from 2018-2020 and because of this reason, we have decided to refund you the total amount which you have overpaid.

If you change tariff or there is a price change, part of your bill may be estimated until we get a reading for your new tariff or price.

How to pay
Pay with a debit card at britishgas.co.uk, or using our 24hr automated line 0333 202 9524*

Transfer the money from your bank account. Our sort code is 40-05-30 and our account number is 71584685

Set up a Direct Debit. Pay the same amount each month direct from your bank account. Call us on 0333 202 9524* and we’ll set it up

[Zacs-Master]

They’re saying that your on the wrong tariff and to change, you’ll need to set up a new one which will involve giving them your bank details. I think. Utility companies, like God, work in mysterious ways

[dannyk13]

Before doing anything I would wait and see if the money is paid to you.

[THECORBYLOON]

The bank details do relate to British Gas by the way.

[Zacs-Master]

Sorry, it is a scam
https://who-called.co.uk/Number/03332029524

[bhg481]

I suspect that the letter is a proforma and the sender forgot to delete the inappropriate part before they printed it.

If you normally pay by Direct Debit they will have your banking details and will, I think, just send you a refund. If you normally pay "manually" I'd give them a ring and see how they want to sort it - get the phone number off a bill just in case there's some scam involved.

[maggiebee]

Thanks ZM. I have sent a copy of the email to British Gas and deleted it.

[198kHz]

"Dear Client" is a bit of a giveaway.

[ABerrant]

Although the email does make my spidey-senses tingle, it is strange that both the bank details and phone number are correct for British Gas.

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/bills-and-payments/paying-your-energy-bill

You could always access your account online from that website to view the current payment status.