AIBU to consider using a solicitor to stop this harassment and get compensation?

[ScoPoTarget68]

An energy company has been hounding me for upwards of £170.82 for over a year. I exercised my right to cancel my original switch to them, which they confirmed (all email).

But they then, constructed another account in my name, sent me an estimated invoice for a supply I already paid with my original/current provider quoting ‘customer’ meter readings I never gave to them (which were more than my current readings!).

I’ve replied to every invoice, reminder, debt collectors bumph with ‘I never was your customer, show me my signed contract’ and the cycle repeats.

They ignore me, try to force me to chat (not likely – after the above, I need a record) want to know my current provider (none of their business) and quote ‘the National Database says’ (not my circus).

Forums I’ve lurked on indicate Ofgem and the like seem to be toothless tigers – AIBU to think a ‘no win no fee’ outfit be a better option?

Have you tried escalating through Martin Lewis’ complaints tool resolver?

Sorry meant to add I’ve found it very effective.

Post on the Energy forum on Martin's Money Saving.

You will get the correct advice and you may even be able to contact the energy company representative.

BTW, dismissing Ofgem without trying seems a bit defeatist.

Oh at least start the process with Ofgem. If nothing else, it will show you've exhausted the process.

You do have to work through the utility company's complaints procedure first though, and show that you have done so. But as long as you just see it as paperwork and don't invest too much emotionally, it might not be too bad.

My problem much less severe, and you may have already tried this, but I did the following.

Sent a letter to the utility company saying bluntly:
"I am hereby opening a formal complaint with you.
"I require that you do action X by date Y [in your case, they need to acknowledge that you have no debts to them, have never been their customer. Maybe also undertake not to pursue you for any money or affect your credit rating.]
"If you do not do this action by date Y, I will escalate this complaint to Ofgem."

Sometimes this is enough to get a human on the task to fix things. If not, it lays the papertrail for you to take to Ofgem – which you do immediately on date Y.

If Ofgem also fails, well, you have this papertrail of having exhausted the procedure and will be in a stronger position whatever you choose next.

The time frame can be reasonably short. Consult Ofgem and the company's websites for the specified number of days for them to satisfy a complaint.

But you may get more up-to-date and detailed advice from the site Haffiana recommends.

Thanks @AdultierAdult I'll give it a go.

You're right @Haffiana I'll buck up - I won't be posting on there though, IMO their response to a new poster getting legged up on 14 July was a bit harsh!

Thanks again.

You too @PerkingFaintly (cross posted )

I was feeling all hurt there for a mo.

@PerkingFaintly

@PerkingFaintly’s advice is good but I think Resolver will help you do it with the templates.
Good luck! I once got chased by BT for an internet service they failed to provide. It was horrid - went to bailiffs but I eventually managed to prove it was ridiculous. I won’t let DH get BT sport 10 years later because I’m so bitter at how panicky i would feel when the phone rang. I wonder if they rely on people just paying to make it go away.