Elf-at-home (Elf At Home)

Member Name: geoffturner

Product:	Elf At Home
Date:	14/09/00 (140 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Risk of Jail for non payment

Elf-At-Home. Customer service ? They don't know the meaning of the words !

When I moved into new property in Dec 1988 I signed up for gas supply from Elf-At-Home and copleted a direct debit form for payments of £25 per month on their budget scheme.

After several months no payments had been deducted. I telephoned and wrote several times, but over the coming months no gas bills were received and still no payments were made.

In July 2000 after 18 months I received a bill for a staggering £500 asking for immediete settlement. I was reluctant to pay this in one lump sum so I wrote to Elf and offered to pay £200 deposit and £60 per month to clear the debt. Elf agreed and sent me a further direct debit form which I duly completed and returned.

Over the past few weeks I have recieved numerous demands for unpaid bills. I have returned four direct debit forms, but still no payments are being deducted. A few weeks ago I telephoned and asked for an explanation. Elf apologised and admitted that they had not set up the direct debit, but if I sent in another form they would sort it. They also assured me that they would put a stop on any further demands.

I have now received a 'final demand' from Elf advising me that if I do not settle the account within seven days they will send in the debt collectors, cut off my gas supply and take legal action to recover the money.

I telephoned again and a very helpful young lady suggested that I might like to set up a direct debit (my response to that is unprintable !) However after looking into my account, she advised me that yes they have received my £200 and yes they have received my direct debit form and this is in the process of being set up. The threatening letter was of course an oversight and I should ignore it.

I am now awaiting the debt collectors arriving on my door step next week - but it will of course be a mistake and I suppose I should ignore them. No doubt
when I end up in court for non payment, I should tell the magistrate its all a mistake and that he should ignore it !

Needless to say when I do eventually manage to get the account settled I will be transferring to another gas supplier.

Summary: