Debt collectors working on behalf of British Gas broke into vulnerable customers’ homes to “force-fit” pre-pay energy meters, it has emerged.
An investigation revealed that agents were forcibly installing meters when people fell behind on energy bills, even when customers were known to have “extreme vulnerabilities”.
An undercover reporter
for the Times worked for debt collecting contractor Arvato Financial Solutions and accompanied agents who used court warrants to gain entry into customers’ homes.
Once it was clear the property was unoccupied, the reporter accompanied a locksmith who forced their way in and install a prepayment meter. It reported that the locksmith said: “This is the exciting bit. I love this bit.”
www.independent.co.uk
