Woman gets letter: 'Sorry you're dead'

[dutchman]

A woman has received a letter from a financial recovery firm claiming that she is dead.

Catherine Williams, 42, of Noel Square, Ribbleton, Preston was sent the letter from Phillips & Cohen Associates after arranging to pay an outstanding £400 energy bill, the Lancashire Evening Post reports.

The letter was addressed to the executor of her estate on behalf of British Gas because the firm had been informed that she had "sadly passed away".

Williams said: "I'm not being difficult but I just do not want them getting away with it. I'm quite upset about it.

"I lost my dad seven years ago and mum four years ago around this time of year. I get quite upset and emotional.

"But then to actually receive this letter, I had to read it a few times. I thought I was reading it wrong. It's really quite upsetting, I don't want to brush it under the carpet."

A spokesman for British Gas said: "British Gas apologises unreservedly to Mrs Williams for this mistake and for the distress caused.

"A very small number of our customers have been sent a letter in error by a financial recovery agency, stating that they are acting on our behalf regarding the final affairs of the customer's estate. We will write to Mrs Williams to apologise for this mistake."

[yourworstnightmare]

I feel sorry for the woman and I know how she feels, its not just that Company thats been doing it. 2 companys this year have phoned me up and keep phoning, until I made a complaint, that will also get brushed under the Carpet.