Mahala Simmons lives in a state of constant anxiety. For a decade, she’s battled a relentless error – a phantom debt for energy she never used, relentlessly pursued by a company she’s never been a customer of. It began with a bill arriving for a previous resident, a mistake she immediately reported.
But the letters didn’t stop. Despite repeated assurances from Scottish Power that the account would be closed, the demands for payment continued to escalate, growing into a terrifying ordeal that now threatens her family’s peace of mind.
The amount ballooned to over £1,700. Soon, debt collectors arrived, initially infrequent, then with increasing regularity – six visits in the last six to seven years. Each visit chipped away at Mahala’s sense of security, but the true devastation was yet to come.
Mahala’s 25-year-old son, who is autistic, became the focal point of the escalating harassment. The debt collectors, she says, were “nasty” to him at the door, triggering a profound fear. Now, he refuses to answer the door at all, convinced “bad men” are waiting to ambush him.
One afternoon, while Mahala was at work, the collectors arrived and her son answered. He was left deeply distressed, calling her in tears, forcing her to rush home from her job. The incident left a lasting scar, reinforcing his terror and isolating him within their own home.
Each attempt to resolve the issue felt like hitting a brick wall. Scottish Power offered apologies, acknowledging the error, even confirming she wasn’t connected to the correct meter. Yet, the bills kept arriving, and the debt collectors kept calling. It was a cruel cycle of false hope and renewed anxiety.
The debt collection firm, Richburns, claimed to be unaware of Scottish Power’s apologies, adding another layer of frustration. Scottish Power, in turn, disclaimed responsibility for the actions of its debt collectors, leaving Mahala trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare.
“For this to be going on for 10 years is just crazy,” Mahala confessed, her voice heavy with exhaustion. She’s given her son copies of the documentation proving she’s not responsible, but he’s too frightened to confront anyone. He simply locks the door and waits for her return.
The constant stress has taken a devastating toll on Mahala’s mental health. Sleepless nights are filled with worry, haunted by the fear of another unexpected visit. She’s reached her breaking point, contemplating a drastic solution – moving, abandoning her home to escape the relentless pursuit.
“I can’t cope with this anymore,” she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. “It’s seriously impacting my mental health. I’m so stressed I can’t sleep… It’s not even my debt.” The weight of the situation feels insurmountable, a constant reminder of a system that has failed her.
Scottish Power has stated they are working to resolve the situation and have paused debt collection efforts while investigating. They acknowledge they shouldn’t have been pursuing her for a debt they recognize isn’t hers. Richburns Ltd also issued an apology for any distress caused during their work for Scottish Power.
But for Mahala, the damage is already done. The fear instilled in her son, the years of anxiety, and the feeling of helplessness have left an indelible mark. She’s left wondering if anyone truly understands the profound impact of this decade-long error, and if peace of mind will ever be restored.
