Bills

Power, gas, phone, water - the list of bills can seem endless. Which makes it even more important you don't get ripped off. We show you how.

Common sense

Keep your contracts and bills in a file where you can easily refer to them if there is a problem. Make sure the right names are on the bill. Know how the charges are calculated, and which kind of payment scheme you are signed up for. This way it is easier to spot a mistake early on.

Gas bills

If your gas bill seems much too high, see if it has been taken from an estimate. If so, ask for a meter reading, which will often be much lower than the estimate. If you have a complaint about the bills or the service, raise the matter directly with the gas company to begin with. Be polite but firm with the people you speak to and remember to note down the times and dates of any phone calls, and the person you spoke to. Ask for written details of their complaints procedure and compensation scheme. If you are still not happy, get in touch with gas and electricity watchdog Energywatch on 08459 06 07 08 which may take the matter up on your behalf.

Mobile phone bills

If you think the charge is too high, check your contract and look carefully at your itemised bill. Your only hope is to spot unauthorised use of your phone (has your kid sister been stealing it to call her mates?) or a fault that is the responsibility of the phone company. If you are going to complain, ask the company for a copy of their code of practice and complaint handling procedure. To challenge a mobile bill you will need to consult an experienced advisor for help, such as someone at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Landline phone bills

Again, the best thing to do is check your bill and contract very carefully before complaining, looking for mistakes and unauthorised use. Take the complaint up with the phone company first, but if you have no luck with them you can try Oftel. Oftel is a government watchdog that may be able to help you in cases of bad practice. Call 020 7634 8700 or visit its website at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ for more advice.

Water rates

If your bill is wrong, or the services you have paid for are not supplied, take this up with the water company directly. Remember to note all calls that you make to them, and keep copies of any letters that you send. Ask for their code of practice and compensation scheme details. If they fail to respond to account queries and complaints within a certain period, you are entitled to get compensation money of at least ?10. If you are still having problems, get in touch with Ofwat, the government watchdog by phoning 0121 625 1300 or look at its website at http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/. You can also make a local complaint with the nearest Customer Services Committee, by getting their number from Ofwat.