Patricia Ribeiro, a 79-year-old disabled widow from Dudley, felt “disgusted” after being pursued by Utilita for a 2p debt due to a computer error. After switching energy suppliers, she received multiple letters threatening to report her to credit agencies, which caused her stress as she needs a new mobility scooter. Utilita has since apologized, acknowledging the mistake was a “computer rounding error.” The incident highlights the absurdity of debt collection practices over trivial amounts, especially affecting vulnerable individuals.
