How to find out how old debt is

anto135
anto135 Posts: 43 Forumite
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edited 17 May 2017 at 11:33PM in Debt-free wannabe
How would I go about finding out how old a specific debt is. A little background info would probably help.
I've known about my past debts for a while but only recently thought about paying them off. I've got two debts I'm being chased for but both have been sold to the same group: "Lowell financial ltd". One was for an old orange contract for £500+ and another for jdwilliams for around £100.
I've never been sent a single letter for the 2 debts together, they've always been sent separately at different times specifying what each debt is for. The thing is when I've checked my credit score on clear score and Lowell is listed on there under closed accounts but it only states the amount is for £142 which is the jdwilliams and the date is on there. The orange debt isn't listed, how do i go about finding out when the date was as I don't see the point in admitting and paying the debt if it's going to become statute barred soon.

Also, if the debt became statute barred would that still have the same positive impact on my credit score as paying it off would?

Comments

  • EssexHebridean
    EssexHebridean Posts: 21,371 Forumite
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    Not all debts appear on all credit reference agencies files, so you need to check more than one. The MSE Credit Club gives you access to experian for free, so sign up there.
    🎉 MORTGAGE FREE (First time!) 30/09/2016 🎉 And now we go again…New mortgage taken 01/09/23 🏡
    Balance as at 01/09/23 = £115,000.00
    Balance as at 31/12/23 = £112,000.00
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  • National_Debtline
    National_Debtline Posts: 7,998 Organisation Representative
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    Hi Anto135

    If you no longer have paperwork for the Orange debt you are only going to be able to find out specifically how old it is by contacting one of the companies who has dealt with. You may find Orange no longer have details of the debt and by making contact with the debt collection agency you could also prompt further attempts to recover it.

    A debt will drop off your credit report 6 years after the date the default was registered. If there is no trace of the debt with any of the credit reference agencies that suggests the default is over 6 years old. If a debt no longer shows on your credit report it will make no difference to future credit applications whether the debt has been paid or not.

    For a debt to be statute barred there must have been 6 years without a payment, a written acknowledgement of the debt and no CCJ. You can find a factsheet that explains more on statute barred debts here
    https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/time-limits-for-recovering-debts/statute-barred-debt.aspx

    Susie
    @natdebtline
    We work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps
  • anto135
    anto135 Posts: 43 Forumite
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    Thanks for the responses. I signed up for the experian credit report check and Lowell is also listed on there under my defaulted accounts for £142, no sign of the other debt Lowell is chasing me for, the orange one for £500+. How would I go about contacting Lowell asking when the debt was from without admitting the debt, as it restarts once you admit the debt does it not?
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 28,870 Ambassador
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    anto135 wrote: »
    Thanks for the responses. I signed up for the experian credit report check and Lowell is also listed on there under my defaulted accounts for £142, no sign of the other debt Lowell is chasing me for, the orange one for £500+. How would I go about contacting Lowell asking when the debt was from without admitting the debt, as it restarts once you admit the debt does it not?

    Send the provit letter.

    It's specificity worded so as not to admit liability for anything.

    Available here :

    http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2607247
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • anto135
    anto135 Posts: 43 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post Combo Breaker
    That helps, thank you.
  • National_Debtline
    National_Debtline Posts: 7,998 Organisation Representative
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    Hi anto135

    If they can prove the debt is yours but you believe it is statute barred you can send the statute barred sample letter. Again it will not acknowledge the debt is yours but it puts the onus on Lowell to prove it is not a statute barred debt. If they can’t do that they must stop pursuing you.

    https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/sampleletters/Pages/Time-has-run-out-to-recover-the-debt-(sole-name).aspx

    Susie
    @natdebtline
    We work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps
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