Do debt collectors have access to my credit file?

athen

I posted something earlier about being in debt but having been overseas for three years the debt collectors have lost contact. I was wondering, if I get my credit report from Experian today will the debt collectors then have access to my new contact information?

(I do want to resolve my debts but I am six months pregnant and would like to wait until I get my maternity pay before contacting them)

fermi

Debt collectors holding a valid outstanding debt can do a search, which may flag up your updated details.

If the DCA is a member of the GAIN (Gone Away Information Network) and a GAIN entry is on your report, then they will be notified when your report is updated with a new address.

legaleagle1980

The Consumer Credit Agreement you signed is with the original company as far as Im aware you have only given permission for the proprietary owners of the debt to credit score you for the following reasons.

Increasing your credit limit.

Offering you financial Services but this must be agreed by you.

Further More Please Remember the following.

OFT Guidelines for Debt Collection State.

Section 2.1 subsection G

ignoring or disregarding debtors' legitimate wishes in respect
of when and where to contact them, for example, shift workers who
ask not to be telephoned during certain times of the day

If you contact the agency request that all contact be by email and failure to do so would breach OFT guidelines for debt collection and you would then result in a complaint being logged. State you are currently pregnant and can't afford more than X should they dispute this advise them that they must then request a Statement of Means prior to commencing court proceedings. Then make an offer to Pay a small amount they are not allowed to bully or harass you for payment you don't have.

Read the OFT guidelines and contact the Citizens Advise.

If they do start to harass you state that if they continue you will be contacting your legal team for further advice. Then state they may only contact you between 12 and 12:30 everyday.

Also if its a credit card debt ask for both the information protatining to their right to enforce the debt and the CCA in agreement with the consumer credit act.

Remember however only contact them if they contact you first. The debt may have already been written off.