Debt that isn't ours...

Cheeze439

I hope I am posting in the right section, couldn't see anywhere else that this could be asked.

A few years back following a family row, which I won't go into, I lost touch with my parents. Now nearly 6 years later (and having moved home about 3 times) I am starting to receive post addressed for my Mum that are debt collection agencies chasing up money owed. This ranges from £700 - several thousand. I have rang them and explained that they have the wrong address and that the last I heard she had gone to live abroad (which is true) and that I no longer had anything to do with her.

That's the situation, what I am wanting to know is:

1) Could this be affecting my credit rating or causing myself any harm as they are writing to my address. If it is causing harm is it reversable at all and how would I do this?
2) Is there anyway I can stop this from happening in the future as it's now worrying my wife.

3) My guess from the way these letters are written is that these agencies are getting desperate. It was just after we fell out that I heard she'd gone to live abroad so my guess is that she went away leaving debt that is now nearly 6 years old. I heard that debts are unenforcable after 6 years... I don't know if this is true but if it is, could this be why the sudden appearance of these letters?

Your advice would be very appreciated, I thought I had heard the last of her and was happy that way.

GeorgeUK

1) Debt is no longer associated with an address, but with the individual. It shouldn't be having any impact on you unless you had a joint debt with her. It would still be wise to check your credit file (free online with experian if you cancel within 30 days) and make sure she is not associated with your address.

2) About the only thing you can do is write "not known at this address" and return the post if the letter is clearly for your mother.

3) Quite possibly - there are a few agencies that are known to 'specialise' in buying statute barred (or nearly) debts. If they have just bought the debt then they may be sending it to everyone in the area with that surname.