Marshall Ward Debt - Older than 6 Years

steve2k10

Hi all,

Just a quick one, i've had a letter this morning from Marshall Ward chasing a debt of £250 that dates back between 6-10 years ago. Its not on my credit report or anything.

Do I still need to pay it? I was under the impression any debts older than 6 years old were no longer valid.

Thanks

Tixy

When did you last pay anything towards the debt? or acknowledge the debt in writing to the creditor or a debt collector?
What sort of debt was it originally?

steve2k10

It was just for a catalogue, I last paid about 7 years ago and now out of the blue I get this letter

Tixy

Sounds like it is probably statute barred then - read this link and if you think it is send the template letter at the bottom.

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=25_liability_for_debts_and_the_limitation_act

(that is england and wales only, say if you are elsewhere)

fermi

Info and templates for both England/Wales & Scotland.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11571227&postcount=3

steve2k10

Statue barred means its no longer valid?

fermi

steve2k10 wrote: »

Statue barred means its no longer valid?

It means that they can no longer take legal action against you for the debt.

Also, the OFT says that once you tell a debt collector that a debt is statute barred and you will not be paying, if they continue to press for payment then that is considered harassment,

steve2k10

Brilliant thanks so much for your help. I rang up (didnt say who I was or anything I just said that I had received the letter and the debt was older than 6 years old). He said so your acknowledging the debt? I said well you've sent this letter so I have to, he said well you have to pay it doesnt matter how old it is (I take it he has to say that to try and persue debt?)

fermi

steve2k10 wrote: »

Brilliant thanks so much for your help. I rang up (didnt say who I was or anything I just said that I had received the letter and the debt was older than 6 years old). He said so your acknowledging the debt? I said well you've sent this letter so I have to, he said well you have to pay it doesnt matter how old it is (I take it he has to say that to try and persue debt?)

Don't talk to these people via the phone. They will lie and tell you all sorts of bollux in order to get you to pay.

You cannot legally acknowledge the debt via a phone call.

RAS

steve2k10 wrote: »

I rang up (didnt say who I was or anything I just said that I had received the letter and the debt was older than 6 years old). He said so your acknowledging the debt? I said well you've sent this letter so I have to, he said well you have to pay it doesnt matter how old it is (I take it he has to say that to try and persue debt?)

Coomunication by telephone does not constitute legal acknowledgement whatever he says.

First rule of dealing with DCAs is never phone as they lie, bully and then refuse to acknowledge any arrangement that has been made.

The OFT require you to write the letter to them telling them it is statute barred and you ar enot paying.

Unless they already have a CCJ, this is enough to stop them. Telling them on the phone is not enough.

steve2k10

RAS wrote: »

Coomunication by telephone does not constitute legal acknowledgement whatever he says.

First rule of dealing with DCAs is never phone as they lie, bully and then refuse to acknowledge any arrangement that has been made.

The OFT require you to write the letter to them telling them it is statute barred and you ar enot paying.

Unless they already have a CCJ, this is enough to stop them. Telling them on the phone is not enough.

Thats absolutely spot on, thank you so much!!!!!