Getting out of this mess - the ball starts rolling this week!

JR1984

Hello all,

Further to my first post previously, I am finally starting to pull myself together and get ready to start tackling and paying off my debts.

The address on my Current Account with HSBC has finally been updated using my Mum's address as I do not currently have a permanent residence myself. As the address on my bank account is updated this enabled me to sign up for the Experian and Equifax free trials to view my credit reports. The Equifax access is instant, however I need to wait for a PIN code to access Experian.

I'm bracing myself for an onslaught of letters from DCA's. =(

Unfortunately I run into a problem when I went into a few banks at the weekend looking to open a basic bank account. The problem was down to lack of proof of address and ID. The only ID I have at present is a provisional drivers license which has an old address printed on it which neither myself nor any member of my family presently lives at. I also have no other proof of address.

This is a set-back time-wise as I am due to receive a substantial amount of money later this week in order to pay of my debts.

My solution to this was to send my license back to the DVLA after filling in the change of address form only. They recommend a 21 day turn-around, however when my girlfriend did this earlier in the year, she had her new license within 5 days so I am hopeful that this will be with me by next week to allow me to open a basic bank account for the money to be paid into. Hopefully a few days delay in receiving the money won't hurt too much.

With regards to the banks I went to, Barclays and Natwest seemed to shoo me out of the branch as quickly as they could, where as the Co-Op took the time to talk to me about my situation and the lady seemed genuinely gutted that they couldn't accept my ID with the old address, so they will be getting my custom when I get my updated license through.

Also, for anyone wondering why I am looking to open a basic account when I have a current account already. My current account is held with HSBC, who I also hold the biggest of my debts from a defaulted Credit Card.

From the Equifax report I have at the moment, my current debts are as follows:

Hsbc Plc (Card Services) - £ 4,908 (unpaid since July 2008, default date 22/01/2009)
Melgold Ltd T/a The Country Garden (Jacamo) - £ 245 (default date 15/05/2009)
Carphone Warehouse - £ 156 (default date 29/03/2009)
Capital One Bank - £ 79 (default date 14/11/2008)
Lowell Portfolio - (Littlewoods?) - £ 1,532 (default date 12/10/2009)
Viil - Experto Credite Ltd (???) - £ 778 (default date 31/07/2009)

I also have a CCJ from NORTHAMPTON CCBC for £ 584

Hopefully the Experian report won't confirm anymore debts than those listed, but we will see once the PIN is received.

Can anyone advise on the best way to deal with the CCJ and how I would go about clearing that?



Many thanks,
James

JR1984

Quick update: Took 3 days for my Drivers Licence to be updated with the correct address and be sent back to me. I went into the Co-Op on Friday to open a basic bank account, and was told that it would take up to 7 days for approval (fingers crossed), so hopefully by Friday this week that account will be open, and the cheque which is currently sitting in my wallet can be paid in to start clearing off my debts.

Also signed up for Experian, however they require Photo ID with 2 forms of proof of address to activate, which I don't currently have, so waiting on bank statements.

Does anyone have any experience of checkmyfile.com? This appears to provide information from the 3 main credit reporting services including Experian, would this be a better way to go?

Cheers,
James

spursfan14

It sounds like you have taken the first step, identifying there is a problem. All the best, i hope we can all support you through your debt free journey!