university fees

alankerr

dear all
i left glasgow university in 2003. This week i receive a letter from debt collection agency for £4000 in unpaid tuition fees!? This is the 1st notification ive had of any such debt- now in july 2010. Does this fall within statute of limitation. In any regard i am certain it is a mistake.
thanks

bottleofred

Hi Alan,

Yes, if there has been no acknowledgement of the fees either by making part payment or in writing since 2003, then the debt is almost certainly statute barred. A way to get no more hassle however could be to send the prove it letter to the debt collector which I've attached below.

1 High Street,
Newtown,
Kent
R21 4RH
October 9, 2007

The Loan Company
Company House,
Church Street,
Newtown,
Kent,
R1 7HG

Dear Sir/Madam

Ref: xxxxxxxxxxx

You have contacted us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by ourselves.

We would point out that we have no knowledge of any such debt being owed to The Loan Company.

We are familiar with the ‘Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance’ which states that it is unfair to send demands for payment to an individual when it is uncertain that they are the debtor in question.

We would also point out that the OFT say under the Guidance that it is unfair to pursue third parties for payment when they are not liable. In not ceasing collection activity whilst investigating a reasonably queried or disputed debt you are using deceptive/and or unfair methods.

Furthermore, ignoring and/or disregarding claims that debts have been settled or are disputed and continuing to make unjustified demands for payment amounts to physical/psychological harassment.

We would ask that no further contact be made concerning the above accounts unless you can provide evidence as to our liability for the debt in question.

We await your written confirmation that this matter is now closed. Otherwise we will have no option but to make a complaint to the trading standards department and consider informing the OFT of your actions.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

DarkConvict

Yeah, go with the above letter. If they continue send the statute barred letter.

Tutition fees can go statute barred after 6 years, its the student loan that cannot go statute barred.