Credit report showing no debts.

Epic

Hi. Long time lurker, first time poster.

So this is the situation.
Many years ago in my younger days I got myself into various debts. I had CCJ's, Defaults, etc. I didn't even attempt to pay most of the debts off. Over the years I received plenty of 'final' demands. I still didn't pay.

Now as I have grown and matured, I decided that I wanted to pay every single debt off that I owe. All of my debts are around 10 years old, I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

However, I paid £2 to get a hard copy of my credit report, and when it came, it was empty apart from showing a Direct Debit that I have set up with Sky. Now surely this is a mistake? I know for a fact that I have several unpaid debts, I still even get the odd letter every now and again.

Can anyone help? As I wish to pay my debts off, but I can't do that if the credit report doesn't show me my debts, as I don't remember who half of the companies are that I owe.

Thanks.

Hannah_10

Firstly you need to see all three of your reports (from Equifax, Experian and Call Credit) as sometimes all three Credit Ref. Agencies know about something, but sometimes only one does, or two.

Secondly- any debt over 6 years (or 5 in Scotland) is statute barred, meaning by law it can't appear on your credit rating and you can't be taken to court for it either. In Scotland the law goes even further- you plain don't owe it at all anymore.

So the second point cancells the first somewhat...

Thirdly (and this will cancel the second) anything with a CCJ on it isn't going to go statute barred. Still mightn't appear on your file though. Confused yet?

http://www.trustonline.org.uk/search-yourself/ This'll tell you if you have a CCJ, it'll cost you £8 to do and your creditors wont know you searched them.

Epic

Thanks for the reply. It's been a great help.

In regards to the non CCJ debts that I have which are over 6 years old... I still receive letters every now and again. Does this mean that I should or shouldn't pay these debts off?

In regards to my CCJ debts. If I pay these off, will this remove my CCJ's at some point in the future?

I will definitely take a look at my credit report with the other 2 agencies. I may just get the free trial though and cancel it.

bottleofred

Hi Epic,

The letters you are receiving will generally be from debt collectors who specialise in collecting debts over 6 years old. They bank on the fact that people don't know the debt is statute barred and will simply pay up. Defaults definately don't show on your file after 6 years. I think ccjs stay on your file for 6 years from the date they are put on your file though would not be 100% sure about this. Get the other copies of your file first and take it from there, although cancel the trials immediately after getting them to ensure you don't get charged.

Gordon_Hose

If all 3 show no debts, then they are statute barred (over 6 years - 5 for Scotland), and will have dropped off your credit file.

If you still get letters chasing debts that are statute barred, file them in the bin or send them this letter:

Dear Sirs,

Re: Statute Barred Account - Numbered - XXXXXXXX

You have contacted me regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself. I would point out that under the Limitation Act 1980 Section 5 "an action founded on simple contract shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued".

I would also point out that the OFT say under their Debt Collection Guidance on statute barred debt that "it is unfair to pursue the debt if the debtor has heard nothing from the creditor during the relevant limitation period". The last acknowledgement to this debt was made over six years ago and no further acknowledgement or payment has been made since that time. Unless you can provide evidence of payment or written contact from me in the relevant period under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, I suggest that you are no longer able to take any action against me to recover the alleged amount claimed.

The OFT Debt Collection Guidance states further that "continuing to press for payment after a debtor has stated that they will not be paying a debt because it is statue barred could amount to harassment". I await your written confirmation that no further contact will be made concerning the above account and confirmation that this matter is now closed.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully




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