Being chased for a debt from 11 years ago

rhianna99

Hi, I am hoping somebody can help me. Me and my husband have recently managed to avoid going on a dmp by taking out a consilidation loan. I know thats not usually a good idea, but we had a lot of creditors but only owed each quite a small amount, but the repayments for each were quite high, and we were really struggling, also the loan has a smaller interest rate (14.1) than most of the original debts. Although we were really struggling, we have managed to maintain all payments, and so our credit files, should have remained in tact, this is really important to us, as we are hoping to get a mortgage once our last few debts are cleared.

Anyway, today out of the blue I have recieved a letter from red collections, about a debt I had with what was then Midland bank. This was a small loan for £1000 I took out in 1999, I then got pregnant with my first child, was very young (18) and could not afford to pay it back. I have honestly not heard anything more about it in all this time. The letter does have my original bank account number on it, so Im not sure if theres any point in me asking them to prove the debt. I know for sure that 10 years has past since I last made a payment or acknowledged this debt, so it must be statute barred, but how do I stop them chasing me, they have offered a 70% discount if I repay now, but I just cant afford it. Im worried that they may have got a ccj at the time, not that I can remember it, does this mean they can still chase me? and if there was a ccj, which now wont show on my credit file, would they be offering me such a big discount?. Im really worried about this, because we have just managed to sort out our finances, and another thing comes along.

Sorry for the long post, just really worried

sweetpeas_2

Hi Rihanna,

I don't have an answer to your question I'm affraid - I really don't know much about that sort of thing, someone with the knowledge will be along soon to help you out.

Just wanted to send a hug, keep your head up and try not to worry too much, although easier said then done I know.

sweet x

ellesbellesxxx

Didn't want to read and run = someone wil be along in a mo I expect x

fermi

Send the SB letter from this thread.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2606811

If they won't "bog off", then use the follow up letter posted later on in that thread. Plus report them to TS and the OFT.