Finding out what I owe

Gtuk

Around 2004-05 I had a few debts, store credit, overdraft and credit card with HSBC, I'm sure I consolidated the overdraft and store credit onto the CC when I signed up (pre approved gold card) I have no idea how much was payed off though (I filled out change of address form but HSBC never started sending statements to the new address) I didnt care though, I was about 21 and very careless!

I was made redundant but still used the credit card for things like food until I started doing cash work for a friend. I didn't make any attempt to find out what I owed but just kept waiting for a letter to come through which never did. I changed address a few times and also checked to see if the account still existed (it didn't) but it was only when I caught up with an old landlord he told me there were a few debt collection letters for me years ago, all different amounts ranging from 1000-4000 he thinks, he did mention they didn't look very legit and the numbers appeared to be pulled out of thin air.

Anyway I started a new job last year and got a natwest basic account, they asked me on one visit why I'm still using the basic because I could have a full account no problem, I said I thought my credit history may be bad, spoke to an advisor and he said I would have no problem getting a Cc if I wanted, I told him I didn't want to go down that route again but he suggested if I was bothered by bad credit history I could always get one to spend small amounts on to get better history. I still declined it.

Is there any way I can find out who I owe money to? I could pay anything off now but with no agency to contact I don't know how, I'm easily traceable, electoral roll etc.

alona1

I would suggest getting your credit report from Equifax (30 Day free trial) and see what comes up there, then give each company a call for more info?

Gtuk

Oh I didn't realise a credit report would show creditors names, I'll have a look. With the 30 day trial, can I cancel without incurring charges? I know these things can be very easy to sign up to but harder to actually cancel.

Tixy

Do you know when you would last have used the credit card account?
It would seem unusual for them to have put an overdraft debt onto a new credit card. They may have transferred over a store card balance though. Can you remember what store card you had.

If you get a copy of your credit file you may well find that this updates your address and you will then start to receive debt collection letters again.

Gtuk

Probably last used in 2005, maybe the overdraft wasnt carried over then. Im not too bothered with them finding my address, as long as I can come to a reasonable payment agreement.

Tixy

Well in that case then maybe request your credit file, this may or may not show outstanding balances (possibly not given the dates involved) but it will quite likely mean debt collectors will start writing to you again.

A couple of things to be aware of - if ever a debt collector writes to you about a debt then your best first response is the prove it letter. This basically means they will have to prove proof that you owe the money, proof of the balance and proof they have a right to collect the debt and are not some shonky company (more shonky than DCAs usually are).
Prove it letter - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11570893&postcount=2 (advisable to send recorded deliv and to not sign the letter, print your name instead)

Its never advisable to speak to debt collectors on the phone and never pay them any money over the phone.

Another thing to be aware of is the limitation act. If its been over 6years since you made a payment to a debt or wrote to them to admit you owed the money and providing the creditor/DCA has not obtained a CCJ against you then your debts would be statute barred (if in england/wales). Statute barred debts and the Limitation Acts

If your debts are statute barred then they do still exist but you legally do not have to pay. They cannot take you to court. And if you write to your creditors saying your know your debts are SB and do not intend to pay then they have to stop chasing you.

If your debts are not statute barred (or if they are but you wanted to pay them) then once they have provided proof of the amount they say is owed then you could offer a monthly repayment you can afford.

Culex

Gtuk wrote: »

Around 2004-05 I had a few debts, store credit, overdraft and credit card with HSBC, I'm sure I consolidated the overdraft and store credit onto the CC when I signed up (pre approved gold card) I have no idea how much was payed off though (I filled out change of address form but HSBC never started sending statements to the new address) I didnt care though, I was about 21 and very careless!

Ever been to Africa? :rotfl::rotfl:

Culex

Tixy wrote: »

If your debts are not statute barred (or if they are but you wanted to pay them) then once they have provided proof of the amount they say is owed then you could offer a monthly repayment you can afford.

However, your creditors or the DCAs to whom they will probably have sold the debts for pennies in the pound will be under no obligation to affix gold stars to your credit report to shew what a good boy you have now become and, worse, they are likely to forget that the debt was (and remains) statute barred, so they will probably try squeezing you for more money.