Default with Orange/Everything Everywhere

gazfocus

I have a default on my credit file from October 2006 which is for an Orange phone contract that my ex ran up. The name on the credit file is 'Everythingeverywhere T/a Orange'.

I have spoken to several people at Orange (including someone from the Executive Office) but they are unable to find the account on their system (even when provided with the account number from one of the bills). The default was last updated in 2007.

What can I do to get this sorted out? I have the money to pay it off (it's just over £600) but I can't pay it because they can't trace the account.

Any help would be great.

McKneff

Are you sure you have a default.

These drop off your account automatically in 6 years from the date of the default, 5 years if you are in Scotland.

To be honest, I would just hang low till October and it will be gone..... with no repercussions.

Just leave your moeny in the bank and wait.

chanz4

raise a dispute to via equifax to their credit referrals.

gazfocus

Yeah, it's definately a default. Would I need to dispute it with all 3 credit agencies?

McKneff

Only my opinion but in October this year the default will be gone, isnt that easier than doing all this complaints business.

gazfocus

McKneff wrote: »

Only my opinion but in October this year the default will be gone, isnt that easier than doing all this complaints business.

It would be if we hadn't seen a house we want to buy that we would probably lose if we had to wait til October

rising_from_the_ashes

McKneff wrote: »

These drop off your account automatically in 6 years from the date of the default, 5 years if you are in Scotland.

Sorry but that's not correct - defaults stay on your record for 6 years in Scotland too but debts are statute barred after 5 years.

rising_from_the_ashes

gazfocus wrote: »

It would be if we hadn't seen a house we want to buy that we would probably lose if we had to wait til October

The default will still remain on your file for the 6 year period - even if you pay it in full but it will be marked as settled (which will look better to a potential lender but will still have an impact)

gazfocus

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

The default will still remain on your file for the 6 year period - even if you pay it in full but it will be marked as settled (which will look better to a potential lender but will still have an impact)

Thanks, yeah I am aware of that but our IFA said there are more mortgage lenders that will overlook settled defaults than those that will overlook unsettled defaults.

gazfocus

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I have finally managed to get orange to track down the debt and they have offered, in writing (via email), to accept a 45% settlement figure as full and final settlement but are declining to remove the default from my credit file. (In fact the quote from the letter is: "I must advise you your credit file will only show as settled and will still show late payments for the maximum of 6 years.")

Now, obviously, my concern is that the default will fall off my credit file in October anyway. Orange have already written off the debt as far as they are concerned and don't seem too bothered about whether it's paid back or not. If I were to pay the debt, and the default be marked as settled, would that remain on my credit file for a further 6 years from the date it's marked as settled?

I've seen conflicting advice namely between whats said on moneysavingexpert and whats said on consumeractiongroup, where various members of the 'site team' on consumeractiongroup suggest that a default will stay on your credit file from the date it was last modified (i.e. settled, etc).

Can anyone recommend how to insist the default is completely removed as part of the settlement agreement?

The letter I sent to them via email was:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing this letter with reference to the above account and the money which you are claming is currently owed.

I can confirm that I am unable to offer to pay the money owed in full. However, I can raise £300 and I want to offer this as a full and final settlement of the account.

This offer is made on the clear understanding that, if accepted, neither you nor any associate company will take any other action to enforce or pursue this debt in any way whatsoever and that we will be released for any liability. This offer is also made on the clear understanding that, if accepted, you will remove the default on all credit reference agencies namely Experian, Equifax and Callcredit.

Payment can be made within 1 week of receiving your written agreement of this offer and method of payment.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Gordon_Hose

It drops off after 6 years whether you've paid it or not.

It's down to them whether they remove the default really. They don't have to provided they recorded factual information.