Surprise debt from 2004!

pollypenny

Against good MSE practice, I have an inactive card (Outlet) not used since the Richards chain closed.

Having had a letter re alteration of a linked insurance policy (?) I rang to close both policy and the card account.

I was amazed to be told that I have owed them, Creation Financial Services, £73 since 2004. Furthermore, the debt has been tranferred to a debt collection agency, Lowells!

I have had no statements or letters from either company and my card expired in 2006.

Should I be worried and chase this up? (not had any problems with credit, as had a Nationwide Flex account and c/card subsequently)

fermi

Would be statute barred if the debt actually exists.

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

pollypenny

Thank you for prompt response and the valuable link.

The first thing I need to do is to check my credit rating - i suspect there is no problem, as I outlined in OP.

I'll then ring the helpline, as the debt collection agency haven't contacted me, but the otherway round. In fact, I've had no contact, which is why it came as a surprise.

BTW I was lucky enough to have a good salary and now a decent pension, so was completely solvent from time youngest finished uni in 1996, so would not have defaulted on anything.

pollypenny

Have found my statements for Creation finance (no debt showing on last one) and the account number is different to one one letter.

Will write a blisteringly firm complaint. However, should I send to Creation or to Lowells, the collection agency?

My feeling is that it is Creation's error and up to them to sort it.

(Am waiting for credit report before writing)