How Much Do I Owe?

kilo3000

In my younger years I ran up several debts. Some of which I'm paying off now. The other debts I have haven't yet been paid as being the idiot I was at the time, I just ignored the problem and moved house several times.

Its only a matter of time before they locate me and obviously I now want to clear the debts hanging over me. The problem I have is, at this point in time, I have no idea how much I owe and who I owe to.

Does anyone know a way of finding out?

lixi

I'd say your starting point would be to get a copy of your credit report (Martin has some tips on how to do that for free - I think Experian are still doing a free trial period that you can make some use of).

Lixi

Crown

Hi Kilo, Welcome to the forum.

One step you could take in finding out who your creditors are is getting copies of your credit files from the credit reference agencies.

These are available for just £2.00 and I would suggest getting reports from both Equifax and Experian as they contain different information. you can even take advantage of a free introductory offer on the websites to obtain them for free ( take a look on the main site for how this works)

Also can you remember who your main creditor was? you could always call them if it was bank and explain that you have outstanding debts with them and would like to know what the figures are and then make a plan of action.

IF the debts are over 6 years old and the creditors have not tried to contact you in this time they may now be statued barred and you may not have to pay the debt at all.

I think we would need some more info for any further help.
Look forward to your reply.

Good luck

beerhunter

Crown wrote: »

Hi Kilo, Welcome to the forum.
IF the debts are over 6 years old and the creditors have not tried to contact you in this time they may now be statued barred and you may not have to pay the debt at all.

I'm not an expert, but since the OP has moved house several times, could that not be viewed as avoiding payment and hence the 6 year rule doesn't apply?

I agree tho, check the credit agencies... and (stating the obvious) have a dig around for any old paperwork you might have from the creditors.

What about bank statements? I'm not sure but wondering if you can get your bank statements (at cost of £10 - see reclaiming bank charges advice) which might show any past payments and who to?

CLAPTON

moving around from house to house is normal behaviour.. lots of people (especially younge people) do this.

getting your credit records will possibly awaken the dead ( your creditors)

Vickicb

CLAPTON wrote: »

getting your credit records will possibly awaken the dead ( your creditors)

How would you getting your credit record alert past creditors? Are they informed when we "search" on ourselves?

Crown

beerhunter wrote: »

I'm not an expert, but since the OP has moved house several times, could that not be viewed as avoiding payment and hence the 6 year rule doesn't apply?

I offered this as advice and not of a way of avoiding paying the debt. Anyone who has read some of my other posts will be aware that I am not one to shirk responsibility and do not think anyone on here should try too. we all have debts and I think we should all pay them back fairly.

Its to broader a subject to get into the legal wranglings but its my belief the creditor only has to show they tried to contact you within 6 years. It doesnt matter if they actually did reach you as long as they have some proof (dated letter ect) so yes you are correct in this respect

CLAPTON

Vickicb wrote: »

How would you getting your credit record alert past creditors? Are they informed when we "search" on ourselves?

it causes an update to your address so making you easier to find