Recovering Head-In-Sand debtor

Asbestross

Hi all,

Thought I would post a quick message to say Hi, I'm a new member and after reading countless threads on MSE over the past few months I thought it prudent to introduce myself finally.

A few years ago whilst I was living in rented accomodation, I started having financial problems, mainly as a result of losing my job at the time. I lost my rented property as my landlord went back on his word of allowing me to pay with housing benefit, and basically entered a downward spiral which resulted in me moving back in with my mother and firmly placing my head in the sand. I was unemployed for a period of two years (not through lack of trying, the job market around my area was horrendous to say the least). I finally managed to land a good and stable job in December last year, and have decided its time to address all my previous problems.

Took the plunge and started checking my credit files with all three agencies. Needless to say I'm extremely ashamed and dissapointed that I didnt take this action sooner, but its easy to take action (or not in my case) the hard part is living with that decision I guess.

So as it stands now, I have 11 defaults registered on my credit file, two of which progressed to CCJ's (although even though the CRA's who filed for these CCJ's were aware of my new address, still decided to file in my previous address - but i'll come to that in later posts).

Total Value of all Debts on Credit File - £2,539
...11 Defaults, including 2 CCJ's. Outstanding debt of £2539 and a new disposable income of £750 per month - I stand here with pure determination to get my credit file clear and be debt free within 6 months, this is very possible but my main aim is to negotiate so much to the point that not only are the debts cleared, but the defaults are removed also.

I know that the CCJ's will stay on my file even after settled, there is nothing I can do about that. But a satisfied CCJ is better than an outstanding one I suppose.

So a BIG HI to everyone. I have quite a lot of knowledge of the DCA processes etc as i'm sure it will show in my future threads etc.

First one which I believe needs noting, I had one default registered on my file from British Gas for £206. Having emailed a soft-CCA request, I immediately received a response stating that as the final bill was never correctly generated this debt has been cleared, and my credit file will update within the next 7 days to show the default as removed. Win number 1!

Hope you are all in the best of health,

Ross

fermi

Welcome.

Really? A CCA request for a British Gas debt? Odd?

Asbestross

I know utilities are not covered by the Consumer Credit Act, but I called BT and spoke to a nice lady there who assured if I submitted one they would provide a full breakdown of the account etc, I asked her to email me this as well as the correct addresses etc. so I have proof it would be actioned.

Email was received, immediately responded with a CCA request and low and behold was cleared. They must have been some major mess up at their end to so easily write it off though, not that I was complaining. I wasnt even disputing the account, I just wanted a full amount owed so I could make a formal F&F offer :j

Edit: ...and thanks for the welcome. I hope in time I can offer to others the advice, insight and humour which I've had by reading through various threads

fermi

Asbestross wrote: »

I know utilities are not covered by the Consumer Credit Act, but I called BT and spoke to a nice lady there who assured if I submitted one they would provide a full breakdown of the account etc, I asked her to email me this as well as the correct addresses etc. so I have proof it would be actioned.

Fair enough. If they don't have a scooby-doo what is covered by the CCA74, then not your problem. :cool:

And yes, sounds like they must have messed up hugely somehow for them to proactively cancel and remove like that.

One less to deal with then. You can concentrate resources elsewhere instead.