Debt after 9 years

Littlerascal_2

Hi,

I'm wondering if you can shed some light on a situation I have?

I took out a credit card on 19/01/2004, I never paid it and didn't hear anything from the company after a while, however I am now getting letters from a company called 'Lowells'.

They are threatening me with taking me to court if its not paid and yesterday's letter also claimed they would be taking the matter further on to another debt agency.

Can I send them the 'statute barred' letter or not?

I have never been in touch with them or made any payments.

Many thanks.

fermi

Yes, you can send that letter.

Littlerascal_2

Brilliant.

Where can I find it? And, can I just print it out or do I handwrite it?

Many thanks - again.

fermi

Links to info and letters here:

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

Read through the info and links first to double check you understand.

Littlerascal_2

Great thanks.

So if it gets left at 'statute barred' will this still appear on my Credit Score?

Thanks.

Newyorkdreams

Why didn't you pay it? Seems it should appear on your credit score!

fermi

Littlerascal wrote: »

Great thanks.

So if it gets left at 'statute barred' will this still appear on my Credit Score?

Thanks.

From what you have said, no it should most definitely not.

If it does show on your credit report, then you can complain to get it removed.

Thea

How long did you have the debt before it went into default?

I ask because I think they can chase you for 6 years from the default date, so when did you actually last use the card.

If it is statute barred they can't take you to court but can chase you for the money if legally you owe it. If it is not you maybe best asking them for a settlement offer to avoid any action.

Littlerascal_2

I didn't pay it because I got it when I was 18 and stupid!

Please don't think I'm running away from my debts but I ran up thousands and I am paying most off, I have cleared a £3000 credit card with Vanquis and now I'm working on a Capital One card, I have a few other debts to pay too.

I never paid that one and they have just got in touch lately and keep sending the letters.

I know everyone finds it difficult but I am self employed - just staring out in my first years and money is tight until I start making profit.

Thanks

fatbelly

Just tell them it's statute barred and you won't be paying. OFT guidance says that they must then stop collection action. It's all in the standard letter.

Then concentrate on clearing enforceable debts. It doesn't matter why you stopped making payments on this one, just that you did, and then six years passed. The date they defaulted you is also irrelevant - if it depended on that, they could stop a debt from going SB just by delaying the default notice!

Best of luck with the rest of the debts. Let us know how you get on.