Old debt?

Urban_Hippy

Hi all,

please excuse me if this is in the wrong place.

Ten years ago, when I was young and nieve I had a Topshop store card, and was an Avon rep.

Within three years I got into debt, both accounts were canceld, and passed to debt collectors.

I paid them, even had a CCJ for avon. I was a single Mum on Income support, and had to live on £12 a week - I'll never forget thoses days, or go back to having credit/debt/store cards.

In 2002 I moved... and got rid of a lot of rubish including details of my debt (as you do, I wanted to start afresh).

Last year I had a letter from debt collectors on behalf of Avon - they wanted the full ballance off me. They won't beleive I've already paid it, and as I have no proof, they want it again. I've contacted my local CC, and they can't help me as it was over three years ago :mad: .

Today, I got a letter on behalf of topshop!

I've not rang them yet, don't want to waste my money on the call... but this is madness, it was ten years ago now!

I don't know what to do, can anyone offer advice?

nzmegs

From what I am aware you cannot be expected to pay for debts older than 6 years. You must not aknowledge the debt in any way however or they take that as being you saying you agree to pay. You are not reasonably expected to keep documents to prove you paid the debt for longer than six years. My advice is to say you are sure you paid it and refuse to pay anything more until they offer you proof you didn't pay.
Companies are allowed to chase old debt but after 6 years you don't have to pay it or even prove it. The statute of limitations is on your side and they don't have a leg to stand on in court.
other people may have more to say on this issue but this is how I believe it works. I would say the debt collectors are hoping you will just pay up...

Jess1983

Yup, that's right.
Legally you only have to keep records for 6 years so any debt older than that cannot be claimed( well, it can't be, but as nzmegs said, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on).
Don't respond to them whatever you do.



J

Pollycat

Urban Hippy
I do hope you get this sorted out.

I'll never forget thoses days, or go back to having credit/debt/store cards.

For me, store cards are a no-no, but credit cards are great - assuming you use them correctly and always pay off the balance in full.
Unfortunately, it's very easy to see something you can't really afford (and maybe shouldn't really buy) but if you have a credit card in your wallet, it can be very tempting to pull it out.
I guess this is where a lot of people go wrong.
It's great to see that you've learned the lesson, however hard it may have been for you at the time.

Polly