Help!

Waggy1971

I got a letter this weekend from a debt collection agency reference a debt of over £7000 from Barclaycard masterloan.

I left the UK for 11 years (1999) and only returned 3 years ago.

I called the company (Portfolio recovery associates) and after finally asking them over and over they said the debt was from 1998 and that they took the debt from another company and that they have written before.

I no longer live at the address they sent it to (my parents house) and they always forward mail on and I have never received anything before. I have worked hard the last few years to be completely debt free. I have no debt whatsoever and managed to get a mortgage recently.

They gave me a number to report as possible fraud which I did, however after 16 years I honestly cannot remember any debts I may have inadvertantly left when I moved countries.

I have read a few threads here about the 6 year rule... as this letter is the first I have received and it is now 16 years later... if I do find out that the debt is mine am I protected under the 6 year rule??

Any and all advice/help given would be most appreciated as I really don't need this now that I have finally got my finances sorted

Thanks

fermi

Info here --> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2606811

FireWyrm

If the debt is over 6 years old and you have not submitted written acknowledgement nor made a payment in that time, it is statute barred. This means that the debt is still owed, but that collection activity cannot be enforced in a court. Effectively, the debt is wiped out since you cannot be compelled by law to settle it.

Search the forum for a 'Statute Barred' template letter and send that, or write a common sense 'cease and desist' letter telling them to jog on.

Waggy1971

Thats great - thanks for the info!!! much appreciated!!

National_Debtline

Hi there.

If you've not already seen it we have a useful fact sheet outlining the key principles around the various time limits for recovering debts. There's also a sample letter you can use.

I really hope you find it useful!

Best wishes,

David @ National Debtline.