Debt agency chasing but I've paid in full

BillieVacation

Today, out of the blue, I received a letter from a debt collection agency for a credit card debt that was paid off in full in 2004. My problem is that it was paid by my father who is now in his 70's. He will worry himself sick if he can't find the documentation to prove it was paid and I definitely don't want the agency contacting him. What info do I need to give them to prove this debt has been cleared?

scratchyrat

They're probably chancing it. What did the letter say? As far as I know, they need to prove the debt exists, not you prove it doesn't.

It sounds like its statute barred anyway as its over 6 years.

BillieVacation

The debt was 3291.90. They're offering a settlement figure or payment plan. They can easily prove the debt existed. I just need to know what I need to produce to show it's been paid.

scratchyrat

BillieVacation wrote: »

The debt was 3291.90. They're offering a settlement figure or payment plan. They can easily prove the debt existed. I just need to know what I need to produce to show it's been paid.

I wouldn't bank on that. Obviously it existed at one point, that doesn't mean you're liable after you've paid it.

I was in a similar situation, I asked them for proof of debt and they sent me one page of a three page phone bill. That's not proof of debt. Debt collectors are scum and will try anything to get money.

Contact whoever you had the debt with and speak to them. If you can get them to confirm the debt is paid off in writing, I'd ignore the debt collection agency.

fatbelly

Even if it wasn't paid off in 2004, it clearly hasn't been acknowledged between then and now and so is statute barred.

Remind them of FCA guidance with this letter #5 (you may need to amend it a bit)

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

and then refer them to FOS if they continue to pursue it

FireWyrm

Just adding to Fatbellys' concise post - not only is it more than likely statute barred, but the onus is on them to prove that the debt is owed and not you to prove otherwise. The fact that they have offered you a settlement or payment plan screams that they a) have absolutely no proof that this is owed and b) it is statute barred and they are hoping to bully you into paying.

Ignore their letters. At this late stage in the game, sending a Prove-It would just tell them they have a 'live one' and encourage their harassment. Keep an eye out for potential CCJ papers, but it is highly unlikely. Alternatively, you could write to them simply telling them that this was paid years ago and you have nothing further to say to them on the subject.