Mortimer Clarke chasing a satisfied debt

Melodyjames15

Hi I've had a letter for Mortimer Clarke solicitors today stating they've taken over from Cabot regarding a debt of £250 from Next account I had in 2006.
The thing is I was paying this off in small amounts after getting in trouble with it back nearer that time and it states on my credit report that is settled and that I owe nothing with a date from 2013.
I'm a bit wary of contacting these people because I've read stories of how once you call them they hook you in for contacting them, whatever the circumstance and you end up in trouble anyway but I really don't want ccj on my report either over a debt which shows as satisfied on my credit report.
Any help on what I should do here please?
Thank you

sourcrates

Hi,
Did you pay it off though ?

Do you have any proof in writing the debt was settled ?

It could be marked as settled on your report because Mortimer Clark have bought it from Cabot, anyway the correct response would be to send the "provit" letter, asking them to prove there claim, you will then know what there game plan is.

Letter here :

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247

Melodyjames15

Hi
I don't recall getting a letter saying I had finished paying, but I have moved house around that time and our paperwork is everywhere.
On my credit report it says settlement date 25/3/2013 and then account updated 7/4/13 and my account status is zero as is my outstanding balance. Sorry if thats confusing. I remember looking at my bank account and noticing that the payment to whoever it was at the time had expired.
I'm really reticent to contact them because I don't want this opened back up again after such a long period of time but equally I don't want a ccj either. The only reason Im worried about this letter is because it's from a solicitors now. I have never contacted any of their letters in the past incidentally.
Thanks again. Sorry for the waffle.

sourcrates

Melodyjames15 wrote: »

On my credit report it says settlement date 25/3/2013 and then account updated 7/4/13 and my account status is zero as is my outstanding balance. Sorry if thats confusing.

The only reason Im worried about this letter is because it's from a solicitors now. .

I would say there was possibly an outstanding balance, you were not aware of, and that has now been sold on to this DCA.

Your credit file would say satisfied, as the debt has been bought by this company, its just they have not yet started to report on it.

Dont be intimidated by a "solicitors letter", its a common ruse to make you think its been escalated, when in reality, they most likely share the same office, you treat them just the same as you treat a DCA, there is no difference.

As i said before, only way to find out for sure is to send the provit letter, otherwise its just speculation.

immoral_angeluk

You need to find out when the last payment or written acknowledgment was made, as this could potentially be statute barred or just completely settled and they're trying their luck. Personally I would send them a letter denying any knowledge of the debt and telling them you require them to prove the debt is A)yours and owed before you'll contact them further.

immoral_angeluk

It's worth knowing that DCAs can and will buy unenforceable/settled etc 'debts' to try their luck. They buy them by the thousands for literally pennies and then pursue them for a bit in the hope someone pays. Some do, some don't, but either way they profit while poor innocent people suffer sleepless nights.