Cabot letter re. Debt not on my credit report

debtfreewannabe2010

I've received a letter from Cabot Financial regarding a Barclaycard debt of just over £1030.00. I did have a Barclaycard many years ago and I did have debt on that card but it hasn't been on my credit report for years. Do I contact them to negotiate repayment (this would have to be minimal as I am on an almost non-existent income) or are they trying their luck with a debt that is no longer valid? My memory is fairly hazy on this matter, unfortunately. This is largely due to periods of depression over the years.

I had managed to get myself a Good credit rating over the last few years and it has mysteriously gone down to the lowest rating, with nothing on my credit report to indicate why.

I hope to hear from you. Many thanks in advance!

Tixy

If you originally defaulted on the debt more than 6 years ago then it would no longer appear on your credit report.

The key question will be how long since you last paid anything towards the debt (or wrote to acknowledge the debt existed). Is it likely to be more than 6 years (or 5 if you live in Scotland).

Definitely don't start offering repayments yet. As a starting point I would probably send the prove it letter asking for proof of the alleged debt.
Letter when you know nothing about about the debt - AKA "Prove it" letter

debtfreewannabe2010

Many thanks for your reply! Does sending a Prove it letter constitute acknowledging the debt? I believe it is over 6 years since any correspondence re. this debt but I am not certain. Clearly I have made mistakes in the past and I have not kept track of my debts but I have mended my ways in recent years.

Any idea why my credit rating has plummeted without any obvious reason (including nothing on my credit report to explain why)?

Thanks again!