Default

sin41

I have checked my credit report and there is a default on there from 2011 that I wasn't aware of. It is from when I was an Avon rep and as far as I was aware everything was pain up and closed. I have had no contact from them regarding this. Unfortunately I changed my bank account 5 months ago and have no way of confirming if this was paid or not.


Is there anything I can do? I am happy to pay the money if I owe it! I have spoken to them today and they said they passed it to a debt collection agency in November 2011 but I have received no contact from them either!


I am at a complete loss!

Tixy

Hi

The defaulted entry on your file - presumably that does show a balance outstanding?

If the entry on your file is in Avon's name then it is insufficient for them to just say it has been passed to a debt collector. They are responsible for the entry on your file.
You could write to Avon and say that you have noticed an entry and default on your credit file in their name, that you have no knowledge of any outstanding balance and ask them to provide evidence of the debt or remove the entry from your credit file.
Letters usually have more success than phone calls, as they can direct it to the correct department better.

Alternatively - Is this the first time recently you have checked your credit file? if so then it may be that the debt collector will write to you shortly (when you check your credit file you provide/confirm your current address so this can trigger debt collection activity).

If they do write to you then you could reply to dispute the debt and ask for proof of the amount they claim is owed (this is a good template letter - Letter when you know nothing about about the debt - AKA "Prove it" letter )

sin41

I have paid off the balance today. I am getting nowhere with finding out if I owe it or not. Thoughts are that a satisfied default may look better than an unsatisfied one.


I was resident at the address for 2 years after the default so I believe that Avon or the debt collection agency had sufficient chance to contact me before putting the default on the account.


Problem now is that I have an appointment with a mortgage broker on Saturday and I am going to get nowhere before then!

Tixy

Who did you pay - did avon hold sufficient records to take the payment from you? or did they pass you to the debt collector to pay?

It could take a few weeks before the creditor marks your credit file to show that it has been satisfied.
I would inform the mortgage broker that the default is now satisfied and that you can provide evidence of the payment.

sin41

I paid Avon direct. They took £10 off as a good will gesture! I called them to pay too so know it was them I was speaking to.

It is just frustrating because as far as I was concerned, my credit file was all ok!

Tixy

Have you now checked your credit files with all 3 agencies? If not i'd get files from the other agencies as well.

Always worth doing before starting to apply for mortgages.