Advice on Mackenzie Hall

Huntress76

Hi desperateley need some advice.

About 6 weeks ago I received a call from mackenzie hall advising me I had an outstanding debt of £710.00 which needed to be paid immediatley from a barclay card I had in 1999, they relayed my old address and i was truthful and admitted that the amount was outstanding, I informed the lady I spoke with that I could not pay the amount in full as currently on maternity leave and not receiving full pay, and advised her to send a letter with details so I can set up a direct debit.

I never received any confirmation in the post but 2 weeks later I received another call from another person, I advised him that I still did not receive anything and he informed me that the person had left and I would receive the letter in due course.

I received the letter today advising that I should pay amount in full or further action will be taken.
I called Mackenzie hall and advised them of the above and they said I will have to pay £500 immediatley or will face court actio, I advised that I cannot pay in full but could manage installments, I was then told I have to pay full amount today by debit or credit card over the phone or by cheque. I said that I had spoken to another lady who said I could pay monthly, he advised me this woman had been sacked for giving out incorrect info, I advised that the debt was so long ago I thought it would be written off, the man said no and would not compromise he scared me by saying he wants payment today or I will go to court, I advised I will call him back.

My question is do I have to pay this back now as was in 1999 and I do owe this money but surely it must be written off and it feels dodgy to me, I dont feel happy that they want amount in full no compromise, please help as I have been given incorrect info by them and I am scared they will turn up here.

I have only now repaired my credit history from my recklessness as a teenager, what can you suggest.

Thanks

RAS

Hi

this debt is almost certainly statute barred. have to go out now but do not talk to them again as you do not have to pay.

if you pay him anything, then you have to pay the lot.

Back soon.

rog2

Provided that you have made no payment to, nor initiated any written correspondence with, the creditor for a period of six years, then this debt is almost certainly covered by the Limitations Act and will be statute barred, making it uncollectable once you have informed the creditor, or his agents, that you do not intend to pay it.

Go to http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk and click on the England/Wales link - Scotland if you are in Scotland as laws are slightly different.
You will find a 'Sample' letter section and you should click on the letter 'where you dispute a debt that is over six years old'.
Send this letter to Mackenzie Hall and they SHOULD leave you alone as it is against OFT guidelines on debt collection for a dca to continue to pursue a debtor for payment once the debtor has told them that they will not pay the debt as it is statute barred.
However - prepare yourself for a long battle as Mackenzie Hall are no respectors of the law.

Teacher2301

One big bit of advice I got was - do not admit to having the debt yet and certainly don't pay for anything - although you have but the women left - that could be good because they don't record their telephone conversations I have been told. Do not phone anymore - let them write to you and copy all correspondence (if you have to write) and send recorded delivery.

Do a search in this website and you will see loads of other have had dealings with Mackenzie Hall -I know what it feels like and it makes you feel sick - don't worry though - they are parasites and should be exterminated!
The threads give lots of ideas about what to do, what statute barred means and how to deal with their (empty and malicious) threats.

RAS

Hi

As long as you hav only spoken to them, not written to them or made any payment, then you have not acknowledged the debt.

Do make absolutely sure that any letter you send

1. Starts "I do not ackonwledge any debt to your company"

2. Is sent recorded delivery.

Huntress76

Thanks so much for your suggestions will send letter to them tommorow, will let you know how i get on.

Thanks alot guys

RAS

Let us know the outcome.

At the moment, a number of DCAs are sending responses suggesting that even though the debt is old, they are sure that you would still feel morally obliged to pay up.

Since they will have bought a batch of very old debts for not a lot, you may not feel that obliged.

izzybusy23

Huntress76 wrote: »

Thanks so much for your suggestions will send letter to them tommorow, will let you know how i get on.

Thanks alot guys

I think if you research anything that says 'statute barred' on this forum, you will find a template that is taken from the national debt website, or go on there and download it.. as it is a professional letter which will help you.

Good luck!