Being chased 8 years after full and final debt settlement

gazelle123

Hello,
I received a letter from Ruthbridges which gave me a shock as I thought I'd sorted out my debts years ago! Please can someone advise.


About 9 or 10 years ago I had a Debt Management plan arranged through Lawrence Charlton for several outstanding credit cards. Then 8 years ago, through Lawrence Charlton, an arrangement with the creditors was made so that I made reduced payments in final settlement to each of the credit cards and the one bank. (At this moment I can't locate the paperwork, but presumably the bank transfer/cheque details could be obtained).


Now, 8 years later, Ruthbridges (from Cabot Financial Europe Limited) have written asking that I contact them to discuss repayment options of one of the outstanding credit cards. One option they have mentioned is an early reduced settlement figure. What?!


I have checked my credit record - all is OK. I've not contacted Ruthbridges.


Please, what do I do? I thank you in advance.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

You're better off posting this on the main board of the DFW section as you will get some answers there.

I have asked a Board Guide to move it for you.

enthusiasticsaver

I have moved this for you.

I am not familiar with Lawrence Charlton but if this was 8 years ago, all was settled and you can find evidence to support this and your credit record shows all is ok I would ignore Ruthbridges letter.

gazelle123

Thank you for your quick response. It would be great to ignore their letter. My anxiety level has already escalated taking me back to some very difficult times! I just want to nip this in the bud and for this to go away again.

sourcrates

You have two arguments here, not withstanding the fact these debts were settled long ago, they would also now be statute barred, fire off a letter to that effect and invite them to prove otherwise.

Remember, they must prove you didn’t pay, and/or they are now statute barred, you don’t have to prove anything.

gazelle123

Thank you Sourcrates,
I thank you for your thoughts and feel comfortable with sorting this out swiftly and proactively. I'd find it easiest to contact Ruthbridge via email. I've seen two pro forma letters, one for statute barred and the other being the 'prove it' letter. I'm thinking of sending these as attachments to a brief email. Still a little uncertain about admitting I settled the debts though.
By the way, how did they track me? I've moved several times (obviously for unrelated issues) - have they just sent the same letter possibly to everyone with my name in the region?! Curious.
Regards and thank you.