Not my debt!!!

Kodagirl

Not my debt, but it is!!! Hi, I need advice, but please be gentle. Over 20 years ago my Step dad, and mum, bought a car, in my name. My step dad was, a compulsive gambler, hence why the probably asked, there credit was shot to pieces. To be honest, the age I was then, I didn’t think about the implications, plus it was my Mum and Dad, anyway the got this car, through Vauxhall finance, due to Dads job loss, I believe, it was handed back, and money still owed.
The 1st I remembered was about 11 years ago, and letter from Machins, I gave it to my Dad to sort out, they set up a direct debit with Machins, then I heard nothing til February this year.
The debt has been sold on, to ‘Debt Managers Services’. Told my Dad, they won’t speak to him about it, even though re:payments have been coming from his bank account. It’s been that long ago, I don’t even remember signing for this car, I didn’t even have a license to drive myself, I have never spoke to any company regarding this money owed.
Now I’m older and a bit wiser (hopefully) what do I do?
Kindest regards, I’ve never missed a payment on anything of mine. ��

[Deleted User]

If you agreed to the loan in your name, then it's your debt and you will need to pay it.

If you're saying it was done fraudulently without your knowledge, you need to report it to Action Fraud, identifying your father.

From what you say, I'm assuming it's the first scenario.

See if you can agree a full and final settlement.

phillw

If you were 18 and agreed to taking out the loan it doesn't matter that you didn't have a license. Your dad making the repayments also doesn't change anything.

If you believe you didn't sign anything, which means it was your mum or step dad that forged your signature, then you would need to report them for fraud to the police and get them prosecuted. But maybe you will discover that it was you that signed and you have forgotten because you don't want to be held liable.

The amount of time since the debt was acknowledged might make a difference.

Kodagirl

I honestly cannot remember, but this gambling has caused enough heartache in my family’s lives, my Dad got loans out in my twin brothers name, he only found out when he went for a mortgage, the financial ombudsman was involved to sort that out.
How do I go about settling this please, I can’t afford the full amount, just shy of £5,000, but I want it just gone, what sort of amount do you offer in this case?

Kodagirl

Ok, been advised they don’t do settlement figures.

SusieT

It may be worth you sending the original lender and the company that your father was paying for a SAR so that you can get a full statement from the beginning of the account and it will also show when the original default was as it may be that there was a period of 6 years with no acknowledgement of the debt in the time, which would make it statute barred. You could also ask for a copy of the original agreement, if they do not have it you will be in a better position to get a discounted payment. There are template letters on the national debtline website

sourcrates

Hi,

How long since you last made a payment to this account ?

Kodagirl

I, personally, never, have never had any dealings with any of it. My dad has, made payments up to last week.

BrassicWoman

Actually, this IS your debt. It has been your loan for almost 2 decades and pretending it wasn't yours has made it worse.


I would try and arrange a payment plan.

Bermonia

If payments were made up until last week there’s no point trying to go down the statute barred route as won’t be applicable I’m afraid.

As they have been receiving regular payments till now they are unlikely to accept a smaller settlement figure at this stage as they consider it likely it will be repaid in full... usual require a number of missed payments (and trashing of one’s credit file) before they would consider.

chesky

Get down to your local CAB and ask to work with them in arranging a repayment plan.