Trying to go debt free

Crazy_mum_of_3

Good morning all,

Recently one of my old creditors from 2013-2014 has been in touch with me which has given me a "kick up the bum" to sort my debts out. I contacted Step Change and we went through my options and while I'm currently a stay at home mum and not in employment, I decided that the best option for me would be to declare myself bankrupt.

Step Change told me that the best thing to do first would be to sign-up and get my credit report to see who I have an outstanding debt with. while doing this, I have found that I currently have NO outstanding debt with anyone but I have an IVA on my credit file of which I know nothing about.

I looked into an option of an IVA in 2013 but I never signed anything or committed to an IVA as at the time, it wasn't a viable option for me.

I have spoken to Step Change about this IVA and they can no longer advise me while an IVA is active on my credit file as it is a binding contract.

I had no idea that someone had activated/started an IVA for me, I have never paid towards this IVA nor been asked to.

It is my understanding that if I was knowingly in an active IVA that the creditors should NOT be chasing me about any outstanding debt as this would have been agreed with all parties when an IVA is signed.

I have signed up to various credit report organizations such as Checkmyfile and MoneySavingExperts own Credit Club and they all display me having no outstanding debt.

Due to no debt on my credit file, I don't understand why the creditors are now chasing me for money.

Please advise how I deal with the creditors that are currently contacting me?

Many thanks

Minkym00

Have you checked the Insolvency Register and found your name on there? That would be my first port of call.

Minkym00

https://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/eiir/

Crazy_mum_of_3

Good morning,

I have checked with various (approximately 5) credit report agencies and they all show similar results. no outstanding debt but an active IVA.

I have looked on the insolvency register and found who I spoke to when I enquired about an IVA.

Should I contact them and ask why I have an active IVA when I didn't sign up for one I ONLY enquired about one.

I'm scared

Minkym00

Yes, contact them and see what has happened. If you never had an IVA its probably just some sort of clerical error.