Unsure if I owe a debt, please help

Jmd2020

Hi, I’m 21 years old and used to suffer from a gambling addiction. This got me into a fair amount of debt which is almost all under control. Luckily I have a pretty well paid job that’s helped me. I had a loan with 118 118 money 3-4 years ago. I defaulted and it’s was passed to link financial/kearns solicitors. There’s no trace of this on my credit file in the open or closed accounts. The things I have read about Link aren’t very good and I’m just wondering where I stand? I only originally lent £2,000 but the interest was around £6,000 making the total repayable £8,000. I have now paid off £3,500 I just wanted to know why it possibly wouldn’t be on my credit file and the best way to deal with Link financial? I also have another debt with them and in total I owe them roughly £7,000 which I can pay off within a year but I wanted to know if I have any rights at all in terms of the 118 118 money loan. I have 4,500 left to pay off that one to Link/Kearns and that’s sheer interest. I did try and seek help at the time but they wouldn’t freeze interest. 

Thanks 

[Deleted User]

You have three credit files. Have you checked them all?

The remaining sum isn't sheer interest. It's a mix of the capital you borrowed (rather than lent, otherwise they would owe you) and interest.  

It sounds like a long way from being statute barred but you could try making them an offer.

Jmd2020

Checked Experian and clear score. Thanks for your reply and that makes sense. I’m pretty uneducated on it all because I’ve kept it all from my family and girlfriend as I didn't want to cause worry and stress to them. Hindsight would make me believe I should have spoke up at the time but I’ve managed it so far managed to kick the addiction and enter no IVAs etc etc. 

[Deleted User]

Credit Karma is the third CRA.

Jmd2020

Thank you, it feels good to talk. I appreciate your replies 

Willing2Learn

Have you considered making an affordability complaint?

Something for you to read:
https://debtcamel.co.uk/gambling-payday-loan-refunds/ 
and
https://debtcamel.co.uk/payday-loan-refunds/

Jmd2020

@Willing2Learn I did complain to the ombudsman but got nowhere. Would it still be worth trying or not? 

Thanks for your advice. 

Willing2Learn

When you say you have already made a complaint to the ombudsman, did you firstly make a written complaint to the lender (118118), as per the guidance in the DebtCamel articles?