Halifax Debt

12Donna12

Back in 2012/2013 I had a current account with Halifax that accrued overdraft charges. I was an idiot and ignored it and got my wages paid into partners account from then on. Went down today to try and finally sort it out. She says no record of it, then when I insist it exists she finds the account number and sort code but tells me it's been closed and passed to a collection agency. It's been 7/8 years and I've never received a single letter from a debt recovery agency. I did receive letters from Halifax periodically over the years but nothing from anyone else relating to this account. She's given me their number but was unable to give me their name saying it was just "debt collection" which I find unlikely, it must have a company name surely? What should I do? I'm worried if I phone them they'll have added on hundreds in their own charges. Or do I just continue to ignore it until they contact me?

jonesMUFCforever

It might be their internal collection service.
Check to see what has been recorded on the 3 main CRA'S and come back to us.

PRAISETHESUN

Id echo the recommendation above and see what on your credit file - presumably the account will have defaulted at some point before being passed along to collections. It might even be statute barred - again the date of default should be on your credit files.

Personally I'd avoid contacting the debt collectors as there's no reason to stir the pot. If they haven't contacted you by now, it's likely they won't down the line and by getting in touch you are basically drawing a big target on your back for someone they can go after.

pinkdalek

Definitely check your credit files - Equifax, Experian and Callcredit first.  Have you had any issues obtaining credit recently?  As praisethesun said avoid chasing this with the debt collectors as they have not contacted you by now and possibly this has been written off?  If it was over 6 years ago now there is a possibility it won't show on your credit file.
If you are still unsure about your credit availability do an eligibility check for a credit card, do an agreement in principle for a mortgage - they don't commit you to anything, they only do a "soft" check so no hard credit check is done and see what offers or response you get.  If a main high street lender can offer you a mortgage the likelihood is this debt has gone off your file.