Unenforceable Debt - what now?

johnnybrando1981

Hi people,
I am an infrequent user of this forum but always find it very helpful when I need an answer to a question.
Some history, been on a DMP (Stepchange) for 10 years. My debts (approx 10k left) no longer show on my credit report. I am due some inheritance in the coming months, so wanted to ask if I can offer a partial settlement each firm (3). I have asked for CCA first, and 1 of the firms PRA Group (£8k worth of debt) have replied with;
Currently your account reference: RYS003402 is classified as unenforceable, which means we are not able to take legal action to recover the balance. The debt is still legally owed and we will continue to contact you and report to the credit reference agencies (where appropriate). It is possible for your account to become enforceable in future, if we receive the appropriate paperwork from the original creditor – we will make you aware if this becomes the case.
Does this mean I am in a good position to offer a relatively low settlement? I have read 10% on other forums? Or should I stop paying, ignore etc etc. I want this gone, I would rather settle if possible than have it hang over me. Just after some advise and what to do next if anybody can help? If there is a template or a letter others have used that would also be a great help. Thank you in advance...stay safe! 

sourcrates

National debtline website has a variety of template letter to use.

You can make a cheeky offer, it may be accepted, it may not, i find PRA very inconsistant in there settlement requirements.

Because they buy debts in bulk, very cheap, what they lose on one debt, they make up on another, so may not entertain an offer at all, they may hold out for full payment, in which case, its goodnight vienna.

johnnybrando1981

sourcrates said:

National debtline website has a variety of template letter to use.

You can make a cheeky offer, it may be accepted, it may not, i find PRA very inconsistant in there settlement requirements.

Because they buy debts in bulk, very cheap, what they lose on one debt, they make up on another, so may not entertain an offer at all, they may hold out for full payment, in which case, its goodnight vienna.

Thanks sourcrates. I used the ND CCA template which was helpful. Awaiting a couple of other responses, but then I will be making cheeky offers using another of their template. Few posts on here have said 5% has been accepted, others state they want 90% - lets hope I get them on a good day. If they stand firm, they my other option on anything unenforceable would be to pay a nominal amount for a period and try again in 12 months. 

peteuk

I may be a little slow, but if a debt is unenforceable then if the debtor pays nothing there is no action to be taken.  Morally wrong I know, but given PRA will have brought it cheaply, knowing the risk they take, surely any settlement figure would be worth taking as long as they make what the purchased the debt for. 

sourcrates

peteuk said:

I may be a little slow, but if a debt is unenforceable then if the debtor pays nothing there is no action to be taken.  Morally wrong I know, but given PRA will have brought it cheaply, knowing the risk they take, surely any settlement figure would be worth taking as long as they make what the purchased the debt for. 

Forget morals, debt collectors do not possess them.

Every account they buy is an unknown risk.

What they may lose on one account, they will more than make up on another who pays in full, they will occasionally accept a cheeky offer, and experiance on these forums can be mixed, often they tend to hold out for full payment, as they paid so little for the account, they would rather take a small loss and not lose face.

It does depend on a number of factors though, so we always say take a chance, see where it leads.