Can I be rushed into paying?

spatulala

Hi

I have been contacted by a company called Mckenzie Hall who claim to have bought an old debt of mine from the Student Loans Company. From recollection I thought I had paid off the loan, but they say there is £178 outstanding, and it is due by the 21st December.

I have asked me to write with full details as they could be anybody, and he said in case that letter will be a final demand giving me 7 days to pay (not great for me just before Christmas).

Having looked on the forum I suggested that even if the debt was owing it would be statute barred as it's over 6 years, but he said because there was a CCJ against this debt (before i paid it off) that gave them 12 years.

Can they rush me into paying? I don't want to incur additional costs by not paying them, but this is all so long ago that I would like to get the facts straight.

Thanks for your help

Tim.

itsnever2lateisit?

First question, is there a ccj in existance? Have you checked your credit file?
I would suggest that you ask them for the statement of account if you believe it was settled, and while you are at it you might as well do it formally

Send them a Postal Order for £1 (the statutory fee)

Start the letter with

"I do not acknowledge any debt to your company"

Ask them for a true copy of the origial signed copy of the agreement
A statement of account
The deed of assignment giving them the right to collect

The officially put the 'debt' in dispute and they cannot pursue you in the courts until they have produced the information requested. They have 12 working days to do this.

It may be that there are charges against this which you are not aware of

And send it recorded delivery