20 year old debt collection

BigSR

I’ve been contacted by a debt collection agency with regards to a dept from potentially 20 years ago. I’ve asked for a copy
of the credit agreement and they have come back to me saying they can’t get one because of how old it is, but they say, I quote “we believe this remains unpaid”. Now I’m being bombarded with automated letters to “help them understand my situation”...”offers of a reduced amount to pay early”...etc etc but they are not addressing the proving I’m responsible for it part. How do I stand with it being so old? And where to go from here?  Many thanks. 

[Deleted User]

Advise them that it's unenforceable until such time they can prove otherwise.

MattMattMattUK

BigSR said:

I’ve been contacted by a debt collection agency with regards to a dept from potentially 20 years ago. I’ve asked for a copy
of the credit agreement and they have come back to me saying they can’t get one because of how old it is, but they say, I quote “we believe this remains unpaid”. Now I’m being bombarded with automated letters to “help them understand my situation”...”offers of a reduced amount to pay early”...etc etc but they are not addressing the proving I’m responsible for it part. How do I stand with it being so old? And where to go from here?  Many thanks. 

As per zx's comment it is unenforceable regardless of any paperwork they find so ignore them, they will be unable to do anything other than have a tantrum.

[Deleted User]

I would suggest for belt and braces though that you send them a prove it letter
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter#:~:text=via Amazon Photos-,Letter when you know nothing about about,- AKA "Prove it" letter&text=If you're called or,that it is genuine debt.

MovingForwards

If you've made no payment in 6+ years, or acknowledged it, it's statute barred.

sourcrates

I`d also Google "Limitation act 1980" if I were you.

PixelPound

Whilst it is unenforceable at present, doesn't mean they have to stop asking for payment. However, do as has been suggested, and most likely they will at some point stop, because they are just wasting money. I would send a proveit letter and then not worry. You know they can't do more, but always check the letters sent in case they try and escalate further.

ladyred1

Hello.. my situation is slightly different. Had a mortgage 1987, Reposssed 1990. Was paying £20 a month for years.Not heard anything when i stopped payinfg about 10-.12 years ago, Now a debt collector has popped up wanting £5000. I understand statute of limitations is different for mortgage but can this be in order  ?

sourcrates

ladyred1 said:

Hello.. my situation is slightly different. Had a mortgage 1987, Reposssed 1990. Was paying £20 a month for years.Not heard anything when i stopped payinfg about 10-.12 years ago, Now a debt collector has popped up wanting £5000. I understand statute of limitations is different for mortgage but can this be in order  ?

The limitation period on mortgage shortfall debts is 12 years.