Debt write off - confusing creditor

DebtHurricane

A creditor has really confused me- I wrote to them about a debt that’s under £1000 and asked if they’d consider writing off the balance due to my health and circumstances. 

I had a reply saying that the balance has already been written off, but will still show on my credit file (but it defaulted already so will eventually fall off).

I then asked if they’d consider removing the entry from my credit file entirely, and they’ve come back and said that the write off was internal and means they still expect me to pay it but that they won’t pursue me for the balance. 

They’re saying two things: it’s either written off or it isn’t!!!!!

what do I do?

Brie

they said it's written off and it will eventually fall off your record. and then confirmed they aren't going to chase for the balance.

so what's the issue?  are you saying it shouldn't be on your record despite you not having paid it?  do you need a good credit record now or in the next couple of years?  

I'd simply ensure I kept copies of the correspondence in case someone queries it with you in the future.  

sourcrates

You don`t do anything, except say thank you very much Mr creditor for making a commercial decision and writing off my debt.

Now just because they have chosen not to pursue this debt, it does not mean it didn`t exist, it did, and your credit file must show an accurate record of these events, so no, it cannot be removed, but it will fall off your file in the fulness of time.

DebtHurricane

Sorry I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful - I’m happy for it to stay on my credit file as I did get into the debt, and as you say it will fall off. 

My worry is they come back or sell the debt in 5 years or something, despite saying it’s written off. 

Fingers crossed they don’t though. 

sourcrates

DebtHurricane said:

Sorry I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful - I’m happy for it to stay on my credit file as I did get into the debt, and as you say it will fall off. 

My worry is they come back or sell the debt in 5 years or something, despite saying it’s written off. 

Fingers crossed they don’t though. 

It may be wise to ask them to confirm what they have told you in writing, and also that neither them, nor their agents will pursue the debt in the future.