BT - old default on credit file

Pavels_travels

Hi - first post so apologies if this has been covered before…

I recently discovered I have a default dating back to 2016 on my TransUnion credit file (others appear clear)

it’s for £41,from BT and I wasn’t aware of it but willing and able to pay this. but I’m stuck in a loop of BT call centres trying to pay this and everyone I speak to says the debt has been written and they won’t take payment but no one seems to be able to clear my credit file. 

I’ve found out which debt agency took my debt on but as far as I’m aware they have made no attempt to chase me for the amount. 

My head says I should just ride this out until June when it clears off my report but I really want to do the right thing and clear this. BT don’t seem bothered as my account is clear and closed as far as they are concerned. 

Is there any general help guidance to pay/clear/dispute this please?

BoGoF

The default should have dropped off your file after 6 years.

Pavels_travels

Apologies, the default is dated aug 18 so will drop off later in the year - the debt is from 2016

stclair

Unless you’re planning on getting any credit etc I’d just ride it out until August. 

BT are not the best people to deal with at the best of times. 

Pavels_travels

Thanks stclair. I’m hopeful of becoming a first time buyer in 2024 and everything else is in place. I assume for the value it won’t cause much trouble just limit a few of my options - or I just wait a few months for it to drop off and save a bit extra deposit. 

I guess it’s not really relevant but I’d like to clear it as it’s something I owe (it’s a final bill after moving out and cancelling by after a relationship breakup) and it gives closure on that chapter of my life 

adamp87

Most likely they don’t owe the debt anymore and couldn’t take payment. If it’s nearly 6 years it will have been passed to collections, then a debt chasing agency and finally a debt agency would have purchased the debt for pennies per pound.

I’d be surprised if they’ve not been sending out letters to try and recoup this but it’s possible they have just given up. Personally I’d just leave it and watch for any mail.

BT have closed and sold off the account by now and written it off - they won’t get the £41 

Pavels_travels

Thanks I suspect this is the case - I’ve tried numerous times over the phone and online chat over the past month and seem to bounce from call centre to call centre.

However, shouldn’t they be able to make the default as satisfied on my report. It shows as live and it defaulting every month still? If they’re saying I don’t owe them anything and won’t take my money then surely the report is wrong?

re the “surprised not sending out letters” - they probably tried but was technically homeless for a couple of years, assuming they gave up before they had chance to find me

Nasqueron

BT won't be able to assist as they have sold the debt. If you go back long enough, it'll likely show a point where BT marked the debt as satisfied and the owners of the debt took over and started marking it as defaulted.

If you want to clear it, you have to pay the debt company but as it'll go after June, there is only so much point - they won't have chased you because it's almost certainly statute barred as it's over 6 years assuming you have not acknowledged the debt in that time.