Not informed about default on file

Foreveryoung99

Hi there. 

So a few years ago, I lived in a flat above a shop. I didn’t have access to my post or gas/electric meter. At the time, I disputed with British Gas about the amount I owed and I vaguely remember it being sorted. I’ve been trying to improve my credit score and just recently, this default has showed up from 4 years ago. I’ve used check my file and it was registered at the flat I lived at and I never received a letter to say a default was being registered. I’m also receiving debt letters for debts that are not showing on my file. 

Ive always struggled with my mental health and finances so I’m trying now, with support, to get myself out of debt but it’s having an impact on my sleep and mental health when I’m trying to dig myself out of this but it feels like I can’t. 

Thank you 

sourcrates

A default is a natural consequence of an unpaid debt, can you elaborate more on what debts are being chased, by whom, and when you last paid them, if at all.

Also what default date shows on your credit file?

Anything not paid or acknowledged for 6 years or longer may be statute barred, so don`t do anything in haste.

Foreveryoung99

Hi there, thank you for your reply. 

I’m currently being chased for a default from British Gas which is 4 years old and no payment made. 

I’ve had 2 letters about catalogues that I owe money too but nothing is showing when I use check my file, under closed or open accounts. 

The threatening letters aren’t helping an already intense situation that I find myself in. I was hoping to pay the default and have it removed. 

Someone has mentioned speaking to my ADHD team about a DMHEF letter, do you think that’s a good idea? 

Thank you 

fatbelly

It sounds like the two catalogues may well have defaulted over 6 years ago and that is why they do not show on your credit files. If you haven't made payments over those years then they will be statute barred.

As for the British Gas debt, paying the debt won't remove the default but will mean it can be marked settled.

Does your credit file matter that much? If you're not trying to get a mortgage it probably doesn't.

Can you tell us a bit more about the debt? Who is chasing it? How much is it? How much do you have by way of a lump sum?

Foreveryoung99

Hi there. 

I’m not sure whether they are statue barred or not but, from my limited research, I’ve read that if I contact the debt collectors about the debt, I restart the clock whether the debt is statue barred or not. But I’m being chased by Lowell for a debt to British Gas, again which isn’t showing on my credit file anywhere - totally money, check my file etc 

I’ve used check my file because I want to clear my debts and stop the threatening letters. Currently, I only have enough money for the British Gas default and that’s without food for about 4-5 days. The other British Gas debt I’m being chased for by Lowell doesn’t show anywhere. 

fatbelly

You restart the clock if you acknowledge the debt by payment or in writing. However if it becomes statute barred it stays that way.

In your situation I would leave the probable statute barred debts alone.

You could send a prove-it letter to Lowell or again just leave it. A prove-it doesn't restart the clock.

As for the other BGas debt if the only way you can pay it is by not eating for a bit, then you can't really pay it, unless you were planning on fasting anyway.

Foreveryoung99

Thanks again for your reply, really appreciated. Based on your advice, I’m wondering if a prove it letter is suitable. I’m happy to pay any defaults/debts that are damaging my file but my concern is, because Lowell have 2 different debts from British Gas for me, how do I pay one without restarting the clock on the other? I’ve reached out to British Gas and I’m just awaiting a reply but they haven’t been very helpful so far. 

MEM62

Foreveryoung99 said:

I’ve read that if I contact the debt collectors about the debt, I restart the clock whether the debt is statue barred or not. 

Fortunately, not everything you read is correct.  Contracting the debt collectors does not re-start the clock.   

fatbelly

Foreveryoung99 said:

Thanks again for your reply, really appreciated. Based on your advice, I’m wondering if a prove it letter is suitable. I’m happy to pay any defaults/debts that are damaging my file but my concern is, because Lowell have 2 different debts from British Gas for me, how do I pay one without restarting the clock on the other? I’ve reached out to British Gas and I’m just awaiting a reply but they haven’t been very helpful so far. 

I didn't realise Lowell had two BGas debts.

Lowell are debt buyers not debt collectors and so BGas have sold both accounts and washed their hands of them.

British Gas are not interested in answering your questions. Why would they be? They may well take the same approach with Lowell.

Sending a prove-it does not acknowledge the debt. It says 'I don't know what this is. Prove to me that I owe you money.

I think I would send two letters to Lowell. Email would also work.

You can still dispute whatever comes back