ACT Credit Managment Ltd Student Debt

jchbrimm

Hello, 

When I left college 23 years ago, I enrolled in a Construction Management HND program, assuming it was free like my previous college education. I completed the two-year course and graduated, only to find out I wouldn’t receive my diploma because I hadn’t paid. It wasn’t an issue at the time, as the jobs I landed in the industry never required it. Looking back, I realize I could have simply lied about my qualifications. The only regret I have is not being able to have that photo with the square hat and scroll that my mother so desperately wanted.

Anyway, being a responsible citizen, I set up a payment plan with the University of Kent for a modest £10 a month, which I planned to increase as my career progressed. Fast forward 20 years, and I must have canceled my standing order when I switched bank accounts and completely forgot about the debt. Now, I’ve received a letter from ACT Credit Management, who have been appointed as Debt Collection & Legal Agents for the University of Kent in connection with an overdue balance of £931.88.

I’m not trying to avoid this debt, and I would like to pay it off in £50 installments. However, I’m nervous about contacting ACT, as I’ve heard you should never engage with debt collectors. Does anyone have advice on how to approach this situation? I’m assuming the university is no longer handling it, as they’ve sold the debt.

Emmia

Do you have £931.88 to settle the debt? And would setting allow you to formally graduate, wear the ridiculous hat etc. Or is this something that's not important now?

Have you thought about contacting the Uni to pay what you owe? (but they might want it all in one go)

Also, why are you seeking to pay this off in tiny increments? I'd pay it (if you have the money) and be done with it.

FWIW it's terrible idea to lie about your qualifications.

jchbrimm

Hi, I don't have the money but I could pay it off in increments. Having a formal graduation is not important to me. I agree lying about qualifications is terrible but in hindsight, the construction industry does not really care about qualifications like I thought it did. 

sourcrates

The clue is in their name, ACT Credit Management.

They will just be managing the debt, do they refer to "their client" at all in there letters?

Your choice really, nothing to be nervous about, set up a payment arrangement on there website, (big green button top right hand side, says "pay online") no need to speak to anyone, its up to you, but they will keep contacting you, for a while at least, then if no joy return it to their client uncollected.