Opos letter… old debt and credit score

Overwhelmed1

Hi,
I’m looking for some advice and everyone here seems really knowledgeable, so hope you can help. 

I’ve always been a bit useless with money. Took out payday loans & store cards when I was younger and got myself into debt. Have worked hard to get better, pay all debts off and get my credit score up as hoping to buy a house next year.  

Out of the blue I received a letter from Opos last month saying I owed £500. They also emailed my husband at his work! I believe it’s from a very old credit card. 

Last week I received a final settlement letter offering a 75% reduction. Now my question is if I pay the 25%, will that show on my credit file as partially settled?  Surely it would be showing on my credit file already if owed? 

I’m unsure what to do as if can pay the 25% without any negative impact I will. 

I read a slightly similar post where the poster was advised to ignore as the debt was unenforceable. I’d hate to mess up my score after I’ve spent the last 10 years building it up! 

I hope that this rambling makes sense! 

Thank you for any advice! 

powerful_Rogue

How old is the debt and when did you last have contact with them?

Overwhelmed1

Hi,
Thanks for your reply! I’ve never had contact with Opos. Apparently they’re working on behalf of Capquest and I think I was in contact with them about 4 years ago. 

ManyWays

Have you checked all three credit reference agency records: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, if the debt is no longer on any of them then it will not reappear if you settle it in full or partially. You do have other possible options apart from paying it or ignoring it, such as asking them to produce the Consumer Credit Act agreement for the debt. 

sourcrates

Overwhelmed1 said:

Hi,
I’m looking for some advice and everyone here seems really knowledgeable, so hope you can help. 

Out of the blue I received a letter from Opos last month saying I owed £500. T

Last week I received a final settlement letter offering a 75% reduction. Now my question is if I pay the 25%, will that show on my credit file as partially settled?  Surely it would be showing on my credit file already if owed? 

There is always a very good reason why such a massive discount is being offered, either the debt is statute barred or it is unenforceable in some other way.

If this is an old debt not paid or acknowledged for more than 6 years, it will be statute barred by now, it also won`t show on your credit file, as after 6 years the entry is automatically removed, so no matter what you do, it won`t affect you.

Send the prove-it letter to ascertain more details, as its very likely statute barred and you won`t have to pay it.

Never pay something you don`t have too.

Overwhelmed1

Thank you all so much!! I’ve been 

Overwhelmed1

Been driving myself mad trying to find answers and so much great info here. Will get onto it all now! 

Thanks again for everyone’s help.