Credit checks

starlaa

I think I may have an outstanding balance on a credit card from years ago but I have moved since then so they wont be able to find me.

What I'm wonderig is if I get a copy of my credit report and I put my current address on it can anyone I owe money to access this and then get my address and write to me?

Bosie

When you request your credit file(s) they normally ask you for the last 6 years of where you have lived. So it depends how long you have been at previous address? Also, if you list more than one address it will be ''linked'' creditors do this too (linking of addresses)

HTH

Bo

starlaa

Thanks.

But can the ones who I owe money to (from about 1999) contuously access my credit file to see if I have listed a current address and then get me there? Or does the search company ie. experien etc let the credit card company know? Are they obliged to let any outstanding credit company know my current address?

Bosie

Well, they may have you as 'gone away' on the files and it depends I guess how much you owed them? I guess anyone can be traced, I know of a company Wescot who are tracing agents. If you are female have you recently married and changed your name?
To do a search on a credit reference agency they do it on an address and name, for instance they check electoral rolls.
Also, after 6 years a debt becomes statute barred, but if you had a CCJ issued this still may well be payable!

Sorry all this sounds technical I know, but I think anyone can be traced(apart from Lord Lucan) Did you owe a lot?

starlaa

what does statute barred mean?

I am female but not married.

I didn't owe a lot, maybe about £1500 when I was a student.

Bosie

Hi again
I have found this link which is a little similar to what is happening with you


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=9789041&highlight=statute+barred#post9789041

starlaa

Cheers Bosie, I've now hijacked that thread a wee bit!

Bosie

Hey that's ok! Have a good read!

Bo x