Will they find me...?

10past6

Hello Dishwasher.

If it was as easy as you seem to think it to just "Disapear" we would have all done it, and there would be no need for this forum.

You may hide, but I can assure you, your debts won't, someone, somewhere will be trying to trace you, I have recently been contacted re a debt from 1996 :eek: yes the debt is unenforceable, but that proves, they never give up.

It may be easier in the long run to come clean now, there are plenty of members here who will assist you should you come accross "Aggressive" creditors / DCA's.

I would have a serious think about the long term effect this may have you, do you really want to keep looking over your should, be fearful of going home in case there is a debt letter, avioding the phone in case it's a DCA / Creditor, we've all been there, as I say, have a serious think about the implications of "hiding" will have on you.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

silvercar

Companies share information through GAIN - the Gone Away Information Network, so you can be sure that all your creditors know you have done a disappearing act, once one of them finds you, the others are likely to soon pick up the trail.

If you are working your company will know your NI number and the revenue will know where you are living. Eventually it will all catch up, though in the mean time you have given yourself a breather.

Purple_Sparkles

This happened to me and I ended up paying it all off and I can't get credit as a result either, but at least what I spend I can afford. I was rather gutted when I found out that my ex who ran off without paying any of these debts and left me well and truly in the !!!!!! now has a lovely house, mortgage, new car etc.. etc... - I discovered that he moved a number of times never staying long in the same place and just before he met his now wife he changed his name and he's never been chased. We do now get on ok (we had a child together) I wish I'd have thought of it first!

Broken_hearted

I would urge you not to throw away the next few years hiding from the debt, it just isn't worth it. You could end up owing £1,000's more than you do now.

Burlesque_Babe

DishWasher wrote: »

The credit card was in my name, but ex had a card with her name on it. The card had a zero balance and we had agreed (I thought!) not to use it

unfortunately, you are 100% liable for this debt as you are the main card holder. She as a second named card holder has no responsibility for paying anything she has spent (with or without your knowledge) as you have given permission for her to have the card.

When you open the new account, you'll have to give your previous address if less than 3 years - and some I've seen say 4 years.

Gas/electric/water aren't on your credit file, but they do share information between each other. I used to work in council tax recovery many,many years ago and it was a way of finding 'gone aways'.

I feel for you to be honest. I would take a big breath and get copies of your credit files and see what the situation is.

I have to agree with Broken Hearted - I would face it now rather than see if you can get to 6 years. It won't be easy but once sorted and paid will be better in the long run rather than it hit you in another couple of years time when maybe you've met someone else and you are planning a life with them.

chocolatechipcookies

poorandindenial wrote: »

Hi just one thing, you will struggle to get a bank account of any kind if you aren't on the electorol register for your area.

That's not true at all. I've never been on the electoral register, I don't even know if I'm allowed, but I have a bank account with an overdraft and a credit card. I've never had any problem with getting a bank account.

poorandindenial

Fair do's - I do know several people that have struggled to get even a basic bank account at various points in the last few years for this very reason (me included although mine was ten years ago, plus about 3 others much more recently).

How have you managed to stay off the register?? - the letter comes round each October and they chase pretty hard (I think it is compulsory to complete it, I am sure I have had threatening letters when I have forgotten to send it back)

I know the rules are different (for banking) if you are from overseas and they validate you some other way (an old housemate who had to do it told me about it when she went through the process but I don't remember any of what she told me), is that why you might not be allowed on the Electorol Register??

Or perhaps if you have had the account since you were under 18?? then the bank could have OKd you based on their experience of you banking with them - some people will accept 'letters of introduction' from friends etc.

If neither of these then let me know how and I will pass on your tips to a friend who continues to struggle to get any kind of bank account because of this (she is in a difficult situation and is worried about going on the ER - not debt related) and would be very grateful for your advice.

iolanthe07

Not completing the electoral roll request that pops through the letter box is a criminal offence

Are you sure? Have you any evidence to back up this statement? I thought it was a civil matter, but I may be wrong (something to do with avoiding jury service). OP- You can get a pre-loaded credit card to use in the US and you won't need credit checks.

Burlesque_Babe

p.a.i.d is correct. It's a criminal offence not to complete the form that arrives each year with a fine of up to £1,000.

http://www.stratford.gov.uk/council/council-404.cfm

daisychain80

just to add you mentioned getting a credit card next year. I think this would be near on impossible if you hide fromm the debt- sorry if this has been pointed out just skimmed through.