Debt

[liquidspace]

I had a credit card back in 2000 that I never paid. I was chased on and off for a few years and now they have rung me at work and written to me at home again.

Can they still claim this money even after 7 years have passed. I thought that after a certain amount of time a debt didnt have to be paid back. Does anyone know?

[redcrx]

yes they can still chase you and yes you do still owe it.
Sticking your head in the sand wont make it go away and the sum will get bigger and bigger. Maybe you could offer to pay small sums off each month and ask them if they can reduce charges?

[funnygirl]

A debt never dies until you do. And even then....

[Loosehead]

There is no time limit for a debt, it can die if a period of 6 years passes where thay haven't re affirmed their intention to collect. Why do you imagine that some sort of time limit somehow makes it ok to welsh on paying? Your best bet is to pay up, you could end up like this person if you have a house: http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question372 521.html

The will chase you and keep adding charges, you could try what I suggest at th bottom of the thread above.

[liquidspace]

Ok thanks for the replies. Loose - I cannot see your reply to the thread above, sorry. I dont own property btw.

[liquidspace]

Oh yes I see what you mean, I could make them an offer. The only problem is that I am paying back another debt at 500 a month and this leaves me nothing else spare.

[Loosehead]

Well at least talk to them and try and negotiate, the head in the sand routing doesn't work.

[dannywells]

i think you will find there is a limit, its called the statute of limitations and its 6 years

[Loosehead]

Read my answer Danny, that's where the 6 years comes in, there is not limit.

[innocenti]

Provided you have not made written contact or made a payment in the last 6 years since your last payment then the debt is statute barred and cannot be collected on.

If a CCJ is in place then the debt can still be collected on but if no CCJ exists then it is against OFT guidelines for the company to keep chasing. You need to write and tell them that it is statute barred.