Statue barred

[nedzanasus]

I am being chased for a debt that is over 6 years old. Dates back to 1998 and I have had no contact with creditor in this time. However, the debt originally was with Barclaycard, last year the debt was taken over by Thames Credit and now It has been taken over by Buchanan Clark & Wells. Can I just ignore these letters or should I respond?

[Wellard]

I can oly relate my experience. 2 - 3 years ago, I also had a debt-collectors letter out of the blue relating to three Barclaycards that I just could not pay. In over six years I did not have any communication from Barclays, if I had they would only have joined the rest at �2. month payment. However, I did not have any contact, which appears to be crucial. It would seem that Barclays suddenly decided to chase ALL debts, no matter how old, and this attracted the attention of the newpapers (probably Daily/Sunday Mail) who stated most emphatically that this action was not legal. I am not trying to justify my non-payment - I just could not pay. However, I think you can rest assured that Barlays (nor their agents) can now chase you if they cannot prove that your account has been active for those six years.

[nedzanasus]

Thankyou

[kempie]

http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/debt_facts heets/liability_for_debts_and_the_limitation_a ct.htm

[nedzanasus]

Thankyou for this link, most helpful

[innocenti]

I think Buchanan Clark and Wells have bought a load of old debts and are chancing their arm. My OH has had one from a debt going back 12 years and is almost certainly statute barred

As long as there is no CCJ, you havent made any WRITTEN contact with them or sent any payments in over 6 years then the debt cannot be enforced.

[nedzanasus]

Thankyou for your reply. Did your OH make any contact with Buchanan Clark & Wells or just ignore the letters? I'm reluctant to contact them to tell them that the debt is statue barred but I'm not sure what might happen if I just ignore it.