Bad Credit Agency

Whats the longest time a UK Debt Collection Agency can legally chase you for a debt before they have to stop?

Debt collection agencies in the Uk have only 6 years from the default date to chase it, after that it is illegal is this true? Dear sir/madam With reference to the above account, I am writing to confirm I am not acknowledging this debt.would you please send me a true copy of this credit agreement. I understand that under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (Sections 77−79), I am entitled to receive a copy of my credit agreement on request and this should be supplied within 12 working days. I enclose a payment of £1.00 which represents the fee payable under the Consumer Credit Act. Non-compliance with my request is a criminal offence under the above Act and will result in a report being submitted to the relevant statutory authorities. As you are aware, a credit agreement that is not properly documented and signed by the customer is totally unenforceable under the CCA and therefore is a complete defence to any court claim that is issued. Please note that under Section 189 you are obliged to supply these documents whether you are the original creditor or not. I await your reply

Public Comments

1. You should be a lawyer..lol
2. No, I believe it is 12 years. I had the problem back in the early 90's and they came back after 12 years and had no chance as was explained to me by CAB.
3. After 6 years the debt should be wiped.
4. 6 years-tell them to get stuffed,they only survive on peoples weak willed ways-they are just vultures.
5. This is an area that causes a lot of confusion. Basically in the UK there is no limit to the amount of time you can be chased for a debt. They can chase you until the debt is paid, no matter how long it takes. However, and this is where the confusion comes in, after 6 years the debt is wiped from your credit file. This doesn't mean the debt no longer exists, just thats its not shown on your file any more. Also, there is a rule called the "statuate of limitations" which states if there is no contact between the debtor and lender for a period of 6 years, then the debt becomes statuate barred. No contact means, that you have not made a payment, or acknowledged the debt at all for a continuous period of 6 years. Once a debt is statuate barred, it means the lender can no longer take you to court to get you to pay. Whilst they can still chase the debt, because they can't take you to court, if you still don't pay theres nothing really they can do about it. So they can chase you forever, however after the debt becomes statuate barred they usually give up. Make sure with your letter above that you DO NOT sign it, as this helps to preserve the statuate barred status. What you letter is saying is that if they cannot give you a copy of the signed copy of your credit agreement your debt becomes unenforceable. A lot of companies didn't keep proper records after more than a couple of years, so if they don't have the original copy they may give up chasing you. However, if they do give you a signed copy of the agreement, you would still be liable for the debt.