Old default on file

A question about : Old default on file

Hi guys

I'm hoping someone can help on this one.

Going through my credit report (I'm in the middle of sorting out all of my finances) I notice that I have a default from 2010 from Express Gifts Ltd. This is from an old Studio Gifts catalogue I used to have.

The debt is for Ј177 and is attached to an old address of mine that I moved from 4.5 years ago. It says on my Noddle report that it was last updated on 1/8/14.

I logged into my Studio account and saw that the debt is there, it doesn't seem to have been passed to a debt collector.

I desperately want to pay this and have my credit file updated.

My question is: if I contact them regarding payment, are they likely to throw a load of late payment fees and interest at me?

I'm sorry if that seems like a stupid question. Any help would be really great.

Best answers:

• Hi,
  That is a possibility, the amount shown on your credit report is not always accurate, saying that, you can always dispute charges you believe to be unfair, they will only charge interest if that was a part of your original agreement.
  Its up to you, but if you want to clear up your file, you may have to just "bite the bullet" !!
• Sounds like it's approaching (if it hasn't already reached) SB.
  I'd be inclined to wait until it reaches SB, then offer the Ј177 as a F&F.
• Thanks for the replies guys.
  I thought that it might be approaching SB but I was confused by the fact that the debt was last updated on Noddle last month. I didn't know if it was six years from the last updated appearance on my credit report.
  I have gotten the figure of Ј177 from my Studio account, i found my old details and logged in today.
  I dont like having debts hanging over me, especially since my LBM, I'm trying to get everything sorted out.
• There's no CCJ on my credit report, so I'm assuming none has been granted.
• If it's statute barred, then there is no need to pay the debt.
  But if it isn't, and you want to pay, you could just make a fast payment through your bank into your Studio Gifts account, as I presume you have or could get their bank details.
  They would have no way of knowing your new address by doing it this way.
• I think I'm going to bite the bullet and pay it off. It's something i really don't want to be worrying about.
  Thanks for the input guys. It's very much appreciated.
• The default (2010) could be seen as a cause of action for SB so that would be shaky ground.
  If you want a definitive amount before offering payment (you did say you were worried about them adding interest) you could do a CCA request. A fully formed request will include the requirement for a statement of account (i.e. the sum owing) and this is legally binding.
  So if the statement of account says Ј177 you are good to go.
  (Or you could simply call them and if you are agreed it is Ј177 then pay it. But make sure you get a letter confirming your account is fully paid).
• Thanks.
  From my short time on MSE, I've learned that its more than important to get a letter stating my account is fully paid so I'm going to make sure i get that!
• My missus also has a default off of these cowboys for a delivery that we never had. They have never supplied any proof of delivery or anything.
  If she was to pay the amount off (Ј103), would the default be completely wiped from her file?
• She is at her wits end after having numerous Debt Collection letters over this amount. She told them she was paying nothing as she's never received anything, they've promised numerous times to look into it, and when she rings back they know nothing about it.