Last year my grandmother received a letter from a debt collection agency 'MacKenzie Hall' regarding an old debt. I ignored the letter and eventually they phoned us. I didn't admit to the debt because my grandmother has no memory of it. She had a stroke about 5 years ago and since then I've been dealing with her finances. I asked what this supposed debt was for and when it was from. I was informed it was for Littlewoods catalogue and was from 2003/2004 which was when the last payment was made. I told them the debt wasn't ours and not to call again.
Afterwards they kept sending letters so I went to citizens advice who told me that regardless of whether or not the debt was ours, as it was over 6 years ago it was status barred and to tell the DCA that if they phoned again. I followed the advice and next time they called I told them that the debt was status barred still without admitting responsibility. I told them if they kept calling I'd report them for harrassment.
Last week we got another letter through the door this time from Debt Managers Ltd on behalf of Arrow - Shop Direct Carvel. I just ignored the letter because it's outwith the 6 years limit. Since then I've had a couple of automated 'If you are *** press one' calls from them and another letter stating that a doorstep agent will be visiting to arrange repayment of the debt. I've checked our credit score and it says the debt didn't default until 2008. Does this mean the debt isn't status barred even though a payment hasn't been made since 2004 and we haven't owned up to the debt?
They won't leave us alone and it's really stating to stress me out. I suffered from really bad anxiety so having to deal with pushy agents is beyond my capabilities at the moment.
Any and all advice welcome.
P.S. I'm in Scotland
