Not sure where to start with this one. After a period of terrible financial decisions (or more aptly completely ignoring financial issues) after the breakdown of my marriage, I am now trying to tackle my financial situation head on and trying to fix my credit record. I have 3 defaults showing on my account, all to Lowell Group. One is for a debt of £1900 for JD Williams catalogue in 2008. I opened and account and my ex-husband bought a ton of stuff on my account, and like many of his debts to me, didn’t pay it. I had contacted JD Williams back in 2008/9 to explain and try and arrange a repayment plan, however they were unhelpful and it was passed to various DCA’s who I have ignored for years (not wise I know) and it’s been sat with Lowell for some years. From time to time they send fishing letters to my current address in my previous name, telling me how understanding they are and asking me to pay a reduced rate. I have so far ignored these too. They recorded a default on my credit record in Jan 2012 (not sure why so long later). The other 2 are for a mobile phone with Orange, where I cancelled my contract but they disputed I was out of the repayment term and charged me a whacking great amount. I went back and forth for a while then gave up and avoided the DCA letters ever since (2009). The last was for a credit card with Capital One, which I defaulted on – all my own stupid fault. I know I can’t ignore them forever as I really want these defaults off my accounts and to be in a position to apply for a mortgage in 3/4 years. Please can you give me some advice on how best to approach Lowell. I’m aware I’ll have to pay the money back, but do you think there is a way to come to a settlement with them where they’d remove the defaults if I can arrange to pay? Or is there any way to question if the defaults have been added correctly? Thanks in advance!

Hi, I have recently checked my credit file and I have got 3 defaults. One from Active securities Ltd for £270, date of default April 2013. Another one from Think Finance for £305 in April 2013 and another one from NatWest for £913 default date December 2013. A few years ago I had gambling problems (thankfully I got help and I no longer gamble) which led to me taking out payday loans. I paid some off but the first 2 defaults must be for 2 payday loans I never paid. The NatWest default was from a basic cash account I had with no overdraft feature, I had £900 in there, lost it on a betting site and when I checked my account, the money hadn't been taken or frozen I transferred it out obviously when money went to the betting site, it took me £900 overdrawn. I opened an account elsewhere and have never used NatWest since. I am in a better position now with a decent job and spare money each month I could afford to pay them all something each month but I was wondering if there was anyway I could have any of the defaults removed. I don't remember getting any of the default letters but to be honest I was hiding everything from my partner at the time so tended just to throw letters away without opening them. I have moved address nearly 2 years ago and never told any of them and I haven't received any correspondence from them at my new address. Thanks

Hi, I am currently in the process of beginning to tackle my debts and clearing up my credit file, with the end goal of getting a mortgage, admittedly in a good few years! I have a number of defaults from payday loans which are due to fall of my credit file in 2-3 years. However, I have been considering entering a DMP or TDP with a debt charity. However I am unsure if this would just mean the debts would be visible on my credit file for longer. If I enter a arrangement to pay with any of the creditors that have registered a default, will that just start the 6 year countdown again. So instead of falling of in 2 years, will it then mark as AP for a further 6 years from the date I entered the arrangement. The same with satisfied, or settled defaults, will it be 6 years from the date of being satisfied. Basically, by agreeing to repay the debts am I going to have a black mark on my credit file for longer than if I just wait for them to fall off? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I was hoping to find a little advice on what to do with my defaulted accounts. I have 4 defaulted accounts that were passed to debt collection agencies after I lost my job and buried my head in the sand. I have been paying a token amount to the agencies to stop the letter. The defaults are as follows: Bank Account: £1083 - Defaulted 21/06/2013 Bank Account: £1399 - Defaulted 27/06/2014 Phone Contract: £420 - Defaulted 05/03/2013 Student Credit Card: £415 - Defaulted 27/08/2013 Total Amount: £3316 Experian Credit score: 502 - Very poor Recently I have had some good fortune and I able to pay these debts in full but I am confused as to whether I should or not. The questions I have are: 1.Will paying the debt in full mean it changes the default date and pushes me back in terms of getting a clear credit rating? 2.If I pay the debts in full am I able to improve my credit score within the next 5-6 years ready for when the defaults drop off my account or is there nothing I can do until they do? 3.When is it likely I could be accepted for a mortgage and are there any steps I can take that will help? I'd appreciate any help you guys can throw at me.

Hi........ Just got few questions regarding 5 debts that I have been repaying under a self debt management... In all I have been spreading £200 per month across these five debts, all which the defaults are 6 years old in 28 days time.... After the 6 year dead line, I will be wanting to lower the repayments by at least half, giving the family more money in our pockets each month, what are the possible implications on lower the repayments after the 6 year defaults are removed. I have had NO problems with any of the companies I owe the money to over the last 6 years, and I have maintained the agreed amount for the full six years.... the money still owing will continue to be repaid each month, but at a lower rate, to which I am currently drafting the letters to sent to the five companies after the six years of default are up next month. What action if any can these companies under take in me lower the monthly payments. ? kind regards

Hello all In a past life, I fell into the PayDay loan trap and when push came to shove couldn't afford to repay them. I was brave and went onto my credit report today and found that I have three PayDay loan related defaults, as follows: Motormile Finance Uk Limited £160 Account start date **/10/2010 Opening balance £ 205 Repayment frequency Monthly Date of default **/12/2010 Default balance £ 205 Motormile Finance Uk Limited £ 545 Account start date **/10/2010 Opening balance £ 884 Repayment frequency Monthly Date of default **/11/2010 Default balance £ 878 Instant Cash Loans T/A Payday Uk £ 361 Account start date **/10/2010 Opening balance £ 361 Regular payment £ £ 361 Repayment frequency Monthly Date of default **/04/2011 Default balance £ 361 I notice the Motormile ones have drastically differing amounts - applied charges I assume? I'd very much like to get stuff back on track in respect of my credit rating, and would appreciate advice on the best way to sort it out with the creditors. Many thanks in advance Mr Fish

Hi, I am in the process of trying to source a mortgage however the fact that I have historic defaults on my credit files from telecom companies is causing me problems. These are all with Lowell and range from 4 years to 5 years old. What's the best way of dealing with this to ultimately get the defaults removed off my credit file within the next 3 months due to wanting to take advantage of a "right to buy" offer we have. Obviously I am NOT saying that I don't want to pay these however if its best to go down the "final settlement" route as long as the default is removed etc than I am happy to look at that? Some of the defaults I genuinely don't have a clue what they are and would protest against them if time was not against me. any help would be gratefully received. Many Thanks Scott

If you search about this online you'll find a lot of interesting things but nothing really that clarifies it 100%. Some people claim they have been successful getting prime credit cards etc with defaults over 3 years old while others say it's simply not true. I've read that "most lenders perform what is known as a 3yr search so if you're clean for the last 3yrs it will go unnoticed totally, if you had missed payments or something bad they would perform a full 6yr search and see it" The reason I am interested is because I have a default that will be 3 years old in a few weeks and am wondering whether I should wait for this before I apply for a student credit card? And if so will it be ok to apply the exact day the default is 3 years old or wait a further few days/weeks? Any advice would be appreciated

If I have 2 defaults on my credit record dating back to 2012 they show on credit checks left alone I'm guessing they will go statute barred in 3 yrs time However IF I paid the debts off in full when does the defaults go off the credit record? in 3 yrs time or in 6 yrs time?

Hi, I have multiple defaults, all are unsettled. Most of the defaults have been on my file for a few years now but I'm looking to get a couple wiped off completely (if I have any chance of doing so, and if there is even any point at all). So my first question is, I have a default from Natwest dating back 4 years ago, so it's only a couple of years until it drops off anyway. But seeing as the original debt was only £25 and they ended up charging me and charging me taking my debt with them to well over £500, and they defaulted me on that amount do I have a case with them? Secondly, am I right in saying if I send all of my defaults an SAR individually, do they have to provide me with proof of sending me a default in the first place? Because there are two other defaults on my account that I can't remember even getting default notices for. And, if they can't prove it, is that a case also? I also have one final question, I have a few defaults, but if I can only get one default removed and not the other two is that going to make any positive affect on my credit history whatsoever? Thanks a lot. Jay

Hi, thank you for looking at my thread... I will try and explain what has happened to me, hopefully I don't confuse anyone In the beginning of 2009 I took a loan out with Amigo Loans, at the time I was working full time and was paying my loan of fine... However, near the end of 2009 I lost my job (the famous recession) and I fell pregnant (not perfectly timed) my pregnancy was awful, I was suffering from horrendous morning sickness and the G.P had signed me off sick, up until Nov 2010 I continued to make payments from my savings... Till it ran out, amigos didn't really send myself or my guarantor any letters chasing the debt - and I just got busy with my daughter... In sept 2013 I received documents from Amigos to take court action (it was expected) and I did everything, fill in the income/expenditure form - I can't remember if I did a defence (I have never got into debt before so this is all new to me) In Nov 2013 I was handed a CCJ in regards to this debt. Now I was making payments which the courts had stated, I made them every month without fail - with an extra £20 on top to just cover me incase I fell behind. The payments were taken via direct debit without a problem, till March 2015 - Amigos didn't take a payment in a payment, I don't know why - the direct debit is still active. I then even sent a direct payment of £10 to see if it will start the direct debits off, but it didn't - at the time I was going through depression and counselling so I had other problems. Anyways in June 2015 I requested a copy of my credit report - now on there is the CCJ which is fine, but there is also an account with Amigos on my credit report which shows as though it is in arrears - the account does not have a default on it. Now I sent an email to Amigo on 11th August 2015 requesting that they put a default on my credit file therefore allowing lenders to see the account is defaulted and not in arrears - however they refused this?! The issue I got is, I feel like I am being punished severely as this arrear will never leave my credit file - my understanding is that CCJ's are removed after 6 years but a loan which is in arrears will remain on my credit file? Is there any kind of grounds I can use for them to put a default on the account 3-6 months after it went into arrears in Nov 2010? I will try and attach a copy of my credit file showing these... Sorry my thread is so long, I thought I'd give as much info as possible.

Hi all, Been reading the forums trying to figure out my best options, so many articles to read! I have been silly and got myself into debt I started with a CapitalOne - Luma Credit Card (£500 Limit - 2013) a couple of years ago to start building my credit, all was going well, got the letter " You're doing well, we are pleased to say we will be increasing your credit limit to £750" I didnt think much of it as I was generally just using now and then and paying in full each month. At the same time I also applied for an RBS Platinum card but was turned down. I then a week later got a letter to say my card is on its way with a £1200 limit. I was planning to get rid of the Luma because of the interest difference but didn't get around to it. Work went a little quiet and I pretty much lived off of the CC's. So I got a loan with my bank (Natwest) to pay them off and do some other stuff. That loan was all cleared in full before the actual end date. Then the same thing, I started living off of the cards again so they got to their limits fairly quickly with christmas and all that! I also got a Very account for my partner to use and pay me when she got paid. She always paid! Sometimes the money didn't come off of the bill though and then I started to buy a few bits. "Buy now pay later" sounded good at the time for a new hoover and tv. I then purchased some items from Premierman/Jacamo and they automatically gave me £300 credit, which I refused to use for a long time, but then it was just there one day Account now behind and at £592 with a lot being late fees and intersest- Limit was raised to £500 I think it was. Then came my biggest mistake, getting a 118 Money Loan for £1000 in 2014 at some silly rate I cant remeber now. It was supposed to be a short-term thing & paid off within a couple of months! Dispite all the debts, I was keeping up with all my payments most months paying double the minimum. Couple times was a week or 2 late but nothing too bad. I was very silly and I was pretty much living on the limit of my wages though. Where it all started going wrong... I was having really bad problems at work with my "Supervisor" and "Manager" which was also her Husband.. I was on a 0 Hr contract so to cut a long story (and a very stressfull time) short.. they wasn't playing fair with my wages because of the problems we had. Which obviously led to not being able to keep up with my payments, and then once I had missed a few I couldn't afford to catch up. I then spoke to my father who lent me the money to get back on track and then I missed some again with work and other problems cropping up. So since then I haven't really made any payments due to not being able to afford to catch up, and also sort of got into the "If I ignore it, it will go away" frame of mind where I was so low in myself and everything else going on in my life. I have now left the compay I worked for because the whole company is a joke to be honest and it feels so good not going there each day! But with that came even less money.. Its been a few months since leaving and I am now starting to feel a bit better myself and wanting to get myself back on track and sort my life out! Litte break down: Natwest Overdraft - £350 118 Money - £1000 Loan - Paid £675.55 - Current Balance £1239.09 - CCJ 09/07/2015 RBS Platinum Card - £1200 Limit - Current Balance £1534.65 - DEFAULTED CapitalOne Luma - £750 Limit - Current Balance £893.62 - DEFAULTED Very - £850 Limit - Current Balance £1027.18 - I beleive also DEFAULTED Premier Man - Limit £5/600 - Current Balance £591.24 - Agreed to £30 P/M Vodafone - £484 - Collection Agency - Fredrickson? - 27th Aug Deadline or they Terminate. Money Way - Remaining Balance - £38 -Upto Date £12 P/M since started. I checked my file with Noodle and I can only see one Default and all of them were apparently issued over a month ago. Not quite sure how that works. Vodafone is due to some how my data going over by £130! Myself and most of my family have been with vodafone for a very long time. I never missed payments and never gone over my actual monthly plan of £45. So I was quite shocked to recieve a bill for £180+ I spoke with them on many occasions saying how can I have used this, all my bills before and after that have never gone over. I told them I cant afford to pay it. They said they cant help in anyway. I have now been restricted since May and only realised recently I am still being charged for each month even though I am restricted. So now at £484. And if not paid by 27th of Aug then they will be terminating my contract so I will be looking around £700 plus charges. I havent used the cards or accounts for months, so all the over limit stuff is Interest pushing me over, then being charged for going over and then late payment fees.. I also know over the years I have paid ALOT of bank charges! Shall I look into claiming back? I am trying to sell my car at the moment, but I dont know what my best option is with paying stuff once I do. I have seen people mentioning Full & Finals with Default Removal, or agreeing to payment plan and CCJ being canceled. CCA? I was going to look at doing a DMP for the time being until finace situation changes. I am hoping to get my own company up and running soon and hopefully start building up some decent books and was hoping in a few years to look at buying a house, but this now looks like it wont happen? Again, appoligies for the long story, I wanted to make sure I included as much as I can. Lol. Thank you for reading, Regards, Mike.

Hi all, This morning I discovered that Shop Direct having been putting defaults onto my credit file every month since 2013! This is for a debt that was sold to Lowells in 2012. Subsequently, Lowells agreed that they would take no action against me and the debt was cancelled due to having no proof that I ever had a credit account with Shop Direct. Can I get shop direct to remove/stop the defaults. They have not contacted me for payment since before they sold the debt to Lowells. I hadn't checked my credit files for so long because I haven't applied for any credit since 2011 due to being at university. My credit file is otherwise spotless! Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Hello, I entered a DMP 12 years ago which still has another 8 years to go. Most of the debts defaulted me over 6 years ago so the records have fallen off my credit reports although I am still paying them through my DMP. The remaining debts I am attempting to get removed. Due to family issues money is very tight at the moment and I am starting to begrudge paying my DMP as I feel that the DCA's have probably had more money off me than they paid for the debt. I also regret not going bankrupt or simply not paying as either way I wouldn't have these payments hanging over me now as the bankruptcy would have ended long ago or the debts become statute barred. I wanted to "do the right thing" but now I am wondering what would happen if I simply stopped paying my DMP now (after I have hopefully got the remaining defaults showing backdated and therefore removed from my record). Could the DCA's get a CCJ ? If they did would it show on my credit report given that the debts have already fell off ?

Can a borrower be a defaulter if a credit agreement is unenforceable? Whilst looking for information on this subject I came across a case that I am struggling with slightly, see attachment. This seems to be a complex question and I am looking for clarity on this subject. Using the information within my attachment can someone clarify whether or not it is correct to make an entry in to a debtor/s credit file that they are in default. "Dispute Resolution analysis: Can a lender properly register a default with a credit reference agency where a borrower has not made payment under a so-called 'irremediably unenforceable' credit agreement? William Hibbert, a barrister at Henderson Chambers, considers the Court of Appeal's decision in Grace and another v Black Horse Ltd". Info from here http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:_V-Ok_yftNIJ:www.hendersonchambers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Can-a-borrower-be-a-defaulter-Lexis-article-William-Hibbert-21.11.14.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk

Hi all Can a creditor register a Default on a credit file long after a Bankruptcy Order if the debt was registered on the Bankruptcy? Any help much appreciated. Thanks

Hi, I recently created a thread in another sub-section and I was very happy with the advice I received and it enabled me to get a default cleared from my name. However I have another issue as it seems I have 2 defaults on my credit file for the same debt. I defaulted on a Lloyds current account in 2010, I left the balance as zero but their account charges and returned DD charges pushed my account to around £450 overdrawn and then they defaulted me. They placed a default on my credit file then sold the debt to Lowell portfolio who then also registered a default so I have 2 for the same debt. I have tried to get experian to resolve this but I get hit with the same jargon as other people have that when a lender looks at my credit report they will only see 1 default. This is not the case as I recently applied for a mortgage and I had to send a copy of my report and it had both in there and both had to be logged on the application form for the mortgage. Can anyone advise me how to get the default removed from my credit file. Who do I write to? Are experian correct or is it still not right for 2 defaults to be on my credit file for the same debt? I was given an offer of a mortgage at a very high rate because of this 2nd default and I could do with getting it removed? Also where do I stand with regards to the original debt of £450. I didnt borrow any money and it is made up entirely of their charges even though I notified them that I had lost my job and not to take any more money from my account? I keep getting letters saying I can pay half price and they will clear the debt and have been told when they do this its because they have no legal right to claim the money? Advice needed.... Also I have SAR'd them and received all my paperwork its almost 500 pages but from the statements you can clearly see that its made up of only charges. I was helped before by DX who I thank enormously if I can get this matter sorted then everything will be complete. I await your replies and help and thank everyone in advice. This forum is amazing and like others I have spent countless hours reading it. Thanks Also just to say I will take the matter to court and follow it through until the end. I am quite handy at preparing documents and would have no trouble firing off letters or writing documents for court if it enables me to remove these defaults as they are unfairly affecting my life. I could live with the 1 default but the double whammy of 2 for same debt is too much. And i got it wrong the deafult is from November 2011.

My girlfriend had a number of debts from 2008 and before. She totally ignored them and didn't know what to do and how to go about addressing any of it. Thanks to some very helpful information from this forum - we sent SARs and got back lots of information in 2012. We decided to "sit tight" with everything and wait things out until they became statute barred. As far as I can tell (having waded through the reems of information sent back) they are statute barred now (no payments made in 6 years +).. .with the last one to become so next month - July 2015. This one is still showing on credit record though (only checked noddle recently) - what do we need to do to get it removed as soon as the 6 years from default date arrives? As soon as this hits 6 years - is it worth signing up to Equifax, Experian, (any others?) and reviewing all information on them and ringing / writing to them all to as accounts are removed if over 6 years? Etc? She also was receiving various demand letters from different debt collection companies from about 2009-2013 and early 2014, but this has all dried up now with nothing recieved in over a year. Is it worth sending some kind of letter to any of the companies now to state that no contact should be made again as debts are all statute barrred , or can this just be left as it is now and all paperwork saved in case of future contact?

Hello, I have 2 current defaults on my credit file (both of which are being appealed). Both are from April 2010, and both debts become SB in August of this year. I am in contact with both debtors with the 3 letter process and nervously awaiting any action they may take before August. My question is regarding the affect these old defaults have. My noddle credit rating still say 1 out of 5 despite the fact I have no other problems and an up to date bank account and mobile phone contract, and on electoral role etc. What would happen after the 6 years, will these defaults disappear off my credit file, or do I have to request to have them removed. Could these 5 year old defaults be the reason my credit rating is so low? Thanks Everyone.

Hello, I have just checked my Credit file and I have 3 new defaults on my file from Cabot. Cabot have only just brought all 3 of these debts from Northern Rock. If the same debts were defaulted by NR before they sold them on are Cabot allowed to do this? I am unsure if they were defaulted but believe they would have been. The debts (loans) were taken out in approx: Aug 2006 Aug 2007 Aug 2008 All have recently Mar 15 been sold to Cabot who have then placed a default on my file? CCA requests have been sent for all 3 debts. Is there any other way other than a SAR to find out if they had been defaults previously with NR. Thank you

Afternoon everyone! I have successfully had 3 defaults removed, 3 debts written off and I am in the process of having one more default removed and debt written off! I have been on my journey for about a year! Its flew over, and brings me excitement to challenge these DCA! especially with so many positive results! I will be going into more and more detail! Good Luck - any questions?

Hello, I am new to this forum, so firstly hello! I have 3 defaults on my credit file, with between 3 and 5 years remaining till they drop off. I am trying to decide the best way to deal with them and improve my credit rating as quick as possible. I have read around ref F&F settlement offers etc... and would like a clear answer on the best way to go. From what I can see I have the following options: 1. Leave as is and make minimum payments (the entire acount will drop off after 6 years anwyway) 2. Make a F&F offer demanding that defaults are removed and account settled (anyone every achieved this?) 3. Make F&F offer and accept file marked as partially settled I want to apply for a mortage at some point, hence why I am now trying to get these defaults dealt with. If no matter what I do the default will remain, then I might as well just make a F&F offer (or mimimum payment) and save myself some money in the long run. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers

Hello, this is my first ever post!!!! I am looking to clarify some information i have heard please if anyone can help. I got into and am still in a big financial mess due to long term ill health and not being able to work. I had 13 credit cards and 4 bank accounts that all defaulted about 2 years ago. They are with all the main institutions... Halifax, RBS, MBNA , Barclaycard, HSBC etc. I have standing orders set up paying them all £1 per month, as advised by the debt charities i spoke to. All have frozen interest and charges, and have not sold on the debt due to my ill health. This is what i want clarity on please: 1. After 6 years, I understand all info relating to those cards disappears from my CRA files, but what happens to any debt still left unpaid? Does this just get written off? Clearly at the rate of £1 per month, in 6 years, only £72 will have been paid off of each card! 2. is it a good idea to continue paying £1 per month for all this time? Thanks you all in advance.

Hi all, Sorry new here but hoping you may be able to help. I have just registered with noodle as had started to receive calls from a company called MKRR. They wanted me to confirm who I was but as I had no idea who they were and so wouldn't confirm anything with them until they confirmed who they were. Unfortunately they are now persistant and a web search revealed they were a debt collection agency yet until i can confirm who they are and what they represent and want I am not comfortable passing their identity confirmation checks!!! Once registered with noodle I was surprised to see 3 defaults on my file. One was from Mkdp llp with a default date of 30/11/2010 and the other two are from Marlin financial with a default date of 29/11/2011. Obviously neither of these companies are MKRR and I'm not sure where these defaults have come from as I have never received a default notice and not sure what the debts are for? Anyone have any suggestions of how to tackle this? With many thanks in advance, ZF

Hi, I have posted here before and have had the best help from everyone here and am now wondering if I could get just a little more. Motormile Finance have added 2 defaults to my credit file, both for payday loans, I have only just realised as I haven't been checking my credit file on a regular basis recently. 1 of the accounts was supposedly Default in 04/2012 but has only been on my report for 4 months and the other was supposedly Default in 10/2009 but has only been on my report for 3 months? The plan was to issue a CCA request, do I need to issue a CCA request for each one? Also, does anyone have anything else they can shed any light on about these people and how I should go about handling them?