Worst case scenario for overseas student debt chase if they find me?

[NotMarshallJefferson]

I'm a non-New Zealander (Not a national) with over $50k in NZ student debt going back to 2008 currently living in UK.

I felt bad recently and called NZ Inland Revenue (IRD). Big mistake.

 

They gave me two options.

Pay £1300 a month starting immediately, or we're going to start 'legal action against you in the UK'.

I can't do that.

 

The worst decision ever to call as they had written me off after 2012 when they stopped sending letters to my UK business address.

With my savings I'll last 6 months and be penniless with their payment plan.

I can't work at the moment due to illness.

I would have paid over 5/10 years.

Looking into NZ bankruptcy but I don't think I can, being a non-kiwi with no connection to NZ.

Let's say they call in their UK student debt collection partner CCICM to act of their behalf to collect the debt (or buy the debt?).

Then try to force me into a payment agreement.

 

I've heard of Kiwis defaulting in UK, getting harassed by CCICM then agreeing to a plan with them.

If I refuse to talk to CCICM (I know they're not bailiffs) can they destroy my UK credit rating?

Or worse?

 

What is worse case scenario?

 

Thanks in advance.

[London1971]

Providing they have your current address. Ignore them. Ignore any letter, phone call or email unless it's a PAP Pre Action Protocol. 

 

Chances of that are slim though, so just put it to the back of your mind, nothing to worry about.

[NotMarshallJefferson]

3 minutes ago, London1971 said:

Unless it's a PAP Pre Action Protocol.

 

Ok, thanks so much. Say they serve a PAP. Worst case scenario again? Thanks in advance.

[London1971]

All that means is it's their intention to take you to court.  Of course if that happens we are here to help, and you can defend it.

 

But in my experience of this, it's so unlikely it's not worth worrying about.

[dx100uk]

only the OWNER of the debt can do court in the UK and they'll need an NZ judgement first.

a silly DCA never buys these debts..so stuff and all any DCA can do to you.

if you ever get a PAPLOC from a UK solicitor with their client being an NZ company, comeback here.

 

dx

 

[NotMarshallJefferson]

Thanks for that. I found (removed - dx) on pre-action protocols for anyone reading this thread.
 

[dx100uk]

we already have one thank you.

 

 

[NotMarshallJefferson]

Oh. Didn't know.

Thanks.