hi i'm relocating overseas next year and have over 20000k of debts on a unsecured loan and credit card, what would happen if i didn't settle the outstanding debts? would they be able to track me down if i'm overseas and have a new bank account?

Thinking of doing a Buster Edwards to Mexico... by any chance.?

Debts will still be pursued once they find you; they have long established tried and tested methods at their disposal , it may just take a little longer than normal but they will very probably find you in the end, especially as the amount is substantial.

Most, if not all creditors have links to debt collection agencies in the UK who in turn have an association with their counterparts in foreign countries, they will usually just charge a % commission for the recovery of the debt that is passed over to them for their collection.

well south africa so do you reckon there is still good chance then? they would be able to recover the full amount too?

Whenever £20k is at stake, I reckon it will not only be highly likely ....it would be inevitable.!

Buster

Conmankiller is right, they will pursue you. The debt will be passed to a company who will carry out international searches and once located, they will employ collection agents/lawyers in South Africa.

I have read of people being pursued in many parts of the world, EU countries, India and the US. Another poster mentioned that they were having difficulty getting a credit card in Asia, as the banks there carried out searches on their UK credit history.

My advice for what it is worth, is to get your financial arrangements in South Africa sorted out first. e.g. Bank Account and Credit Card. Then come to an arrangement with the companies you owe money to, to make payments. If they know you are leaving the country they may be willing to accept a lump sum full and final payment, for a percentage of the amount owed. This is a lot better than messing your credit record up and then being hasled in SA.

Huckster