I only just found out that Abbey National whom I held an account with, before I moved house 2 years ago, has placed a default on my credit report, saying that my current account is in the red by £652. The last time I looked at this account it was in credit and I have no idea how this amount of money came about. I have had no communication from them whatsoever, yet I hold my business account with them, surely they could have contacted me? I really don't know what to do now, as I have been just refused a credit card, and I believe that this is the reason why. Please help.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Could you have been a victim of fraud at all. I would get a copy of your credit file and you can disput this entry with the credit reference agencies and then get in touch with Abbey as mistakes do happen. Mind you like you say they could have got in touch with you as you have your business account with them!

Hope this helps

Regards,

I don`t think that I have been a victim of fraud. Since moving house in July 06 I have not used this account but it was in credit the last time I looked.

What are my options can I get this off my credit file? Can I take it to court? Abbey have not contacted me at all in the last two years to explain this situation!! When I contacted them yesterday they said the account was closed and they put me through to debt recovery! I would be happy to clear the balance but I want the default removed First (is this the way to go) Also if they won`t remove the default can I pay the balance of over the next 6 years? ( the length of time the default is on my report) Sorry for all the questions but I dont know what to do about this. Thanks for your help guys.

Paul

I had assumed that this debt arose in some way without me knowing anything about it but may belong to me. I will find out tomorrow. When I spoke to Abbey they knew nothing about it, as they took it upon themselves to close the account. The only people that want to talk to me is the debt recovery department!!

I hope they can tell me all about it?

Paul

Hi Paul,

If you are sure that the debt is not yours then why pay? I would ask Abbey to supply you with a statement with all transactions stated. If you have not made these withdrawls then dont pay. You can then get your credit file amended quite easily. If the default is yours then you will have to pay. Offer to pay what you can and they will have to accept this. The arrangement will stay on your file for 6 years I'm afraid.

Good luck tomorrow

I got speaking to Abbey today and she told me all the transactions since 2006. In 2007 my wife on my Birthday (Aug) took out some money and had forgotten all about it!! So it looks like I am to blame.

I will pay this tomorrow. Can I in anyway ask Abbey to remove the Default since they had not contacted me? I find that this could have been avoided if only they had sent me a letter to my new address. They said that they did not know my current address even though I also have a business account with them. I am really annoyed over this but I find it unfair that over One mistake it will affect my furture for 6 years. I have No other bad debt issues.

If Abbey will not remove the default whats the point in paying the complete balance of £652? I may as well pay it over the next 6 years?

Paul

Hi Paul,

Yes I dont blame you for being annoyed. Ok so this is your debt however I find it strange that they did not contact you and they let it fester for 2 years before contacting you. I think they are talking complete rubbish when they say they didnt know your new address when you have your business account with them. I think you have got a good case for getting this removed from your file. I would put in a formal complaint to the bank (they have procedures in place where they must respond to you in a certain amount of time). Also you have your business account with them. Threaten to close this down if they wont play ball. Pay the debt first though and say you have been treated really unfairly. Another thing I have just thought of . Do you have legal expenses insurance attached to your household insurance. Usually they have a free legal helpline open 24 hours a day. Ring them up and see where you stand maybe before you go to Abbey. If you have your legal facts straight in your favour then they will have to play ball. I would look through your policy (if you need help email again)

I wish you the best of luck - lets hope you beat them!