How do i stand refusing to pay a debt?

Question

i live in the u.k and I ran up a mobile phone bill of £1,500. i was paying monthly instalments and got it down to £583. i stopped paying for finacial reasons but the debt was left, i never heard anything and they never chased me up for it. i went to get credit last year and was refused because of this so i rang the company to pay in full but was told by the manager of accounts that the debt was too old and had been written off and i was unable to pay it as i no longer owe them money as such. but it would stay on my credit file for 7 years. 3 years later of not hearing nothing they have now passed it onto a a solicitor who is demarnding the money, im refusing to pay it as i was told i di not owe it anymore. just need to legaly if i have any grounds to fight it as i am going to let it go to court as i dont see that i should pay it when i offerd to settle this over a year ago. and what can they do? they can not take any belongings from me as nothing is in my name and i accept i will recieve a ccj. i just want to no the reality of it. thankyou

Answer 1

If you have it in writing that they refused payment then you are o.k. If not, you should try to send them $5.00 (or whatever) if they come back to say that this is not suitable, I would then return by asking if they are refusing my payment. If you have it in writing that the company is refusing payment then you are o.k. if you go to court you could then say that you tried to pay the bill, but they refused your payments. Don't try to pay such a low figure that a judge would laugh, but keep it some what low so they will refuse it. If at all possible pay with a check, so that you will have this to use as proof. You need to gather as much proof that they are refusing your payment as possible. Worth a shot.

Answer 2

I don't know how it works in the UK, but if you were in the US they would garnish your wages.  And that does NOT look good to your employer.  Pay it. That is the honorable thing to do.  You are going to be fighting a loosing battle.

Answer 3

What has happened is that a collection agency bought this debt, and is now trying to collect it from you.  This goes on all the time.  It is legal and you will be taken to court eventually to pay the balance of the debt.  You actually still owe the debt, although they told you it was written off.  What you do is work with the collection agency.  Promise to pay $10.00 or so each month.  Over here in the US $l0.00 is considered a "good faith payment".  You will be paying indefinitely for the debt, or if you decide to get it over with pay it all.  However, because you are upset about it, "$l0.00 would be enough for them each month.  As for a receipt each time, and a balance due for the next time.  If they cannot provide you with this, tell them this is the only way you will cooperate with them.  Keep paying your faithful "$10.00 until the debt is resolved.  What the credit bureau will do is to show that you are paying on the bill, and it will help you to have a better credit rating.  I guess you wonder how I know so much about this situation.  I know because I have the same situation, and this is how I am resolving it.  Be Blessed Now -- Toni D.  

Answer 4

just make mininum payments! NOTHING THEY CAN DO!

Answer 5

You will lose. Take responsibility and pay it. It's a hard way to learn a lesson, but maybe in the future you will not be so careless. Good Luck!

Answer 6

if you don't pay it, it will continue to ruin your credit record and you probably would not be able to get a new cell phone account with any other cell phone provider until it is paid off

Answer 7

If you used the services PAY.  Dont be trashy.  They had already sent it to collections when you called, they don't have to tell you.  it your responsibility to track your credit.  Stop wasting the tax payers and courts time.  peckerwood