How long can you be chased for a debt?

In 1994 we purchased a computer,it was on hire purchase, needless to say I lost my job and the debt was passed onto a collecting agency. We offered them a certain amount which was refused by them, so I told them where to go. Just today we received a letter from an agency saying they had purchased this debt and were now looking for payment.I though after 6 years the debt was dead, could someone please advise.

How long can you be chased for a debt?
Assuming you're in the UK, the Limitations Act 1980 gives creditors a maximum amount of time to start legal proceedings after the last payment or written contact from the debtor. For most debts, this is six years, or 12 years for mortgages. If you have not paid anything towards a debt or 'acknowledged the debt' in writing (for example, by writing to the creditor about the debt) for more than six years, you should get specialist advice before you speak to the creditor about an arrangement to pay what you owe.





DON'T REPLY TO THEM UNTIL YOU'VE SPOKEN TO A SOLICITOR.





Check whether the debt has been entered as a charge against your property (Land Registry should be able to help). If so, the twelve year rule may apply and you would still be liable for payment.
Reply:You better pay it. Debts don't just disappear if you don't pay them.
Reply:In the US it debts stay on your credit report for seven years. You would need to check with your state to see what the statute of limitations are on debt collection. Most states go by the seven year rule and if they recieved a judgment against you (filed with the court) it would extend to about ten years (depending on your state). All states have different laws, but most are very similar try find-law.com and you can check your credit report at myfico.com. If you make arangments with a collector it will start another seven years (or whatever your state's limitations are), so don't talk with them about the debt. However, if you are looking for better credit to purchase a home, ect. you may want to pay off your debt.
Reply:Your debt will not be wiped out unless you are told so.


It is very common for debts to be sold on then the expenses and interest go onto the debt so you could find you owe a lot more than you borrowed in the first place.


If you ever want to get credit or a mortgage you will be refused as you are put on a debtors list unless you go bankrupt but it is not always worth it for small amounts. Best to offer payments to clear the debt
Reply:Until you pay.
Reply:The debt doesn't go away. Generally after six years they really stop trying. It will stay on your credit report. The only way you can stop being chased for a debt is after you either pay it or file bankruptcy on it.
Reply:no, it doesn't expire. Debt on unsolicited goods expires after 6 months, other than that you're stuck with it.





Becuase it was a debt you were initally notified about, ( which you inadvertently acknowledged by offering them a payment ) you will also be liable for interest. If they are not asking for that, i'd pay up quick as you are getting away lightly.





So, you owe on a computer that is 12 years old, how rubbish does that feel.





Personally, i'd have paid up, there is no stopping debt collection agencies.





You "offered them a certain amount which was refused"...what makes you think the debt is up for negotiation. can I just write to my mortgage people and offer them an amount ? I don't think so.
Reply:I know it's not the 7 years everyone in the United States says it is. They can try to collect long after that. Moreover there is a service charge for all the time and trouble the collection agency has spent on you. Plus there profit.





Collection agencies check obituaries, and if dead collect from a persons estate.
Reply:DEPTS??? they dont die,they grow,and they grow fast the bastards.
Reply:You could be chased for a lifetime I guess! I don't know how much you owe them,but....wouldn't it just be easier if you'd finally find some way to pay your debts? You can run but you cannot hide from responsibilities
Reply:A debt remains active until the party being chased declares bankruptcy, or pays the debt+any due interest or the party pass away.





If you had signed Bills of Exchange these may become invalid through court ruling. The only way how the agency can take money from you is through court, and if you are declared bankrupt then that would be the end of the story...hopefully....
Reply:purchased debts are unenforcable in Scotland ,in england five years tell em to f--k off or you will do em for harrassment.
Reply:A debt will follow you, haunt you, and torment you until either you die or it is paid. If you want to contend the debt, try civil court.