Another USA/UK debt question...
 

I left the UK ~3 1/2 years ago, move to USA and left a few debts behind. I was keeping up payments until about 18 months ago. I won't go into why I stopped paying, doesn't really matter. They obviously know where I am because I was being a good boy for about 2 years and currently reside at the same address.
A debt has been sold to a UK collections agent and they have contracted a Canadian company to collect. I have received a letter from the Canadian agent requesting full payment.
I'm not in a position to pay them and will be changing address in 4 months.
Am I correct to assume that if they don't know where I am, they can't get the money? And also, am I correct to assume that until they contract to a US based firm, they can't force any collection?

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

Zero sympathy from me. Just pay them. Take out a zero-percent loan (credit card) if you have to.

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

I'm not sure of the answer to either question but I know they are probably more likely to negotiate a much lower settlement that the original creditor. They will have bought the debt cheap and will have room for bargaining a lower debt and often much better payment rates.

Since you have 4 months left where you are, I'd consider talking to them first. Ask them how much they will settle for and from there, tell them (not ask) that you can afford $x a month in repayment. See what they say - I know people who've reduced the debt by a lot of money and then only had to pay back $50 a month or something til it was done.

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

Are you serious...they don't know where you are?!?! This is 2007 they won't have to do much digging to trace you.

If you only have 4 months payments to make call them and negotiate a settlement...don't have this hanging over you.

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

Bloody parasites on society ....pay the damn bills ...

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

Aaah but how big are the bills? Sometimes its better to run, but is there anywhere to hide?

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

It's best not to get into that position in the first place.

Re: Another USA/UK debt question...
 

Don't speak to them or pay them a cent UNTIL you know exactly what your strategy is going to be. If the sum is small, you can probably lose them. Specialist board available @ http://http://www.creditboards.com/forums/