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?

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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/