Dependent on what type of debt it was; providing it was unsecured credit, you can argue that the creditor is out of time or “statute barred” from taking you to court for this debt:
If - The creditor has not already obtained a judgment against you
And - You, or any one else owing the money (on a debt in joint names) have not made a payment on the debt during the last six years
And - You have not written to the creditor admitting you owe the debt during the last six years.
I am not going into how they get your details just accept the fact they have their ways. !
You need to send them a edited copy of the letter below by recorded delivery to notify them of your stance, the debt can never be legally enforced after this,..although they may try to get you to pay..never speak to them on the phone.
................................................. .....................................................
Your Name:
Your Address:
Date
To:
WITHOUT PREJUDICE
Dear Sir/Madam
Account No:
You have contacted me/us regarding the account with the above reference number, which you claim is owed by myself/ourselves.
I/we would point out that under the Limitation Act 1980 Section 5 "an action founded on simple contract shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued".
I/we would also point out that the OFT say under their Debt Collection Guidance on statute barred debt that "it is unfair to pursue the debt if the debtor has heard nothing from the creditor during the relevant limitation period".
The last correspondence/payment/acknowledgement or payment of this debt was made over six years ago and no further acknowledgement or payment has been made since that time. Unless you can provide evidence of payment or written contact from me/us in the relevant period under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, I/we suggest that you are no longer able to take any court action against me/us to recover the alleged amount claimed.
The OFT Debt Collection Guidance states further that "continuing to press for payment after a debtor has stated that they will not be paying a debt because it is statue barred could amount to harassment contrary to section 40 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1970".
I/we await your written confirmation that no further contact will be made concerning the above account and confirmation that this matter is now closed.
I/we look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully
(Your signature)