Hi! It seems your comments got here after I announced a result. It was a recognised debt collector, I just chose not to name them. But they didn't admit statute barred - that's what I pointed out to them. This resulted in them admitting defeat and closing the account.

It took just 48 hours to receive the final letter from the debt collectors, confirming the case is now closed and no further action will be taken. Thanks to everyone contributing on this helpful forum, and especially the brilliant wording of the library letters. Good luck to you all.

Ta so much, Elsa!

Thanks so much for a detailed and informative reply.

I think the overall cost to be on my doorstep would strip down their profits nicely!

Mmm! Whose is the most threatening? Their demand or the content of the statute barred letter? But seriously, I don't know if emails are acceptable in the legal requirements in this field. Thanks for the comment.

Two days ago (18th Aug 2009) I received an unsecured email from a well-known debt collector, alleging a debt of less than three-thousand pounds going back to 1994. A few days ago they coaxed my elderly sister in England to giving them my home address and email address. (I am retired, living in Asia) They admitted in the email that the well-known British bank closed the account in 1994 and sold off the alleged debt. In a second email they also confirmed that no original credit agreement is in existence, but quoted the alleged agreement number. They want to know how and when I intend to pay them! During all this time, I haven't received any communication, and so obviously haven't acknowleged the alleged debt. I have sent them an email version of the Statute Barred letter. But surely emails aren't accepted as proof of communication?

Here's a classic that should make us smile! Two days ago (18th Aug 2009) I received an unsecured email from a debt collector who'd got my email address from my elderly sister in England. (I live in Asia) It refers to an alleged debt going back to 1994. The company admitted in the email that they cannot produce the original signed agreement. They also confirmed the bank concerned closed the account in 1994 and sold off the alleged debt. There has been no court case - nothing. Between then and now I have had no communication from anybody. The debt collector is asking me how I propose to make the repayments! I have sent the statute barred letter by email. But surely emails aren't taken as proof of communication?