1. Can a Written-Off Loan Still Be Chased in the UK?
If your old loan was written off, it usually means the lender decided they could no longer collect payments. However, “written off” doesn’t always mean “wiped out.” The debt may have been:
- Sold to a debt collection agency – who may still contact you.
- Written off for tax purposes – but legally still owed.
- Classed as uncollectable – but not formally forgiven.
2. The Law on Old Loans and Statute-Barred Debts
Under the Limitation Act 1980:
- Most unsecured loans (personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts) become statute-barred after 6 years in England & Wales (5 in Scotland).
- The 6 years start from your last payment or written acknowledgment of the debt.
- Once statute-barred, the debt cannot be enforced in court.
3. Why You May Still Be Chased for a Written-Off Loan
Debt collectors may still contact you even if:
- The loan has been sold multiple times.
- The lender already wrote it off in their accounts.
- The debt is statute-barred but the agency is trying to pressure you into paying voluntarily.
4. Your Rights If Chased for an Old Loan Written Off
- You are not legally obliged to pay a statute-barred debt.
- Debt collectors cannot take court action on unenforceable debts.
- You have the right to request proof of the debt (original credit agreement).
- Harassment by debt collectors is unlawful under FCA rules.
5. How to Check If Your Loan is Statute-Barred
Ask yourself:
- Have you made any payments in the last 6 years?
- Have you acknowledged the debt in writing within that time?
- Has the lender obtained a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
- If no to all, it is likely statute-barred.
6. Steps to Take If You’re Being Chased
- Do not ignore letters – check the details carefully.
- Request proof – Ask the debt collector to send the original loan agreement.
- Check the limitation period – If 6+ years have passed, tell them it is statute-barred.
- Send a “statute-barred debt” letter – stating you will not be paying.
- Report harassment – to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or FCA if collectors keep pursuing you unlawfully.
7. When You Might Still Have to Pay
- If the lender obtained a CCJ before the debt became statute-barred.
- If the loan was secured (e.g., against your home), as limitation periods are longer.
- If you have made recent payments or acknowledgments that reset the limitation clock.
8. Can Debt Collectors Harass You for Old Loans?
No. They may contact you, but they must:
- Stop if you tell them the debt is statute-barred.
- Not threaten court action on unenforceable debts.
- Follow FCA and Consumer Credit Act rules.
9. Options If You Can’t Confirm the Status of the Loan
- Get a credit report (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to see if the debt is listed.
- Send a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the lender for full account history.
- Seek advice from a solicitor or debt adviser for confirmation.
10. How Solicitors Can Help
A debt solicitor can:
- Confirm whether the loan is enforceable.
- Write formal letters to stop harassment.
- Defend you if debt collectors try to take unlawful court action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can a debt collector chase me after 6 years?
Yes, they can contact you, but they cannot enforce the debt in court if it is statute-barred.
Q2. What if my old loan was sold to another company?
The new company must prove they have the legal right to collect it.
Q3. Does “written off” mean I no longer owe the loan?
Not always. It may mean the lender gave up collecting, but they could still sell it.
Q4. Can I ignore old debt letters?
No, always check first—some debts may still be enforceable.
Q5. Can an old loan affect my credit file?
Debts older than 6 years usually drop off your credit report unless a CCJ was issued.
Q6. Should I pay a statute-barred debt to improve my credit score?
No, paying won’t improve your credit file once the debt is off your report.
Conclusion
If you are being chased for an old loan written off still being chased UK, you may not legally have to pay. Many old debts are statute-barred, meaning collectors cannot enforce them in court. Always request proof, check the limitation period, and seek legal advice before making payments. By knowing your rights, you can stop harassment and move on financially.