Bah....I can't believe this is happening...

[Jahan&Veena 4]

As far as I know, EU organizations are not allowed to share any info about an individual's affairs outside the EU - this is what the Data Protection Act is all about.

Also, if you file bankruptcy in the UK then 1) you will get rid of all your UK debts and 2) it will not show on your credit file in the US as credit histories do not travel with u! However, it will show on your UK credit history for 10 years.

[perfect 39]

Have a look at this link, it's directly from the FTC and deals solely with fair debt collecting practices.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fdc.htm

UK collection agencies are covered by basically the same regulations.

[JamalNTam 1]

As far as I know, EU organizations are not allowed to share any info about an individual's affairs outside the EU - this is what the Data Protection Act is all about.

Also, if you file bankruptcy in the UK then 1) you will get rid of all your UK debts and 2) it will not show on your credit file in the US as credit histories do not travel with u! However, it will show on your UK credit history for 10 years.

It will show on your record in the UK for up to 7 year. I'm planning on going bankrupt in the uk before I get to the states as I know that there is no way I can pay due to the fact i'll be going to college and the exchange rate! And I would be scared to keep the debt because companies in the UK are using more and more ways to try and pass the debt abroad and to actually find people! It scares me! Good luck x

[Adam M 0]

JJ,

Just a quick couple of thoughts.

1. As has already been mentioned, make sure they supply you with verification of the debt. If nothing else, this will probably buy you several months (especially considering the original paperwork is somewhere in the UK!)

2. Get yourself over to the Consumer Action Group website. If you have ever been charged a late fee or overlimit fee, you will have good grounds to challenge the amount of the debt (as these charges are unlawful - read about it on the site!) which will delay things even further and probably you'll have to pay less.

Obviously don't put this off forever, as it's going to catch up eventually, but it sounds like your problem is a temporary one and this could buy you the time you need!!

Adz.

xx