Lantern email

[englishgirl]

So just received the below email from Lantern. They email me periodically about old payday loans I had in 2011/2012 that have been off my credit report for ages. I never completely paid them off as lost my job at the time. For years they were very quiet except for the odd letter or email from MMF or other DCA. Normally I ignore them as I have no assets and it is going statue barred if it hasn't already but it seems like they seem to be gearing up to take more action than just emailing me. I have been concentrating on paying what I can afford to priority debts. Anyway received a letter about a month ago from Lantern saying they had merged all my accounts with them into one shiny new reference number for ease. But interestingly the balance on that letter was half the balance of what is quoted on the email I received today so not quite sure what to make of that. I just had a look at my clearscore and noodle report and none of the accounts that they talk about in other emails are active on my credit report even today so I am not sure what to do. If I had the money i would be inclined to accept one of their offers but I am not and since it is statue barred very soon. Think it was mostly November 2012 when I defaulted.

My question is what are my options. Can I send them a letter asking them to prove that the debt isnt statue barred etc or simply wait for the letter from them saying I have to reply within 30 days letter that seems to be common when they are about to send claim forms out. I have been successful in have two previous court cases thrown out due to other DCA not having the correct paperwork so not afraid to challenge but just not sure what to do about this one.

As always any advice gladly received.


CUSTOMER REFERENCE: ..
CURRENT OUTSTANDING BALANCE:

Dear me

We are delighted to inform you that we can offer you a significant discount and thought we would illustrate these for you:

Offer	Settlement Offer	Details
1	50% off your current balance –	Up to 2 monthly instalments of £ to settle your account
2	40% off your current balance -	Up to 3 monthly instalments of £ to settle your account
3	30% off your current balance -	Up to 4 monthly instalments of £ to settle your account
4	20% off your balance -	Up to 6 monthly instalments of £ to settle your account

What next ?

1. Select the discount option that suits you.
2. Work out the date you can start to pay.
3. Choose your preferred payment method - you can find all of the payment methods detailed on our website at www.lanternuk.com
4. Visit our self-service portal at www.lanternuk.com/account and set up your plan.
5. Email these details to us at customerservice@lanternuk.com or give us a call and we will set up your plan and apply your discount on 0113 887 6876.

What happens if I ignore this communication?

• The full amount becomes payable as this discount option will no longer be available.

• You will not have peace of mind that you have one affordable repayment plan for all your accounts.
• The full amount may be outsourced to our solicitors for assessment, or for action via our external recovery partners.

If we do not hear from you within the next 5 days we will commence the next course of action.

Yours sincerely

Lantern

[smintram]

I would ignore them. Likelihood is, that they know they are statute barred, and are hoping that you don't realise this. If they've now dropped off your credit file, they probably are now SB.

[englishgirl]

Thanks for response, think I agree and will remain quiet and see what they do next.