Santander - Applying Credit Card Refund against Statute Barred Debt?

[donuticing]

Santander has written to me to tell me that due to a historic system error, they didn't send me a Notice of Sums in Arrears and owe me in the region of a couple of thousand pounds that includes stat interest at 8%.

The card was opened in 2010 and was closed down presumably a few years later. I've heard nothing for over 6 years. (It is definitely a statute-barred debt) There is nothing on my credit file. I've had no letters regarding it.

The issue is that they are offsetting the refund against this historic balance.

I realise that I owe/d them the money but the credit card debt was presumably written off years ago.

Is there any way that I could get them to send me a cheque instead? I am on a low salary so it would be very helpful.

Thanks for any helpful advice in advance!

[MoneyNerd]

Hmm, I think that's wishful thinking. You could ask, but I wouldn't get your hopes up

[MIKE770]

They can no doubt as HSBC did to us a few years ago, as your account was in default (balance owing) then if they are refunding you they would clear existing out standing amount - any left over would go to you??? that is my understanding of it, also why would a company take a possible great loss then make that loss expanded further in paying extra to a person who owed them in the 1st place? do you seem what I am getting at???