Debt Prescription Self-Check

Helps you work out whether an old debt a collector is chasing might have prescribed, what to check before you pay anything, and when to get legal help. It cannot tell you that a debt has prescribed: only a legal professional or a court can do that.

Think about one debt at a time, the one a collector is asking you to pay. Have any letters, SMSes or statements nearby if you can. This check does not decide anything legally. It helps you know what to ask and who to ask. Private. Your employer never sees your answers. You can stop anytime.

Private: your answers stay on this device and are not saved. You can stop at any time.

What kind of debt is it?
Is it more than three years since you last paid anything at all on this debt, even a small amount?
In the last three years, have you signed or sent anything that admits you owe it (an acknowledgement of debt, a payment arrangement, an email, SMS or WhatsApp saying you will pay)?
In the last three years, has a sheriff or anyone delivered a summons or court papers to you about this debt?
As far as you know, is there a court judgment for this debt on your credit report?
Did the original lender or a collector contact you about this debt, and did you agree on the phone that you would pay?
Is the collector asking for a small 'good faith' payment, or saying a payment will 'reactivate' or 'settle' the account?
Has the amount grown far beyond what you originally owed, or do you not recognise the collector?