Pastdue Credit Solutions Letter: What to Do

Pastdue Credit Solutions letter: what to do — a practical step-by-step

Receiving a letter, text, email or call from Pastdue Credit Solutions (sometimes referred to online as PDCS) can feel alarming, but there are clear steps to take before making any payment or commitment. The information below sets out exactly what to do, in order, for someone holding that correspondence right now.

UK Debt Team is not affiliated with Pastdue Credit Solutions and this page is not their official website.

Step 1 — Do not ignore it

Setting correspondence aside in the hope it goes away rarely helps. Ignoring contact from a debt collection company can lead to a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which stays on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for six years and can restrict access to credit, tenancies and even some employment. Even if the debt turns out to be disputed or unenforceable, an unanswered claim can still result in a default judgment if no response is filed in time.

The practical starting point is simply to read the letter carefully and note the key details: the name of the original creditor, the account number if shown, the amount claimed, and any reference to legal action. These details are needed for every step that follows.

Step 2 — Check it is genuine

Not every debt-related letter is what it appears to be. Before taking any action, it is worth verifying that the correspondence is genuine and not a scam or a phishing attempt.

• Do not call a number printed in a letter that arrived unexpectedly — look up the company's contact details independently and call that number instead.
• Check whether the letter includes a full postal address and a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reference number. Consumer credit firms are required to be authorised by the FCA.
• The FCA Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk can be used to confirm whether a firm is properly authorised to collect debts.
• Legitimate debt collection firms do not demand payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards or by wire transfer to an individual — these are common fraud indicators.

If anything about the contact feels suspicious, the Financial Conduct Authority's ScamSmart pages on GOV.UK provide further guidance on identifying fraudulent approaches.

Step 3 — Confirm the debt is yours and check the amount

Even if the letter is genuine, that does not automatically mean the debt is correct. Debt accounts can be sold between companies, and balances can be inflated by fees or charges that may not all be legally enforceable. Someone in this situation has the right to request a copy of the original credit agreement and a full statement of account before acknowledging the debt.

Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, for regulated credit agreements, a debtor can write to the company requesting a copy of the executed agreement. The company then has 12 working days to comply. While the request is outstanding and the agreement has not been provided, the debt is technically unenforceable in court — though interest can still accrue.

Step 4 — Check whether the debt could be statute-barred

This is one of the most important steps and one that many people overlook. In England and Wales, under the Limitation Act 1980, most consumer debts become statute-barred if no payment has been made and no written acknowledgement of the debt has been given for six years. In Scotland, the equivalent period under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 is five years.

If a debt is statute-barred, the creditor or debt collector cannot obtain a County Court Judgment to enforce it through the courts — though the debt itself does not legally cease to exist. The limitation clock typically starts from the date of the last payment or the last written acknowledgement of the debt, whichever is more recent.

It is essential not to make any payment, however small, and not to write anything that acknowledges owing the money, until the limitation position has been established. Even a small payment can restart the limitation period in some circumstances. If there is any uncertainty about the dates involved, free specialist advice is available before any contact is made — see the signposting section below.

Step 5 — Request proof of the debt in writing

Once the genuineness of the contact has been confirmed, the next step is to reply in writing (keeping a copy) and request a formal validation of the debt. A written request is preferable to a phone call because it creates a clear record and avoids any suggestion of verbal acknowledgement.

A short letter or email asking for the following is sufficient:

• The name of the original creditor and the original account number.
• The date the account was opened and the date of the last payment or last activity.
• A full statement of account showing how the balance has been calculated, including any fees or charges added.
• A copy of the original credit agreement (for regulated credit).

Sending the letter by recorded post provides proof of delivery. Keeping copies of all correspondence is important throughout this process. Do not include any phrase such as "I owe this debt" or "I acknowledge this balance" — the request is simply for information at this stage.

Step 6 — Work out what, if anything, can realistically be afforded

If the debt has been verified as correct, is not statute-barred, and the amount is accurate, the next practical step is to look at what is genuinely affordable. This means drawing up a simple income and expenditure summary — listing monthly income against essential outgoings such as rent or mortgage, utilities, food, and transport.

What remains after essential costs is called disposable income. Debt collection companies are expected by FCA rules to treat customers in financial difficulty fairly, and many will agree to a payment arrangement if one is proposed in writing with supporting evidence of income and outgoings. No one is legally obliged to pay more than they can afford each month on an unsecured debt.

It is also worth considering whether other debts exist. If Pastdue Credit Solutions is one of several creditors, a formal debt solution such as a Debt Management Plan (DMP), Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), or Debt Relief Order (DRO) may be more appropriate than dealing with each creditor separately. A regulated debt adviser can assess which options are available based on the full picture.

Step 7 — Reply in writing and keep records

Once the position on the debt's validity, limitation, and affordability has been established, any response to Pastdue Credit Solutions should be made in writing. A written reply serves several purposes: it creates a paper trail, avoids misunderstandings that can arise on phone calls, and means there is a record if the matter ever reaches court.

If a payment arrangement is being proposed, include the income and expenditure summary and state clearly what can be paid and how often. If the debt is being disputed — for example because it may be statute-barred, or because the documentation has not been provided — state that clearly without admitting liability.

If calls continue after a written request to communicate only in writing, that request can be referred to in any formal complaint. The Financial Ombudsman Service handles complaints about debt collection firms that are FCA-authorised, and a complaint can be escalated to the Ombudsman if the firm does not resolve it within eight weeks.

Free debt advice — where to find it

Free, regulated debt advice is available from the following organisations, at no cost to the person seeking help:

• MoneyHelper — moneyhelper.org.uk — government-backed service with online tools and telephone advice
• StepChange Debt Charity — stepchange.org — free debt advice and debt management plans
• Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk — free advice on debt, benefits and legal rights
• National Debtline — nationaldebtline.org — free telephone and online debt advice for people in England, Wales and Scotland

These organisations are free to use and are not commercial businesses. Anyone unsure about which formal debt solution might be relevant to their circumstances can speak to one of these services without obligation.

Common questions about Pastdue Credit Solutions letters

Can Pastdue Credit Solutions take someone to court?

Debt collection companies that hold or manage a debt can, in some circumstances, pursue a County Court Judgment if the debt is disputed and unpaid. Whether they do so depends on factors including the age of the debt, the amount, and whether the debt is properly documented. Receiving a letter does not automatically mean court action will follow, but ignoring correspondence increases that risk.

What if the debt does not seem familiar?

It is not uncommon for someone to receive a debt collection letter for an account they do not recognise — particularly if the original creditor has changed its name, sold the debt on, or if the debt is very old. Requesting full written documentation (original agreement, statement of account, assignment notices) is the appropriate response before acknowledging anything. If the debt belongs to someone else entirely, that should be stated clearly in writing, and a complaint can be raised with the FCA if the contact continues.

Is it possible to negotiate the balance?

Some debt collection companies will consider a reduced settlement figure, particularly on older debts. However, any settlement offer should be made in writing, clearly stated as being "in full and final settlement", and obtained as written confirmation from the company before any payment is made. A partial payment that is not formally agreed as full and final settlement does not clear the remaining balance and may restart limitation periods.

What happens if calls keep coming after asking them to stop?

FCA rules under the Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC) set out standards for how debt collection firms must treat customers, including rules around the frequency and nature of contact. If a written request to stop calling has been ignored, a formal complaint to the company is the first step. If that is not resolved within eight weeks, the matter can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which can direct firms to change their behaviour and may award compensation in some cases.