Owing bank debt in foreign country

vg88

Hello I hope I posted this in a right forum.

My story is I opened a student account in the czech republic last feburary and said I'll be only using it for a few months as a student. They have a copy of my passport and my former address. I never had more than 20ish quid in it at a go. Anyway I stopped using the card back in May last year.

After moving back to Ireland I haven't heard anything until this morning. I thought I had a debt account as I never took out more than what I owned, I was emailed saying I owe them around 15 euro.

I was wondering what rights to do they have to claim back the money? Should I contact them I don't live there anymore or just leave it alone as they won't be looking for it. Has any else had issues with debt in a foreign country when they never took a loan out in the first place?

I have to pay annual fee on my card. Maybe this is a type of stamps duty for every card holder?

vg88

Deleted User wrote: »

I have to pay annual fee on my card. Maybe this is a type of stamps duty for every card holder?

maybe. But I am wondering what happens if I just leave it. Will they close the account or come looking for me?

While I don't think the StB will come to your door, I would notify them to close the account that you do not live there now

murphaph

If it's owed, then pay it. It's only 15 quid now, but it could grow and grow as it gets passed on from debt collector to debt collector and at some point it could be "worth it" to come after you. It might just get written off by the bank, but you can't know that and for such a small amount of money (if owed and I assume these are account fees rather than you going into overdraft) you should just pay it, making clear that the account is to be closed with immediate effect.

vg88

Thanks for the advice.

Had a friend translate the email, she said I had a Distraint with them. I told her I signed up for a student account and wouldn't pay anything. Just emailed the bank there saying I have no debts with them and to close the account as I don't live in the country. I'll keep this updated.

Hani Kosti

Give me a shout if you need a help with any further translation!

Marcusm

moloner4 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice.

Had a friend translate the email, she said I had a Distraint with them. I told her I signed up for a student account and wouldn't pay anything. Just emailed the bank there saying I have no debts with them and to close the account as I don't live in the country. I'll keep this updated.

Distraint is the process by which they seize your goods to satisfy a debt owed. Sounds like it may have moved on a little past a charge on an account.

stefanovich

Send them a packet of Benson and a few choc ices, that should satisfy their distraint.

vg88

After a couple of emails from them saying something along the lines of "further action may be taken to reclaim the distrait " and myself giving the good old a "gwan on, do it", they said my account will be terminated and my cards cancelled with them as a consequence.

So good result all around