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Have Question...Need Help

October 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

So, I was checking the house phone's messaging system and there was a call for the hubby from a collection company.

I called them back... You know, with us trying to buy a house in 2010, we cannot ignore any calls or letters requesting money. To be on the safe side.

So, she explained that it was for an old cell phone bill, when she said the name... the first thing out of my mouth was "There is a statue of limitations." She said, "Yes there is - but only for suing. We don't want to sue you, we just want the money."

It's from 2000. It was $250. It is now $825.36. I've never seen it on my credit report, they can't sue... Not sure how to handle this one. I think first send back a letter requesting proof I owe it and proof that they own the debt. We've paid a lot of collection accounts over the past 9 years, this one could have been paid. I was shocked to even hear them say the name.

Your thoughts?!

TIA!

6 Responses to “Have Question...Need Help ”

  1. monkeymama Says:
    1255124671

    I don't know, but it seems to me legally they can't be bothering you. IT seems like Dave Ramsey is always telling callers they should turn the tables and tell them that you are going to sue them if they don't leave you alone.

    What can they really do, besides badger you?

    Beyond that, not my area. Good Luck!

    P.S. SOL is on collections. Good info in article below.

    Text is http://credit.about.com/od/debtcollection/a/soflimitations.htm and Link is
    http://credit.about.com/od/debtcollection/a/soflimitations.h...

  2. Stephanie Says:
    1255135896

    I wouldn't pay them. From what you say on the statute of limitations they have no real ability to collect the debt. Plus ballooning the debt from 250 to 850 is ridiculous. There's no way you should pay them that much.

  3. lizajane Says:
    1255146600

    I saw an article or show one time on collections, and after a certain period of time, they often sell the debt to a collections "company." The company might be an established company or just somebody working out of their home office that purchased the debt for pennies on the dollar. They have nothing to lose by calling you about the debt.

    Of course, that might or might not be the case with this nearly 10 year old (!) debt. If I were even thinking of paying it off to clear it up, I would try to bargain them back down to the original or even half that amount.

  4. No Pain | No Gain Says:
    1255260744

    Thank's all! I sent a letter letting them know they have no right to collect at this point. If it becomes an issue, I will offer a settlement (if they can prove I haven't already paid it). It was from a cell phone company that was bought over by Verizon many moons ago.

  5. Jerry Says:
    1256328675

    Also be aware that this is a new scam that is going around! Fake companies are calling people to request the payoff of "old bills" that don't really exist, which leads well-meaning people to send them money. Before you send them anything, get some form of insurance that they are for real, and that your husband actually had the account in question. Good luck!
    Jerry

  6. sweetmama Says:
    1256429490

    My understanding with old collection accounts is not to promise any payments or to acknowledge the account is yours/valid, otherwise it starts the statute of limitations all over again.
    Best to ignore if it's old and not on your credit report. We had one acct. years ago, they called like twice and sent a letter, I didn't do anything and nothing came of it.
    Good luck!

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