can a collection agency collect after 6 years?

You may want to check the statute of limitations corresponding with the state you originated the debt in to see if you still legally owe the balance.

Here is a link to a chart but please make sure to triple check with your state as the laws are ever changing.

Hi Jennifer
Yes, the creditor can legally collect the debt till the time the Statute of Limitation on the debt has expired. Now, whether the Statute of Limitation has expired or not depends upon the state you have signed the loan agreement and the last missed payment towards the debt. However, if the SOL has already expired, then you are no longer legally liable for the debt.

I thought I had included a link with my last reply.

Here is a link with statute of limitations on debts.

http://www.cardreport.com/laws/statute-of-limitations.html