We got a call from a collections agency yesterday regarding an account that we paid off 3 years ago. They claimed that we had stopped paying in 2007. However, back in March 2007, we were informed that the account was paid off, and we no longer owed payments. Suddenly, three years later, we get a call saying it's overdue and has accrued over $8,000 in interest and penalties, etc.
First they claimed we had an excellent payment history. Then when I pressed harder for a reason why we are being called now, the man put me on hold to find more information and simply transferred me to a brand new agent. That agent told me that the collection agency had only recently gotten the account. Then told me they've never received a payment. Then when I informed her that the previous man told me we had an excellent payment history, she put me on hold and came back and said yes...you did until you stopped paying. I told her we stopped paying because we didn't owe anymore, per her collection agency despite the fact that she is telling me the agency JUST got the account. It went 'round and 'round.
Is there a statute of limitations on this kind of thing? Does anyone know?
Any advice?
Old debt in collections
Hi Collins,
The Statute of Limitations (SOL) applies according to the state. So you can check the SOL in your state. However, you can send a debt validation letter to the collection agency. Can you tell if this is still showing on your credit report? Do you have proof of the payments?
Thanks,
Aaron