Bill collection 11 years old!!!

Question

I currently live in Puerto Rico. In the summer of 1997 I visited my dad in FL. While there I was rushed to the ER; when released my dad paid the hospital the services owed. NOW 11 years later I just received a collection letter from NCO...who just bought the debt. My dad is sure he paid everything, but since it has passed 10 years the evidence is in the trash. Am I obliged to pay them? In 11 yrs I've ad several mailing addresses and was never contacted before regarding this...and suddenly they found me and are chasing me. Please help!!!

Answer 1

Tell the bill collector that

1. Your dad paid the bill in full.

2. The Statute of Limitations have run out and they are out of luck.

3. DON'T EVER call me again regarding this "ALLEGED" bill.

Answer 2

I would imagine that you are past the statute of limitations and would no have to pay.  You need to check with the attorney general in FL to see what it is.  You could also do a debt validation.

http://debtnegotiationzone.com/2008/08/0...

Answer 3

Ignore this.

The statute of limitations for revolving debt is 7 years in most all states and 10 in only a few.  Either way you are in the clear.  Keep an eye on your credit reports as this collection agency may attempt to insert a tradeline which will negatively impart your credit score.  If this happens, contact the Credit Reporting Agencies and inform them that this debt is far beyond the SOL and needs to be removed.  They'll remove it.

Under no circumstances are you obligated to pay them.  They cannot sue you.  Legally they can do NOTHING whether the debt was paid in full or whether it wasn't.  You need to send them a formal letter Certified Return Recipet Requested letting them know that this debt is beyond the SOL and that further contact with you is harassment and subject to fines.

Best of luck, I know how frustrating this must be for you.

Answer 4

No, just trash it. I'm sure the SOL ran  out. If you try to talk to NCO. you'll just give yourself a headach.