Can debts be collected after 7 years?

Question

I just got a call from a collection agency yesterday. I called them back today expecting that they had a wrong number. Well turns out they are trying to collect a debt from a cell phone company I have never heard of called US cellular. Apparently my husband had dealings with them back in 1999 and now they are trying to collect a great deal of money. My problem is that this debt is 9 years old. I seem to recall from back in the day that I was a bill collector myself, that a debt can no longer be collected upon once it is 7 years old. Is that true, or am I mistaken?

Answer 1

they cant do a thing about it, if you or him has not seen it on your credit report then ignore them

Answer 2

US Cellular is a real company. If they do nothing for 7 years they cannot collect the debt. My guess is they've been trying to collect it all along and have the proof.  

Answer 3

It's true.  Some states even have a statute of limitations that run for only three years.  It's important to note that the SOL starts from the date of last activity.  So if your husband made payments anytime in the last seven years (or however length of time depending on what state you live in) he may be successfully sued to collect on the debt.

Do Not admit liability for the debt!  If no activity has been made on the debt (on your husbands part) simply tell them that they are past the statute of limitations.  If they continue to harass you, threaten to sue them under the fair debt collections act.  If they in turn try to sue you anyways, all you have to do is show up at the court date and point out that the SOL has passed.