I got a collection notice for an old debt?

Question

I recently moved, and got a collection notice from a debt from 2000. It's a Verizon Wireless Cellphone debt. However, I hadn't heard from them in over 6 years! (I had no money when I got the phone; I had gotten for work as a flight attendant, but when that didn't work out moved back home and didn't have money to pay the growing fees.)

Can they still be sending me collection notices for 8 year old debts? What should I do?

Answer 1

Most likely the Statute of Limitations has expired.  What state are you in?  If the SOL has expired, NO ONE can legally collect the debt - it is a violation of the Section 807 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer...

Answer 2

It's your own fault for not informing them that you couldn't pay. You shouldn't of even gotten the phone if you had no money to begin with, and you defnitely shouldn't of ignored it. Yes they can collect from you, and they can do what they need to do legally to obtain it, you'll also receive a mark against your credit rating, and you won't be able to apply for any loans, or anything that requires a credit check. These usually stick around for 7 years.

Answer 3

If you want it to follow you around on your credit report,everytime you apply for credit.Then pay it,for it will haunt you ,like a school loan.

Answer 4

Maybe all your moving from place to place is why you hadn't heard from them until now. You obtained a phone when you didn't have money; you didn't pay the bills; you moved from place to place; you never made an attempt to resolve the problem - all this has the indication of attempt to defraud a business.  You're lucky that all they want is for you to pay the bill.  They could press criminal charges (Fraud) against you.  And yes, they can continue to try and collect for as long as it takes.

Answer 5

This debt is outside the statute of limitations and beyond the 7-year reporting cycle. All you have to do is mail a Cease Communications letter to them.   Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating:

Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting that you cease all communications with me about this alleged debt.

Read up on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and understand your rights:

Answer 6

yes they can there is no limititations for debts like that.

just pay it and move on

Answer 7

Yes, of course they can.  You owe the money, don't you?  You should pay it.

There is no such thing as a statute of limitations on a debt like that.   They might choose to write it off, with a mark against you on your credit report, or not to do that.  But you do owe them the money, and they have the right to ask you to pay it.

If your previous employer didn't pay you some of your paychecks, and he managed to avoid hearing from you about it for several years, I guess you'd feel the same way and just say, "Well, I guess he doesn't owe me any money any more"?  right?   NO, not right....  you'd say, "d**n it, he owes me that money plus interest!"

A debt doesn't stop being a debt with time; it usually grows bigger.

Answer 8

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