Sue
Los Angeles,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, June 03, 2004
I contacted the attorney general's office in California because I had been contacted by a collection agency about a supposed debt which would have ocured in the mid 1980s, and the AG office sent me a booklet citing consumer rights. According to this book there is a statute of limitations that apply to debts and once you dispute in writing (I sent a letter, return receipt requested) all further action must stop. I believe they are NOT allowed to report this debt at this time to any credit bureaus or take you to small claims court while the dispute in active. I would suggest you call or write to the Attorney General of your State and the FTC to get guidlines of your rights and to document the conversation and "strong arm tactics". It is possible you can take them to small claims court in your area and sue them without a lawyer. Most states have a statute of limitations of 4 years for credit card debts - they are charged off by companies and if you look at your credit reports all your payment activity is current. If you had a past due bill it would have shown up immediately at the time you supposedly stopped paying the debt.