How can I dispute an 11 year old bill that was just recently sent to me from a collection agency.?

melpeanut1

First of all, DO NOT call them. If you have questions regarding this bill, send everything in writing, and by certified mail. That way you have proof of what was said. Agree to NOTHING, when dealing with them. Statute of limitations varies. Depending on the state the validity of the debt only lasts for so long, ie. Calif. debt is collectable for 4 years. But, can still appear on your credit report for up to 7 years after it became a collection.
For additional information regarding credit, I urge you to visit Creditinfocenter.com It's been an invaluable tool as I've rebuilt my credit.

*****

Thre is a statue of limitations on something like this, I'd ask an attorney about it.

iwould make sure it is not a scam to get your identity

StephenWeinstein

Q. How can I dispute an 11 year old bill that was just recently sent to me from a collection agency.?
A. Write to them and ask them to verify it.

Q. Will it affect my credit rating?
A. Only if it is an unpaid tax lien. Otherwise, it cannot go on your credit report because it is too old.

Q. How do I prove that I do not owe for this bill?
A. If you did pay the bill 11 years ago (or whenever), then send them a copy (keep the original) of the receipt, if you still have it. If you never owed the money or you no longer have the receipt, let them try to prove that you do owe it.

Heather Mac

File a dispute with the credit bureaus assuming it is now on your credit report. (Which it shouldn't be due to the age) Then contact the collection agency and tell them this is not your bill. They have to prove it is yours, not vice versa. Tell them to send you proof that it is your debt. If they can't prove it, they have to take it off your report (again, assuming it is on there).

whimwinkle

Isn't there something about statutes of limitations? There should be a time limit on how long a bill can go unpaid.

From the very brief information you provided, I would say to be very careful and check everything. First, I would try to find anything in your own personal records regarding the bill. Second, verify your credit reports, even if you have to pay for them. Third, verify the legitimacy of the collection agency - is this a legal business who can collect past-due bills?

If nothing else, contact a lawyer, especially if you do not believe you owe the money.

Personally, I'm questioning the legitimacy of the bill if it is just now coming to you - 11 years is too long for any business, collection agency included, to wait for payment. It sounds very suspicious to me, like a con to get your indentification information.

Be careful. Be thorough. Be resolute - don't let them bully you into paying.

Good luck!

whimwinkle

Someone did this to my mother. She took the bill to the limit and it turned out to be a scam. Someone was trying to collect money from a lot of people. Destroy the bill and don't worry about it. It probably is a scam, too.

pinkreb004

statue of limitations is long past due for this bill unless you make a promise of payment. if they call tell them to leave you alone before you sue them for harassment.

2 cents

I thought they only had 7 years to claim a back bill....unless its child support.

The Wiz

I don't believe they can after 7 yrs. You can either call & dispute it, or ignore it. You can also get in touch with the 3 major credit bureaus & disclaim it.

Elizabeth B

There is a time limit on these things but for your purposes, the clock didn't start ticking until you became aware of the bill.
Absolutely tell them to provide you with all the papework, most especially any sales slip or agreement you were supposed to have signed.
It sounds like a case of mistaken identity.
I would directly contact the collection agency and make it very clear that you are disputing the bill.
Should they fail to comply by giving you the documentation or continue to bother you, you have options. Contact your government and find out which department/ministry that governs collections agencies. They will tell you exactly what your rights are and how to proceed. Make sure you get the person's name in all cases and document everything you do.

MoeLatson

I would recommend you call a bankruptcy lawyer that offers free consultations and just ask him if an 11 year old bill can be collected on.

Ellen B

I would tell them you died. I also tell them that 10 years is the limit they can try and recover and also you cannot squeeze blood from a turnip but my best answer is "F You!"

Ant

Wow, i'm inexperienced with things like this, but i'll take a shot at it. If you payed with a credit card, then maybe contacting your credit company and requesting to look at your old records might help? I know you say it didn't show up on your credit report, but even in this day and age of technology, people (and machines) make mistakes.
Doing everything possible, and I mean everything, to get to the bottom of this accusation is the best thing to do.

With things like this, if you pursue it enough the people who are trying to collect from you may just drop it. But if all else fails (i.e. contacting the collection agency, finding out why it wasn't on your credit reports, speaking with your credit card company etc.) then you may unfortunately have to pursue legal action. If this is the case, then it may be best NOT to speak with the collection agency, and have them speak directly to your lawyer. There might also be some free legal advice hotlines you can contact in your area.

Mopar Muscle Gal

if not on any credit reports and older than 7 years?
Do NOT pay it

rogueriverbob

that bill is way past the statute of limitations,.....unless you have payed on it in the last couple years or so,.....then if you have done that it reaffirms it self,.....

Razorchilde

This sounds like pure crap. Records for finances are only kept for 7 years. The onus is on the collection agencey to cough up every file and piece of evidence they own to prove you actually owe anything. DO NOT send these idiots a penny until they send you EVERYTHING for this bill.

xstal_101

yes, some " collection agencies" bill people for debts that arent even real. For example, Some agency keeps billing my mom something that she never purchased off some small company.The social Sec. # that they have isnt even the my moms. If it never showed up on your credit report, its because they dont even have your CORRECT info. They could have got your name off anywhere. If you know you didnt buy it, toss out the bill. But makes sure they dont have your correct info first.

baby1

seems like it's past its legitimacy. I'd call the better business bureau.

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