Bad credit and returning to USA?

Question

I left USA in 1995 and now after 10 years I am planning to work there for a
short time. When I left USA, i owed some money to a phone service company
($700) and had to pay card (shop cards) bills worth of $1500. I did not settle these paymemts and left USA. Now as I am planning to come back to US for a a period of 2 years, I wish to find out:

1. Will my non-payments affect my life in the US in any way ?
2. Can I open a back account
3. Can i get a credit card ?
4. Will there be any other potential legal problems ?
5. Will i need a new SSN ?

Could you please let me know if there will be any problems ?

Thanks,

Suk

Answer 1

you have been gone for so long, the credit agency has probably deleted your credit history and you will be starting over from scratch, but get a copy of your credit history to find out

Answer 2

1. As long as the companies didn't sell the debt to a different creditor and the other creditor illegally reaged the debt, you will be okay. The items should be off your credit report. If the debts were for a utility and you are using the same company you once owed to, they can require a bigger deposit. Depending on which state you lived in, you could still be sued for your past debts. (Most states' statute of limitations is less than 10 years, but a few have the length set longer. See the link below for your state.)
2. You shouldn't have a problem with a savings account. You may have problems with a checking account for Chase since your credit history is old. You may not have enough credit listed on your history, which will make your score low. Also, if you were reported to TeleChex, you may have problems, but due to the length of time that has passed, you should be okay.
3. Run your credit report and pay for a score before you try to apply for credit. That way you know if you can apply for any credit cards, or just the ones for bad credit.
4.The state's statute of limitations may get you.
5. Your SSN stays with you for life. You will use the same one you previously had.

Answer 3

Since it has been 10 years, your credit history should be wiped clean of the previous debts. Your new problem will be that you don't have any recent activity (it will be like you haven't established any credit.)