collection question?

Question

I just received a bill from a collection agency. I had no idea what they were talking about so I called---as I have excellent credit and do not want that ruined. The rude lady told me it was for a cell phone bill from 1998----I vaguely remember a dispute with a cell phone I had --but after months it was resolved--I have thrown all of my paperwork. I only keep records 7 years even for the IRS. I certainly didn't keep these records as I was very unhappy with the company and their record keeping. I have not heard from this company or received any bill or anything since I thought it was resolved. Can they send me to collections over 8 years later with no communication in between? The rude lady kept telling me that it would ruin my credit if I don't pay--about $500--but I know I don't owe it. However, after remembering the trouble I had with that company years ago---I know their records will show otherwise.
Please help, Sam

Answer 1

Tell her the bill is over 7 years old and she is violating SEVERAL FEDERAL LAWS by attempting to collect on it....
get her name (first and last, even tho it'll be fake), her supervisor's name, and the address of her company. Tell her thank you and have a great day.

Then contact the FTC Fair Trade Commission....Washington DC

Answer 2

A lot of times collectors will call or send a bill when it is nearing the statute of limitations. If they can get you to send them a single penny..they can reactivate the account and it will be open for another 7 to ten years from the last payment. Do not send them a dime..no matter what they say. If they threaten to sue in court say thank you. They don't have a leg to stand on and they know it.
If you were to go to court over this small amount..you would just tell the judge the situation and also that its been past the statue of limitations. Also...Get a hold of your credit report and make sure they aren't tagging you with bad credit. If they are you can have it taken off quite easily.
They will threaten you with everything under the sun to get you to pay. Don't give them one red cent. They will lie and lie and lie to get you to pay. Don't believe a word they say and also tell them to no longer contact you as you will report them for harassment.