How can I get a collection agency to stop calling for debts over 10 years old?

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How can I get a collection agency to stop calling for debts over 10 years old?

I know the statute of limitations is in effect. The year for last date of activity is 2000. I have informed them of this but they keep calling. These debts they are trying to collect aren’t even on my credit report any more. Is there anything I can do to make them stop? There were no judgments against me on these 2 debts.

Asked on October 15, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Iowa

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

The statute of limitations has to do with the timeframe in which a lawsuit must be brought.  Apparrently, in your state, the statute of limitations has run so your collectors can no longer sue for this debt.  However, you still owe the money.  The statute of limitations does not wipe out debt.  I'm afraid that you really can't get them to stop calling you.  At this point you just may want to change your number. 

If they threaten you in some way, call earlier than 8:00 am or later than 9:00 pm they are in violation of the "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act".  For this, or other violations of the Act, you can contact your state's department of consumer protection and file a compliant and/or speak to an attorney about pursuing legal action.

Note:  If you acknowledged the debt in any way (ie made partial payments or agreed to) after 2000, then the limitations period restarts from that latter date.


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