Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Canada
Over due cell phone charge
I received a letter from a lawyer from a Collection agency stating that I owe $422 to Rogers for a unpaid cell phone charge. Now they want me to pay this within 10 days or they will take me to small claims court. It has been over 10 years that I have owed this charge. I was 16 at the time and I didn't need a co-signer for the phone. I was wondering if there is a Statute of Limitations and if it still applys today, because I heard it would wipe itself out in 7 years? If not what do you suggest that I do? Is it nessary that I pay this charge?
Thank you for your time.
Jaimie
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Over due cell phone charge
In British Columbia, you can not be sued when a debt is over 6 years old, BUT the 6 years begins from the time you last made a payment (no matter how small) or the last time you acknowledged the existence of the debt. If you reply and agree to the debt, the 6 years starts all over again.