Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

How long can collection agencies legally try to collect on credit card debt. I have unpaid debt from 8 yesrs ago that have already been charged off on my credit report?


Asked on 3/30/10, 9:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

The statute of limitations is 4 years from the last time you "acknowledged" the debt. You can acknowledge a debt by making a payment, by telling a collection person on the phone that it is your debt, etc. If you have not acknowledged the debt in any way, then the 8 year old debt should be gone.

You should tell the collection agency that 1) you are not acknowledging the debt; and that 2) get them to say the debt is 8 years old, and then tell them that it is beyond the statute of limitations. And repeat to them that you are not acknowledging the debt.

Tell them to stop calling you.

Write them a letter to tell them to stop calling you about the debt.

If they don't stop calling, or if they file a suit, contact me or another lawyer who is familiar with the debt collection law. If they violate the law (threatening legal action when there is no viable legal action, refusing to stop calling after written request, etc), you may be able to sue them for money damages. If they file suit, you need to have an attorney defend you.

Read more
Answered on 4/05/10, 8:38 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania