Time Limit For Debt Collectors To Collect Against Me


Time Limit For A Debt Collector To Collect Against Me.

debt collectorWe have talked about the time periods for a collector to sue you and to credit report.

However, in this article, we will discuss how long the debt collector has to do any other type of collection activities.

The short answer is there is no time period or limit on how long a collector can collect against you.

Except.

And this is a big exception to remember.

The debt collector cannot collect if doing so violates the law.

The collector can’t threaten to sue you after the statute of limitations has expired.

The collector can’t threaten to credit report more than the seven years after you allegedly defaulted on the debt — this is quite common for collectors to do.

Generally, if the collector is collecting an ancient debt, at some point the collector will violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) so beware of collectors who are willing to buy and collect debt that is over 7 years of age.  Collectors will say things such as “This is still a collectible debt” even though it is 10 years.

So let’s talk about this statement….

Collectors will say things such as “This is still a collectible debt” even though it is 10 years old.

Well, they can’t sue.

They can’t credit report.

So why would they say “collectible” or “legally collectible” debt?  To suggest, without outright saying it, that you can be sued or can be credit reported on it.

Or to trick you into making a small payment and then claim the statute of limitations has restarted — that’s deceptive and violates the FDCPA.

The honorable collectors don’t collect ancient debt — or in the rare case of them doing it they make it clear, in writing and in every call, that you cannot be sued and cannot be credit reported and nothing will change those facts.  Well, they do point out that if you make even a $5.00 payment they may consider the statute of limitations to be restarted so you can be sued again.

The dishonorable ones don’t tell you your rights.  And that’s why they need to be sued and why we sue them.

They particularly prey on older Alabama consumers which creates the need to sue them even greater…  And remember if you sue an abusive debt collector, you are a hero in my book.

Contact Us.

If you live in Alabama and you have any questions, give us a call at 1-205-879-2447.

Or, you can fill out a contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.

I look forward to chatting with you!

Have a great day.

-John G. Watts

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