Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Mississippi

Collection after seven years

I had a Sprint account back in 1996. Someone else had gotten my pin number and made long distance calls on my account. I paid for what I owed, but I did not pay for those. I recently received a letter from a collection agency requesting payment for the Sprint account from 1996. This was removed from my credit report around 2003. Can they still request payment on an account that was written off that long ago?


Asked on 7/19/05, 4:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Austin Nimocks Austin R. Nimocks & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Re: Collection after seven years

The general statute of limitations on a breach of contract (which is what a non-payment of a bill would be) is generally 3 years. However, because the substance involves the sale of goods or services (cell phone service), a different limitations period may apply, though I am unsure what it would be.

If the statute of limitations is expired, they can still sue if they want to. You'll just have to try to get the suit dismissed on a statute of limitations violation. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that the money is owed (by someone) and they can continue to request payment as long as the sun continues to rise in the east and set in the west.

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Answered on 7/26/05, 12:51 am


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