Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Missouri

Collection attempts on questionable 10 year old debt

Recently started receiving calls from a collection agency regarding a purportedly overdue, 1994 electric bill for $69. Yes, 10 years old! In 1994, I lived in Indiana. Moved to Missouri 4 years ago. I married, sold the house and moved (in the same city), with a forwarding address, in 1994. Have never received an ''overdue'' statement from the electric company. I spoke with the electric company. Yes, they sold the debt. The collection agency is persistent. Leaves calls. Sends ''bills.'' Threatening ''action.''

The agency can't/won't provide anything to support the overdue bill. Their word v. mine. What are my risks? Recourse? (We have an exceptional credit rating.)


Asked on 3/19/05, 5:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Collection attempts on questionable 10 year old debt

In my opinion this debt is probably too old to collect unless you pay it voluntarily. You might want to send the collection agency a letter stating that this is a disputed debt and that you want all further contact to stop. Also, you should state that you want a copy of your letter forwarded to any credit bureau that has been notified of the debt. Ask for a written acknowledgement. Keep a copy of your letter. The collection agency may call you one more time, and after that any further contact may be considered a violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Good luck!

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Answered on 3/21/05, 10:06 pm


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