Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

Statute of Limitations & Credit Firm Reporting

I was contacted last month (June 2003) regarding a doctor who I had seen as a patient in February,1997. To my knowledge I owed no money and have not been contacted in regard to any unpaid charges. The collection ageny which contacted me states that there are approximately $500.00 in unpaid charges due and that they will contact credit reporting agencies unless I pay within 30 days. I have no records regading the validity of their claims of these unpaid debts and the doctor refuses to return my calls. All that is listed on the proof I have asked for are charges supposedly unpaid by insurance. Am I liable for these debts and can the collection agency report a seven year old debt to a credit agency?


Asked on 7/02/03, 5:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Glen Chulsky Law Office of Glen H. Chulsky

Re: Statute of Limitations & Credit Firm Reporting

Your situation triggers two different Federal Laws: the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act(FCRA). Both of these laws are fee-shifting laws, which means that if the agency violates them, they pay your attorney his/her fees. Keep in mind that you only have thirty days from receipt of the initial collection letter from the agency to dispute the debt to trigger certain rights under the FDCPA. Negative info can actually be reported to your credit report for up to seven years. I would need more details to advise further. Feel free to call me at 973-659-3400 or visit my website at http://www.njconsumerfraudlawyers.com

Read more
Answered on 7/02/03, 9:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in New Jersey