Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas
Old disputed debt.
I purchased a product (study course) in 1998. I made partial payment and did not pay the balance owed because the course materials were poor. I sent them an email complaining of the poor quality and never heard back from them until several months later in 1999. Intermittently over the years they sent me letters about the unpaid debt. The letters stopped about 2 years ago. I get a phone call every 3 or 4 months about the debt but I'm never available to receive the phone call. They leave a brief message asking for a return call. It's now been over 7 years. Can I get them to stop their collection efforts and will this be removed from my credit report?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Old disputed debt.
The debt itself does not disappear, unless a court rules in your favor.
From your description, they have lost the right to recover in court (4 years), and if they sue you, your defense is Statute of Limitations.
Credit reporting agencies will normally remove debt after seven years.
You need to notify the credit agencies, in writing, that you are disputing the validity of the debt, and the debt is barred by the Statute of Limitations.
In writing, CMRRR, notify the creditor and the collection agency to cease all collection efforts. Advise them that the validity of the debt was disputed, and is now barred by the Statute of Limitations.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
