First off let me start by saying, I couldn't find the right forum for this. So please move it if needed.

I received a call today from a collection agent. It's in regards to a Magazine subscription I had back in 1999. (which was for my business at the time) She stated that I was in default of the agreement of 24 payments (stating I only made 9) and that I owed $187.00.

Now I've NEVER seen a collection letter on this. (and honestly vaguly remember the maganizes at all) I had only answered the phone b/c I just put my son down for a nap and left his door open and didn't want it to wake him.

Anyway that's besides the point. I just printed out my credit report yesterday (seriously) and there was no mention of this on there.

My questions are, since this was 1999 and it's not on my report plus it's been 7 yrs, they are pretty much SOL right? Do I bother to call her back and state this? What do I say IF/when she calls back? Can I just tell her that I'm sorry she/her company bought a BAD collection?

I did ask for a WRITTEN letter regarding this and she said once we had an agreement on a payment she would get it to me. Um NO, I want to know that this is really MINE before I think about paying. She also go snarky and stated she's a collection agent not a mail carrier. But whatever.

Thank you in advance.
Michelle

SOL is a legal in court issue that is different by state. The seven year reporting period has nothing to do with the legal SOL.

Something that can not be reported may be collectable (in court or out) depending on state laws.

You should DV them. They must validate that the debt is yours. If you don't have an address, I'd only talk to them on the phone one more time to get it.

There's a scam going around here, they call businesses to
collect on "unpaid bills" for just those things that people
vaguely remember buying. Copy paper, pens, magazines,
that sort of stuff.

If you call enough small businesses, sooner or later you'll
find someone who has fired a bad bookkeeper in the last
seven years, and is willing to believe that the debt might
be real. And if you stick to "small change" (a hundred here,
a hundred there) you can make a living by "collecting" on
these imaginary bills.

Yes, it's against the law. No, we don't have lots of space
open in the county lockup. The scam persists.

So you had the magazine in your business office, this does
not show you never paid for it. And if you do owe money,
what's the proof that you owe it to this particular collector?

ER

Insert obligatory reference to the fact that business debt carries with it no FDCPA protections, although state law may afford some modicum of relief...

Thanks for the replies.

But can someone put it in idiotproof terms on what I should do? I'm so confused. (I think I'm in over my head on this board)

Laugh.

Dont be an idiot - STAY OFF THE PHONE! LOL

DV them - send them a letter telling them the debt is not yours and that then need to cease collection activities at once!