Does a business have to notify the consumer about a debt owed within a reasonable amount of time? Or can they let the debt build up over 3 years and then ask to collect it for the 1st time?

Depends on circumstances. Did you get regular statements until the account went into arrears?

More details please.

Example, you owe bill, they send statement for 6 months and you don't pay. They sell it to a debt collection, who may do nothing for a year, then they could start collection if they wanted to still

OR CAN THEY LET THE DEBT BUILD UP OVER 3 YEARS AND THEN ASK TO COLLECT IT FOR THE 1ST TIME?Hello B:

They certainly CAN. But, it's a STUPID way to run a business. Not only does it piss you off, the store winds up collecting much LESS than it would if it went about it in a reasonable manner.

excon