I received a collection notice from a phone company for $400 from a city where I moved from in December 1998. I called the collection agency for information and they told me the dates of service were 12/98 to 4/00 when the phone was shut off. I moved in 12/98 from the city and believe somebody may have used my information to get telephone service. I have never heard about this debt EVER before and it is not on any of my three credit reports and never has been. They said I have to put in writing within 30 days that I dispute the validity of the debt to get old copies of bills and the judgement.

How can I prove that it wasn't my debt after this long? Can this collection company report it to my credit report if I dispute it but can't prove it wasn't mine? Is there a statute of limitations on collecting old debt?

I have superior credit and don't want it ruined over something like this but yet I don't want to pay the bill if I don't have to?

Does anybody have any ideas on how to handle this?

B in PA

I know it's a long time ago, but when you moved out back in '98 did you call the phone company to shut off service? The phone company should have then sent you a final bill. Is it possible that the phone was left active in your name, and the next tenant simply continued to use your service?

Not sure how you can "prove" the debt isn't yours - perhaps if you have any records documenting your move out of town that would help. Be sure to get your response in writing back to them within the 30 days. Continue to watch your credit report to see if the debt shows up, and dispute it if it does.

You don't have to prove it is not your debt, they have to prove it is.

On the first billing, inform them this is not your debt, and demand they prove it is your debt.

Did they obtain a judgement against you or not? If not just send them a letter stating that you moved from that area in 12/98 so therefore the debt can't be yours.

The problem might be if it was for the number you used prior to moving. If it wasn't then they have to prove you requested that number. If it was then you will need to prove you shut off the service.