Hi,

I just received a notice from a collection agency this morning regarding a store credit card account that I thought was paid so I called the collection agency this morning to try to get some information / proof or validity of the debt.

According to the agency, the last charges on the card were from 9/00 (over 7 years ago) and it's my understanding that this is past the statute of limitations for my state (CA)

My questions are..

1) Have I made a mistake in contacting the agency? I didn't admit to the debt, nor did I commit verbally to repayment of the debt, I did however imply that I could look into it regarding fraud or credit and then hung up.

2) By contacting them and aknowledging this, have I "re-opened" the case?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

SEnd them a Request for Validication of the alleged debt within the 30 day limit on the notice to you.

Never speak again to them on the phone, all contact be done in writing.

Mr. Yet is so correct. They record most of the conversations and will try to get you to acknowledge a debt and/or agreed to apy and that restarts the statute. Double check the SOL for CA. I think you are beyond the point when they can force you to pay.

Hmm... good point

Can they record me without informing me that the conversation is being recorded?

They can't record you without informing you but who says they will always behave in a legal manner. Their goal is to get you to acknowledge the debt. They will sometimes offer to allow you to pay a lower amount just to get you to acknowledge that you owe.