I received a letter from a collection agency about an old credit card debt from 1998. I told them that was an old credit card from 1998 and that has dropped off my credit report. She said it never drops off but its not on my credit report because I checked. She verified my address and the last 4 of my social security number and said goodbye in a cheery voice... my mouth dropped open. I want to mail them a letter asking them to prove it.. am I wrong for contacting them? Can they reattach my credit report after all these 13 years? Will the statue of limitaions start all over on my credit again? I'm very worried because I'mn trying to buy a house and my credit is good.

The state statute ran out long ago but that doesn't mean the debt is dead. They can try to trick you into offering to settle or acknowledge the debt. I don't know what all you said but if you did anything to acknowledge the debt you will soon find out. They seent you a letter but it appaers you then called them, why and what did you say? What state are you in?

A debt NEVER expires! A notation is supposed to be removed from your credit report after 7 years. That doesn't mean you aren't responsible for the debt.

The Statue of Limitations just means that the creditor can't use the courts to collect the debt. It doesn't mean they can't dun you for it.

Its possible they saw you were applying for a house on your credit report and now think they can get you to pay. Do not contact them unless you want to pay. If they contact you again, then it may be time to offer a settlement.

If they contact you again come back here before you do anything. If you offer to settle the statute restarts and then they can get a judgement for the full amount. Lets wait and see what they got.

First in no way do you want to talk to them on the phone, And in no way do you even admit this was your debt.
And the only contact you want to have is to first dispute the debt, deny it is yours, and say even if it was, it is out of the statue of limitation period and you have no legal obligation to pay.

What happens, is some collection company buys the debt for about 1 or 2 cents on the dollar. Then they try to get you to agree to pay something which makes the debt valid again.

Thank you everyone, I actually slept last night! I'm so happy I found this site and I will be telling everyone I know how I received quick good free advice... I can't thank you enough