Dear Madam/Sir,

I once lived in Pennsylvania for several months nine year ago and left USA. I came back to USA five years ago and have been lived in New Jersey since. Last week I received a debt collection letter from a collection company to acclaim that I owed the phone company three hundred dollars. I was very surprised to have it. I would like to ask you what I should do next? How many years the debt should be invalid? Since I really can not remember if I left the phone for my roommate or stop it when I left, and I can not find my roommate now.

Thank you very much for your help.

James

If you left it on and he never paid the bill then its possible 300 got racked up before they refused service. In this case the debt would be past the statute of limitations. But this doesn't mean the debt disappeared, they can contact you and ask for the money as long as they want, you will always owe them money.

But since its 9 years old, they can't sue you to recover the money. You will have to either pay it or deal with constant letters and phone calls about this debt. You can write them a registered letter and request that they no longer call you if they have been calling.

I work for the phone company and they do not keep records longer than 7 years. We cannot produce proof that anyone owes the money past that time. If you call us we will not even deny you phone service in your name because of the debt. I just received one from when I attended college and when I called the lady advised me that it will not go on my credit report however they will continue to send me judgement letters unless I specifically request it in writing. I have excellent credit and that was the last thing I wanted.