John
Louisville,#2Consumer Comment
Sun, November 04, 2007
David, Collection agencies buy defaulted debt on pennies on the dollar....i.e. an original defaulted debt of $1,000 might be purchased by a collection agency for $50. The important factor is whether this debt is outside of the statue of limitations, which is the time period allowed to take legal action for a debt. The statue of limitations in Flordia is four years...which means that they had four years to take legal action against you starting on the day of default. It's most likely that this debt is outside of the statue of limitations, so that can't sue you. They can still try to collect thought by phone/mailings...but that's all. Don't make the mistake of making any payment...this will reset the statue of limitations. Once you've confirmed that this debt is outside the statue of limitations, mail them a "Cease Communication" request via Registered Mail with Return Receipt. Remember: Collection agents cannot take your firstborn child, nor can they send the sheriff to your residence to have you arrested if you don't pay them by sundown. You are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Act.