Unfortunately, creditors and debt collectors can attempt to collect an old debt ad infinitum. What they can’t do is sue you for the debt after your state’s statute of limitations has passed, which has probably happened in your case.

How many years can a debt collector come after you for?

two years
Some provinces in Canada have shorter timeframes. For example, the answer to how long can a collection agency collect on a debt in Ontario, Alberta or British Columbia is two years from the last payment or acknowledgement of the debt.

When does a collection agency come after you?

When a debtor owes a creditor money, the creditor, in lieu of attempting to collect on the debt himself, will outsource the loan to a collection agency. This agency will then attempt to convince the debtor to pay what he owes. However, as with crimes, most unpaid debts carry a statute of limitations.

Can a debt collector still collect after 6 years?

In most states, they run between four and six years after the last payment was made on the debt. This means that even a debt that is older than that may still be able to be collected on if you’ve made a payment sometime in the last four to six years.

Can a collection agency Sue you for debt that is no longer enforceable?

If you’re sued for a debt that’s outside the statute of limitations, you may be able to have the lawsuit dismissed if you have proof that the debt is no longer enforceable. However, failing show up in court gives the collection agency a chance to win a default judgment against you. This means the court has ordered you to pay the debt.

Is there Statute of limitations on talking to a collections agent?

If you do pick up the phone and talk to the collections agent, deny all knowledge of that debt. The Statute of Limitations is 2 years from the day the account is found to be uncollectable. If you admit to having the debt the clock is reset. Change your phone number.