Chosen by Asker

This debt is way outside the statute of limitations for all 50 states...it is also past the allowable 7-year reporting cycle on credit reports....so they can't place this on your credit file . This is ancient, time-barred debt....because of this, the collection agency is powerless over you....other than trying to scare/annoy you into paying...This is why they were so rude/aggressive over the phone...because it's the only real power they have over you. Technically, a debt collector can come after you forever for defaulted debt...however, once the statute of limitations is up...they've lost the power to successfully take legal action. Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you can send them a "cease communications" letter and that will be all that you need to do. Per this law they must cease collection activity. Send the collection agency a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt (NOT regular mail) stating: Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, cease all communications with me about this alleged debt. This letter has been mailed via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Receipt of this letter is being officially time stamped. ========================== * Do not sign your signature on any document that you mail to a debt collector. It could end up on a forged document that can be used against you. Simply type your full name. If the debt collector calls back, tell them that you have officially sent a certified letter to them to cease communications with you per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Source(s)

www ...

by CatDad

5 months ago

Asker's Rating: 

Why on earth would they instantly drop your balance to half before further communication? Doesn't make sense. I would tell them to suck it.

by Helpy_Helper- 5 months ago

STAY OFF THE PHONE just by talking to them in some states you restart the SOL for COLLECTIONS. Unless you did just that then they are trying to collect a debt that is not collectible in a court in most states. You are playing innocent on this by it not being here or there but YOU know if you left an unpaid Radio Shack account. Look here for your states SOL, PLEASE IGNORE ALL ADS just look at the information then confirm it is not out of date. www ...

by Rebecca- 5 months ago

Do not give them money without an itemized statement of the alleged debt. Though I can guarantee that they will refuse to provide you with any valid proof of the debt. FG&E is notorious for violating the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. File a complaint with the Atty General of New York (FG&E is based in NY), as well as the FTC for violating the FDCPA. Atty Gen. of New York: www ... To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Then contact Radio Shack directly to find out if it is a valid debt. They should still have some record of it if it is valid.

by Raven- 5 months ago

Your credit report is not the determinant of whether or not it is a valid debt. Credit reports show only what creditors choose to report to them. Is it a valid debt or not? Is it within the legal statute of limitations for your state or not?

by jlf- 5 months ago

they might be past the SOL (which usually 7 years) so ask them for verification of the debt owed

by travelmaster- 5 months ago

Ignore these calls. They're scammers trying to scare you into paying them something for nothing. You supposedly have an outstanding balance of $1300 from Radio Shack but in the past 9 years, you've never seen a bill in the mail? Sounds fishy to me. Unless you get a letter from them, then it's not official. If they are a real collections agency, they are forbidden by law to threaten you over the phone for payment due.

by koiboy- 5 months ago