Nov 29, 2007
Don't pay unless it is on your Credit Report. If you do pay make sure you ask for the debt to be taken off you credit report when paid in full and get this and all settlement details in writing. Because the debt is old its probably not affecting you credit score much and even if it does show up now it will drop off in seven years from date of last activity. Date of L. A is determined by the last time your account was used or paid. Sometimes they will put false dates of L.A on your credit report. This can be cleared up by writing a letter to Experian, Equifax and Trans Union, who have 30 days to verify and respond.
Next time you talk to this Law Office make sure to ask them for a letter called Verification of Debt. This should have original company name, account number and date of L.A. They have to do this by law. Send this letter to the above mentioned Credit Bureaus. If they continue bothering you write a letter to them stating that you only want to be contacted by mail(cease communications letter), the phone calls should then stop. You are not required to talk to them or respond to any messages. Be aware- never admit to owing or make a payment to the debt, only that your unsure/researching information. If you do admit to it it could begin your date of last activity all over again. From what you entry states this is a very small debt owed. They will not take you to court for this small of a debt because it costs them too much money.
The best thing to do is research your states (or the state that you lived in when the Credit card contract was signed)consumer credit rights/laws, the internet is great for this. You do have rights and most of these collectors are sharks that get paid commision by the monies they are able to collect. Don't feel guilty by not paying either because whatever you do fork out is not going to the original credit card company but to these jerks.