# Collection agency calling about a 16 year old debt. Do I have to pay? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 18, 2008, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507 "2008-10-18T06:46:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cletus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@cletus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cletus)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/21 "2008-10-18T19:34:04Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > The other is a cease and desist letter. These only apply to third party collections, original creditors do not have to honor them. In this letter you deny the debt is yours **or is no longer legally collectible** and that the collection agency is to no longer contact you about the debt again. These letters produce one of two results. Either the collection agency drops the collection efforts or they take to to the next step and sue. On a debt this potentially stale, I would sent a cease and desist letter. Excellent examples are available at [creditboards.com](http://creditboards.com). This sounds like the best solution for your situation. Send them a C&D letter telling them basically to prove it or shut up. Once they realize they can’t harrass you into paying a 16 year old debt they will probably write it off and move on to the next guy. Trying to sue for this wouldn’t be worth the time and money. BTW keep copies of everything until the day you die. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Slant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/22 "2008-10-18T19:37:36Z")
The lazy solution with these guys, assuming they have no right to sue, is just to inform them when they call, “I am not permitted to receive personal calls at work. I have to hang up now. Please have a good day.” I’ve had 100% compliance with that request. You’ll still get mail from them; decide for yourself if it’s worth mailing a C&D letter. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Slant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/23 "2008-10-18T19:38:47Z")
> [@cletus](#): > > This sounds like the best solution for your situation. Send them a C&D letter telling them basically to prove it or shut up. Once they realize they can’t harrass you into paying a 16 year old debt they will probably write it off and move on to the next guy. Trying to sue for this wouldn’t be worth the time and money. > > BTW keep copies of everything until the day you die. Whoa! Bad lawyering there! You’re confusing: a demand for validation with case and desist. These are treated differently under the FDCPA. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/24 "2008-10-18T20:18:40Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > This is the point that may make the SOL claim moot. The statute of limitations applies to while you are in that jurisdiciton, leaving the jurisdiction caused the SOL clock to stop till you return. This isn’t universally true, although as I’ve shown, it is true in South Carolina. > [@](#): > > The SOL clock starts when the original creditor writes off the debt, not when you quit paying on the debt. No. The SOL begins to run when the claim accrues. > [@](#): > > SECTION 15-3-20. General rule as to time for commencement. > > (A) Civil actions may only be commenced within the periods prescribed in this title after the cause of action has accrued, except when, in special cases, a different limitation is prescribed by statute. [S.C. Code of Laws Title 15 Chapter 3 Limitation Of Civil Actions - www.scstatehouse.net-LPITS](http://www.scstatehouse.net/CODE/t15c003.htm) Breach of contract claims accrue when the breach (non-payment) happens. [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=wi&vol=app2\97-3287&invol=1](http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=wi&vol=app2%5C97-3287&invol=1) (“Generally, the statute of limitations for a breach of contract action accrues at the time of the breach.”) : [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=nc&vol=appeals96\appeals1217\&invol=miller](http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=nc&vol=appeals96%5Cappeals1217%5C&invol=miller) (same) You are probably thinking of the reporting period for bad debts under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which does run from the date the debt is written off. > [@](#): > > (c) Running of reporting period > > ``` > (1) In general > > The 7-year period referred to in paragraphs (4) and (6) of > subsection (a) of this section shall begin, with respect to any > delinquent account that is placed for collection (internally or by > referral to a third party, whichever is earlier), charged to profit > and loss, or subjected to any similar action, upon the expiration of > the 180-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of the > delinquency which immediately preceded the collection activity, > charge to profit and loss, or similar action. > > ``` [Govinfo](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+15USC1681c) But as you note below, that’s different. > [@](#): > > FYI, the SOL in South Carolina is 6 years. Looks to me like it’s 3 years. . . > [@](#): > > Also, the appearance of the debt on your credit report is irrelevant when it comes to determining if the debt if valid or not. This is true. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/25 "2008-10-18T20:37:53Z")
So, if I (living in Pennsylvania at the time) hypothetically have a credit card debt of $5000 in, say, 1992, and I’ve been studiously ignoring all phone calls and letters with the original bank’s and the collection agency’s return address on them, and I haven’t made a payment since 1994, does that mean that if they haven’t sued yet they _cannot_ sue for remuneration at all now? ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/26 "2008-10-18T20:59:46Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > So, if I (living in Pennsylvania at the time) hypothetically have a credit card debt of $5000 in, say, 1992, and I’ve been studiously ignoring all phone calls and letters with the original bank’s and the collection agency’s return address on them, and I haven’t made a payment since 1994, does that mean that if they haven’t sued yet they _cannot_ sue for remuneration at all now? The statute probably ran sometime in 2000 (the statute used to be six years–now it’s four). > [@](#): > > § 5525. Four year limitation. > > The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within four years: > > 1. An action upon a contract, under seal or otherwise, for the sale, construction or furnishing of tangible personal property or fixtures. > 2. Any action subject to 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 (relating to statute of limitations in contracts for sale). > 3. An action upon an express contract not founded upon an instrument in writing. > 4. An action upon a contract implied in law, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. > 5. An action upon a judgment or decree of any court of the United States or of any state. > 6. An action upon any official bond of a public official, officer or employee. > 7. An action upon a negotiable or nonnegotiable bond, note or other similar instrument in writing. Where such an instrument is payable upon demand, the time within which an action on it must be commenced shall be computed from the later of either demand or any payment of principal of or interest on the instrument. > 8. An action upon a contract, obligation or liability founded upon a writing not specified in paragraph (7), under seal or otherwise, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. > **[News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com](https://www.aol.com/)** > > Discover the latest breaking news in the U.S. and around the world — politics, weather, entertainment, lifestyle, finance, sports and much more. Note that Pennsylvania also has a different provision on the effect of absence from the state: > [@](#): > > § 5532. Absence or concealment. > > (a) General rule.–If, when a cause of action accrues against a person, he is without this Commonwealth, the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced shall be computed from the time he comes into or returns to this Commonwealth. If, after a cause of action has accrued against a person, he departs from this Commonwealth and remains continuously absent therefrom for four months or more, or he resides within this Commonwealth under a false name which is unknown to the person entitled to commence the action or proceeding, the time of his absence or residence within this Commonwealth under such a false name is not a part of the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced. > > (b) Exception.–Subsection (a) does not apply in any of the following cases: > > 1. While there is in force a designation, voluntary or involuntary, made pursuant to law, of a person to whom process may be delivered within this Commonwealth with the same effect as if served personally within this Commonwealth. > 2. While a foreign corporation has one or more officers or other persons in this Commonwealth on whom process against such corporation may be served. > **3. While jurisdiction over the person of the defendant can be obtained without personal delivery of process to him within this Commonwealth.** > > (c) Fraudulent concealment.–In the case of a civil action or proceeding against the trustee of an express or implied trust, the time within which such an action or proceeding by or on behalf of a beneficiary on account of fraud must be commenced shall be computed from the discovery of the fraud, or when, by reasonable diligence, the person defrauded might have discovered the fraud. This subsection shall not prevent a bona fide purchaser for value from pleading the applicable statute of limitations. [News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com](http://members.aol.com/StatutesP1/42PA5532.html) (Emphasis added.) > [@](#): > > § 5322. Bases of personal jurisdiction over persons outside this Commonwealth. > > ``` > (a) General rule.--A tribunal of this Commonwealth may exercise personal jurisdiction over a person (or the personal representative of a deceased individual who would be subject to jurisdiction under this subsection if not deceased) who acts directly or by an agent, as to a cause of action or other matter arising from such person: > > 1. Transacting any business in this Commonwealth. Without excluding other acts which may constitute transacting business in this Commonwealth, any of the following shall constitute transacting business for the purpose of this paragraph: > 1. The doing by any person in this Commonwealth of a series of similar acts for the purpose of thereby realizing pecuniary benefit or otherwise accomplishing an object. > 2. The doing of a single act in this Commonwealth for the purpose of thereby realizing pecuniary benefit or otherwise accomplishing an object with the intention of initiating a series of such acts. > 3. The shipping of merchandise directly or indirectly into or through this Commonwealth. > 4. The engaging in any business or profession within this Commonwealth, whether or not such business requires license or approval by any government unit of this Commonwealth. > 5. The ownership, use or possession of any real property situate within this Commonwealth. > 2. Contracting to supply services or things in this Commonwealth. > 3. Causing harm or tortious injury by an act or omission in this Commonwealth. > 4. Causing harm or tortious injury in this Commonwealth by an act or omission outside this Commonwealth. > 5. Having an interest in, using, or possessing real property in this Commonwealth. > 6. > > (i) Contracting to insure any person, property, or risk located within this Commonwealth at the time of contracting. > (ii) Being a person who controls, or who is a director, officer, employee or agent of a person who controls, an insurance company incorporated in this Commonwealth or an alien insurer domiciled in this Commonwealth. > (iii) Engaging in conduct described in section 504 of the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.789, No.285), known as The Insurance Department Act of 1921. > > 7. Accepting election or appointment or exercising powers under the authority of this Commonwealth as a: > 1. Personal representative of a decedent. > 2. Guardian of a minor or incapacitated person. > 3. Trustee or other fiduciary. > 4. Director or officer of a corporation. > 8. Executing any bond of any of the persons specified in paragraph (7). > 9. Making application to any government unit for any certificate, license, permit, registration or similar instrument or authorization or exercising any such instrument or authorization. > 10. Committing any violation within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth of any statute, home rule charter, local ordinance or resolution, or rule or regulation promulgated thereunder by any government unit or of any order of court or other government unit. > > (b) Exercise of full constitutional power over nonresidents.--In addition to the provisions of subsection (a) the jurisdiction of the tribunals of this Commonwealth shall extend to all persons who are not within the scope of section 5301 (relating to persons) to the fullest extent allowed under the Constitution of the United States and may be based on the most minimum contact with this Commonwealth allowed under the Constitution of the United States. > > (c) Scope of jurisdiction.--When jurisdiction over a person is based solely upon this section, only a cause of action or other matter arising from acts enumerated in subsection (a), or from acts forming the basis of jurisdiction under subsection (b), may be asserted against him. > > ``` > > \*\* (d) Service outside this Commonwealth.–When the exercise of personal jurisdiction is authorized by this section, service of process may be made outside this Commonwealth.\*\* > > ``` > (e) Inconvenient forum.--When a tribunal finds that in the interest of substantial justice the matter should be heard in another forum, the tribunal may stay or dismiss the matter in whole or in part on any conditions that may be just. > > ``` [News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com](http://members.aol.com/StatutesP7/42PA5322.html) (Emphasis added.) ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/27 "2008-10-18T21:21:28Z")
In some states (dunno about SC), paying an old debt will restart the clock on the SOL. Once there is action on the account, you can again be sued, have it put on your credit report, etc. They call these agencies scavenger debt collectors. They buy old debt which has no hope of being collected and give it a try. If they don’t have any luck, they may sell it to someone else. According to [this](http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ManageDebt/ZombieDebtCollectorsDigUpYourOldMistakes.aspx) page, recent debts are sold for 7 to 12 percent of the value of the debt. Old debt such as the OPs can be had for a penny. There is no statute of limitations on how long they attempt to collect, only a SOL on how long they have to take court action. You should send them a cease and desist letter and forget about it. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/28 "2008-10-18T22:41:57Z")
\>Not trying to be obtuse, but I can’t believe that something like this wouldn’t affect your life or at least credit history in a negative way. This is a mystery. I paid $1400 for two new sofas that the maker never delivered, and eventually my bank ate the debt and refunded me the money. They told me this kind of thing happens all the time, which is just amazing. The maker was still in business much later. I guess they still have a building, employees, and therefore bank accounts, right? At banks that all do business with each other and at that level surely must have some mechanism to be able to trust one another, right? Even so, I found hundreds of people on web forums who had had experiences like mine. You would think that in such an interconnected financial system, people whose strategy is simply not to pay bills or to collect payments and not deliver products would somehow get stopped. I get the idea that one can decide to ignore debts of hundreds or even a few thousand dollars with impunity. Sometimes it seems we’re all just on the honor system, with a surprising number of exceptions. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/29 "2008-10-18T23:19:46Z")
> [@Fubaya](#): > > In some states (dunno about SC), paying an old debt will restart the clock on the SOL. Once there is action on the account, you can again be sued, have it put on your credit report, etc. > > They call these agencies scavenger debt collectors. They buy old debt which has no hope of being collected and give it a try. If they don’t have any luck, they may sell it to someone else. According to [this](http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ManageDebt/ZombieDebtCollectorsDigUpYourOldMistakes.aspx) page, recent debts are sold for 7 to 12 percent of the value of the debt. Old debt such as the OPs can be had for a penny. > > There is no statute of limitations on how long they attempt to collect, only a SOL on how long they have to take court action. You should send them a cease and desist letter and forget about it. Do not admit you owe any money, do not pay any money. Do not talk to them. Talk to a local lawyer, who will probably advise you to demand they cease and desist. ---
**Author:** ![Beauregard\_Porkypine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@Beauregard\_Porkypine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beauregard_Porkypine)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/30 "2008-10-19T03:23:47Z")
Well, it comes down to either you’re honest, or you’re not. Don’t try and justify if you’re paying for some big-wigs lunch, it’s been too long, the money’s not going directly to the lender, or it’s just a stupid teenage debt. The bottom line is you borrowed the money after signing an agreement promising to repay. You’re not a teen anymore. You’ve got car loans and been approved for a mortgage. Just pay the $600 back (directly to the lender if you want) and sleep better at night. Being honest is what makes us civilized. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/31 "2008-10-19T03:31:36Z")
> [@Beauregard\_Porkypine](#): > > Well, it comes down to either you’re honest, or you’re not. > Don’t try and justify if you’re paying for some big-wigs lunch, it’s been too long, the money’s not going directly to the lender, or it’s just a stupid teenage debt. > The bottom line is you borrowed the money after signing an agreement promising to repay. > You’re not a teen anymore. You’ve got car loans and been approved for a mortgage. Just pay the $600 back (directly to the lender if you want) and sleep better at night. > > Being honest is what makes us civilized. I respectfully disagree. This is not like your Dad lending you $600. These companies are in the business of lending money, and they KNOW that a certain percentage of people will not repay. That’s why they charge the usurious interest rates that they do. I’m sure that for several years after this debt wasn’t paid, the OP couldn’t get credit, and when he did, he paid a higher rate than someone else would. And when you or I pay 11 or 12 percent on our credit cards, when the bank pays 2 percent, that money subsidizes the non-payers. His money has already been paid back to these companies, with interest. If the OP should feel guilty, I would advise that he give $600 to his favorite charity, not to these…well this GQ, so I can’t use the phrases I would like to attribute to collection agencies.. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/32 "2008-10-19T03:47:10Z")
> [@Beauregard\_Porkypine](#): > > Well, it comes down to either you’re honest, or you’re not. > Don’t try and justify if you’re paying for some big-wigs lunch, it’s been too long, the money’s not going directly to the lender, or it’s just a stupid teenage debt. > The bottom line is you borrowed the money after signing an agreement promising to repay. > You’re not a teen anymore. You’ve got car loans and been approved for a mortgage. Just pay the $600 back (directly to the lender if you want) and sleep better at night. > > Being honest is what makes us civilized. This forum is for factual questions–not moral guidance. Please refrain from further lecturing. **Gfactor** General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/33 "2008-10-19T04:14:35Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > If the OP should feel guilty, I would advise that he give $600 to his favorite charity, not to these…well this GQ, so I can’t use the phrases I would like to attribute to collection agencies.. I hope this isn’t against **Gfactor** ’s warning (as I’ve much respect for him), but the collection agencies aren’t of necessity swear-worthy entities. Except for illegal behavior (and do they _all_ work illegally?), they do have the moral high-ground. If you default against a company (say, Balthisar Enterprises), then Balthisar Enterprises has the right to collect. If it can’t collect from you, then it sells the right to collect to “Collection Agency #1.” You don’t even have to pay Balthisar Enterprises any more; they’re happy, and have been paid by Collection Agency #1 (and probably at a reduced rate). Now if #1 can’t collect, they resell at a reduced rate to #2, and so on, until we reach #15. It’s still a valid debt. Money has changed hands, based on the fact that someone didn’t honor the original debt. Strictly speaking, Collection Agency #15 bought that debt on the good faith that it was collectible, that it was a valid debt. Now I’m not going to debate whether 100% of collection agencies follow the law. The fact is, if they purchased a legal debt in good faith and act legally, they are entitled to recovery of the debt for which they paid (they have to follow the law). There may be legal barriers – such as SOL that limit court orders – but they’re still entitled to recover what it due to them, and it’s due to them because they’ve paid for the privilege. Youthful indiscretion is no excuse, and “all debt collectors are arses” is no excuse; it’s their money. Because others make up the slack is no excuse (and is a topic for the pit, you socialist-communist bastards who think it’s okay just because I personally make up for your lack of being able to live up to a commitment you made). So legally, you’ve got the answers. Send a C&D. It’s probably uncollectable in court because of the SOL. If you’re happy with other people paying for your shortcomings, then okay, go ahead and vote for our populist presidential candidate while you’re at it. If on the other hand you want to live morally, consider this: **don’t** pay the whole amount. See what they’ll settle for. They’ve paid pennies on the dollar. They’ll take pennies on the dollar. That means the whole system works, and you’ve morally satisfied the debt. FWIW, I tend to think that most debt collectors are pure trash. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’re owed what they’re owed. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/34 "2008-10-19T04:16:34Z")
Credit cards are, most jurisdictions, open accounts - they stay active FOR AS LONG AS THERE IS ACTIVITY ON THEM. What is activity? Charges and PAYMENTS You are dealing with scum - everybody knows that is a dead, unenforceable debt. There are scum who live in the margins and make those dead accounts profitable. These people have some scummy tricks, among which is to get you to make a “token” payment. What does a payment, token or otherwise do? It makes that dead account “active” and enforceable. They will give you some line about sending “anything, $10 - anything, just so I can show the boss you are honorable and WANT to…” Don’t do it. Have nothing (beyond the suggested statement up thread disputing the debt) to do with the scum. Send that, and trash anything else they send. Under NO condition send them a cent - that kid who’s “really trying to make you look good” knows the law, and is ready to pounce if you give him a shot. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507/35 "2008-10-19T05:22:55Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Now if #1 can’t collect, they resell at a reduced rate to #2, and so on, until we reach #15. It’s still a valid debt. Money has changed hands, based on the fact that someone didn’t honor the original debt. Strictly speaking, Collection Agency #15 bought that debt on the good faith that it was collectible, that it was a valid debt. > > Now I’m not going to debate whether 100% of collection agencies follow the law. The fact is, if they purchased a legal debt in good faith and act legally, they are entitled to recovery of the debt for which they paid (they have to follow the law). There may be legal barriers – such as SOL that limit court orders – but they’re still entitled to recover what it due to them, and it’s due to them because they’ve paid for the privilege. Youthful indiscretion is no excuse, and “all debt collectors are arses” is no excuse; it’s their money. I agree that not all collections agencies are bad, especially the agencies that go after recent debt, but you make it sound like these poor collectors have invested their company’s fortune and are only attempting to feed their families by asking to get back some of their hard earned money that they invested in righting the OP’s bad deeds. If you read the link I posted earlier, these scavenger agencies pay “a penny or less” for an out-of-statute debt like the OP’s. They didn’t buy it “on the good faith that it was collectible.” They know it isn’t collectible. They bought it in the hopes it would be profitable. You’re not going to see a well known reputable company doing this. When a collection agency is caught breaking the law, it’s these bottom feeders. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-agency-calling-about-a-16-year-old-debt-do-i-have-to-pay/468507.md?page=1)