Dentist trying to collect on bill 10 years later

[Philip T]

Sounds like some confusion between "Limitations" aka Statute of Limitations v. Credit Reports.

Limitations vary by state. From as Low as 2 to 3 years to bring suit, up to 6 years, typically from "last activity" on the account. However, folks need to be careful, as even acknowledging the debt can start the clock over again in some places and situations.

Credit Report Listings are under the Federal Gov. regulations and supposed to limited to 7 years for Consumer Debt, and up to 10 years for various Gov debts and liens.

Further confusing the matters are some collectors who are late in the aging process who try to pretend old debts are new and create false "last activity" dates to churn up money from old debts they buy for pennies on the dollar.

[McBain II]

Originally Posted by Philip T

Sounds like some confusion between "Limitations" aka Statute of Limitations v. Credit Reports.

Yeah, that is probably it.

Limitations vary by state. From as Low as 2 to 3 years to bring suit, up to 6 years, typically from "last activity" on the account. However, folks need to be careful, as even acknowledging the debt can start the clock over again in some places and situations.

They definitely need to be careful. There are only two (I think) states that allow the SOL to be restart if the debt is acknowledged, and even then it is a hotly contested issue. In most other states you will need a payment plus written acknowledgement of the debt to restart the SOL.

Further confusing the matters are some collectors who are late in the aging process who try to pretend old debts are new and create false "last activity" dates to churn up money from old debts they buy for pennies on the dollar.

Happens quite frequently. Evil bastards.