Return of the Zombie Bill Collectors

Zombie Bill Collectors are Popping Up All Over

Approximately 17 years ago I had a Citibank credit card go to a charge off.

Two years ago I bought a TV through a store that used Citibank as the lender.

Now they're hounding me to pay on this old debt.

Can they ruin my current credit rating with this old debt if I don't pay it?

Diane

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Is Citibank doing this or is it coming from a collection agency?

If Citibank is doing this, you're gong to have to read the fine print on the credit agreement you entered into when you bought the TV.

It might contain some provision allegedly giving them the right to force you to pay off old debts due to the bank. You will have to contract a lawyer to see if this is legal in your state, where I assume the statute of limitations shorter than 17 years.

If a collection agency is involved, you might be dealing with "zombie" bill collectors. If so, deny everything and refuse to talk to them.

If you say the wrong thing now, you might be re-acknowledging your debt, reopening the statute of limitations.

Also be careful what you say to Citibank. You can run into the same problem.

If you can, pay off the TV and stay away from Citibank. Otherwise make an appointment with a consumer credit lawyer.

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Thank You Chris,

It is some sort of debt relief collection agency.

They call with a computerized message stating to call Tim, but if I call, theres no one there.

Then I got a letter to pay 1/2 the bill and they'd give me credit for the other 1/2. So I'll ignore them altogether.

Thanks again.

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That seems to be the best course of action when dealing with any zombie collection agency.

The buy your old debt for pennies per hundred dollars. They will make promises like they did to you, but will renege on them once you have made a payment.

They will resell your remaining debt to another zombie agency, restart the running of interest and report this as a new problem to the credit bureaus.

It's best to just ignore them.

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Hello,

Have you heard of "Asset Acceptance LLC? Are they a "Zombie" bill collector?

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From what I have been able to learn Asset Acceptance is a bill collection agency well know for using abusive debt collection tactics.

It is hard to determine if they specialize in "zombie" debt, but it does seem to be a part of their business.

If you have a bill that is uncollectable due to the statute of limitations, be careful what you say to these guys. You best bet is to deny everything and hang up. Otherwise you may reopen the statute of limitations.

Apparently Asset Acceptance representatives make all sorts of verbal assurances which they then renege on.

If you have any dealings with them get all representations in writing, before making any payments.

Read this article about bill collectors.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission and your local attorney general if they are breaking the law.

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