I just got a bill from collection agency about a telephone bill from 10 years ago, I don't recall it &1st bill

Do I have to pay it? They are threatening to put it on my credit. I dont' have any old bills the phone # is someone elses now and the phone company even changed hands. Anybody have any answers for me?

OK here is more info, that maybe will get me out of this. I found out that the bill they are claiming for is through verizon, well I never had a land line phone with that number through verizon, and the bill is 10 years old. I was never contacted about this as far as I can remember ever. I am scared its going to go on my credit report and I have been working hard on having a good credit score. But I don't want to shell out 200 dollars either. The company is Afni, they check out on bbb website. Help!

AFNI is definately a bottom feeder.

The other posters are correct, they cannot legally place it on your reports and they also cannot legally sue.
Though, my opinion here> that collection agency is not know for doing what is legal.

If they place it on your reports and/or sue, you can make money from them on it but it's a long drawn out hassle.

You should not ignore it. Take the lead and send them a SOL letter, which should make them go away before they can even think of doing any harm.

SOL letter template:
http://whychat.5u.com/nottoca.html

You might also click on my profile and do some reading in the links I have listed - the FDCPA etc.
If you have any questions on how to use the SOL letter, go to the last link in my profile and then ask your questions in the credit forum.

"echo" was right on!!! I sent them a registered letter like from her website and I got a letter back last week stating they accepted my dispute and would take it off my credit report. Although as far as I know its never been put on. But a BIG THANKS to echo!! Report It

Know your rights and how to go about dealing with this in your best interests. Check out the Creditboards.com and read and ask questions about what to do in your situation.

I would just let it ride. 10 years ago is a long time and chances are the collection agency is bluffing. There was an agency busted not that long ago for buying old outdated collections that legally they cannot colllect on (statute issue). They still contacted the people and tried to scam them. So, keep an eye out on your credit report, check it something in 3 mos or so, if it appears on the report, then pay it, otherwise it's a scam.

I've had this problem. Luckily, I was able to find old records and prove that this was already paid off. The same collection agency called me three times...years apart! So, I wouldn't necessarily believe their records are right. My advice is to put any communication between you and this company in writing. Ask for your file. If you feel you have paid this bill then I would contact the three credit agencies IN WRITING letting them know that you are disputing these claims and respond to the company advising them that you wrote to the credit agencies.

There is always the chance that this is a scam. Verify that this is a legit company. Check the BBB.com site for any complaints and add your own complaint if this company sounds to fishy.

Guard your credit score with your life!

Good luck!

If they are claiming this bill is 10 years old, they can not report it to the credit agency's. Nothing can be reported after 7 years from the date of last action on the account Per the fair credit reporting act. If they do report it, you can take legal action against them. I'm guessing this may be a scam and I would just ignore them and periodically check you credit report. Most of the time, even if they did buy it, they will do anything to try and scare you into paying it.

ALL THE BILLS TO BE COLLECTED HAVE 7 YEARS TO BE COLLECTED FROM ANY BUSINESS. UNLESS BY CONTRACT.BECAUSE PEOPLE MOST KEEP THERE RECORD NO MORE THEN 7 YRS ON FILES.

hi k.m this is Stan and let me tell you that there is a statue limitations of 7 years on any bill that mines that you don't have to pay any thing and call Verizon and tell them to send you actual proof of name ssc address and if is you they already put ed on your credit report now i could help you with that I'm a credit consultant for good life credit and we could remove that item and others for you just call me at my toll free number 1 866 625 0444 ext 233 or e mail me at stan_goodlicredit@yahoo.com

Did you have a phone back then? If so you can prove that you were with another company back then and Not Verizons. They probably have you confused with another person by your name and are making Idle Threats. If it not your bill then do not pay them. They cannot have your Social Security Number without your permission. I would simply provide proof to them that it is not you they are billing and if they harrass you falsely you will report them to the Better Business Bureau.

This charge will definitely go on your credit report unless you dispute it quickly and call the company to explain. I just went through this with Cingular after owing Bell South about 6 years ago. I paid off BellSouth through a collection agency. I had all my receipts and a paper saying the debt was paid in full. Well... when BellSouth switched over to Cingular... they never got the memo and tried to double bill me. I wasn't having it. I called them and the credit bureau to explain. Cingular put that on my credit report and I had to dispute it forever. When I got in touch with Experian I got a copy of my credit report and disputed it. I sent copies of all my receipts and the payoff notice. It took a while because they wanted some cash from me but in the end I won. It came off. I was very upset but about a year later it disappeared.
Call Verizon corporate and tell them a mistake has been made. You may be a victim of mistaken identity. This is very likely. Don't panic... just handle your business. It will come off but it takes time.

hi

Well, depending on your age and the length of time is it possible that you were under 18 at the time?

Also, if it is an out of date collections account and they put in on your report you can dispute it and they must have proof that it is your debt or it will have to be removed.

Depending on your state laws you may have other options.

Good Luck!

Ask a lawyer , but being that the original company doesn't exist anymore, why would they care?

I went through the same thing if it's not much pay it off because they won't let it die, and it will show up on your credit report

take it to judge joe brown and you will win thcase