They can try to get you to pay the debt by sending you letters or calling you as long as they don’t break the law. As you may have noticed, the statute of limitations is almost never 7 years. As you may have noticed, the statute of limitations is almost never 7 years. It can also depend on the type of debt you owe.
A “time-barred debt” is a debt that is no longer legally recoverable because the statute of limitations has expired.
Are you still in debt after 7 years?
Unlike some other types of debt, you can’t decide whether or not to get sick or need medical care. The Federal Fair Collection Practices Act expressly prohibits collection agencies from calling debtors at inappropriate times, taking collection measures without first notifying debtors, and asking non-parties specific questions. If you don’t pay a credit card bill, medical debt, student loans, mortgages, auto loans, or other debts for more than a few months in a row, you’re at risk of defaulting on that debt.
References:
- Check if you have to pay a debt – Citizens Advice
- What is the Statute of Limitation on my Credit Card Debt?
Barry Ritholtz is a renowned finance expert, author and blogger. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry he has gained a reputation as a thought leader and influencer in the investment community.