What to do when an old debt pops up.

[Susan1]

What is the name of your state? NH/AZ

I currently live in NH. 4 years ago I lived in AZ. 2 months ago I received a letter from a debt collector (in Colorado) saying that I have a hospital bill from when I lived in AZ that is past due and payment in full is due immediately or will be reported to the credit bureau for collections.

I checked the SOL and NH (where I live) has a 3 year SOL. AZ, however, (where the debt is from) has a 5 year SOL. So, the debt is still valid. I sent the standard request for verification since I don't even remember going to the hospital while I lived there and it seems strange that 4 years later I am suddenly receiving a letter for the first time about this alleged debt. I never received a response. I'm hoping that the collection company will follow the laws and not report this on my credit report since they did not provide me with the requested verification on the debt. However, in case they do I am wondering something.

Does negative credit history fall off your credit report 7 years from the date of delinquency, or the date of last activity? I'm wondering, if they report it now will it last another 3 years since it's already 4 years old, or will it be reported for another 7?

 

[Zigner]

You're going to hate it when you find out that the 5 year SOL stopped running (tolled) when you left AZ.

 

[Susan1]

You're going to hate it when you find out that the 5 year SOL stopped running (tolled) when you left AZ.

Meaning what? That the statute of limitation will never expire because I don't live in AZ anymore?

Also, do you have any insight to the question of "Does negative credit history fall off your credit report 7 years from the date of delinquency, or the date of last activity? I'm wondering, if they report it now will it last another 3 years since it's already 4 years old, or will it be reported for another 7?"

 

[Zigner]

Meaning what? That the statute of limitation will never expire because I don't live in AZ anymore?

Also, do you have any insight to the question of "Does negative credit history fall off your credit report 7 years from the date of delinquency, or the date of last activity? I'm wondering, if they report it now will it last another 3 years since it's already 4 years old, or will it be reported for another 7?"

Basically, it's the date of delinquency. But, it won't be an EXACT #...

 

[seniorjudge]

...

Meaning what? That the statute of limitation will never expire because I don't live in AZ anymore?

...

You are correct.