rodneyy69

Before you consider a credit repair company, verify how old the debts are and check your state's statutes for how long they have to collect the debt. They only have a short period of time to collect from "Date of last activity"(This is activity initiated by you) such as acknowledging the debt, agreeing to a payment plan or making a payment. I was unfortunate and found this information to late. After i filed for Bankruptcy. In the state of Nebraska they only have 4 yrs on MOST debts and 5 yrs on open accounts such as credit cards. They DO NOT have 7 years! That is the amount of time from "Date of last activity" a Credit reporting agency can show it on your credit report.

lori4546,

I am very glad to have ran across your question. I don't know what state you are in, But IT IS against the law for them to threaten you per Federal Law. I am from Nebraska and recently got one collection agency off my butt and $500 from another for violating my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Act. Here is the web site to enter your information and there is, NO charge to you if they accept your case and bring action against the collection agency. Win or Lose, you PAY NOTHING.
DO record conversations with them and make good notes, this will help you win against them.

http://www.attorneysforconsumers.com/Larry-Smith-and-Associates.html

ALSO:
http://www.ftc.gov/index.shtml
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm
http://www.bcsalliance.com/y_debt_statelaws.html

PLEASE PAY THIS INFO FORWARD TO ANYONE THAT MAY NEED IT - if consumers pay info forward it will help put a halt to unfair collection practices.