Old AMEX Account (Bad Debit / Collections) - - - - Question/Advice Needed!!!

[fogg30]

I have an old AMEX account that was opened in 4/1997 and went into collections a few years later (approximately 2001/2002). 

I have not made "any" payments on this account in at least ten (10) years, however it still appears on my Credit Report as a "Bad Debt/Collection" and I noticed while reviewing my report today that it shows the "date of last activity" as 2/09, however I have not paid anything towards this account since before it went into collections ten (10) years ago. 

Over the years I have been hounded by various collectors (some AMEX and some not) on this $1,375 debit but have never paid anyone or agreed to any of their offers.  Recently, I also received some calls from a some lawyer (or at least that is what they said they were) requesting them I call them about an unpaid debt and I believe it is in reference to this debt as I had a similar call a few years back and when I called it was about this account, plus this is my only account in bad standing. 

Shouldn't this account have come off my credit report by now or will it soon? 

I thought bad debit came off your account 7+ years after your last payment activity on the account. 

Any advise is GREATLY appreciated as this is the only bad account I have on my credit report right now and I really would like to get it removed. 

Thank you!

[distantarray]

it gets removed 7 to 7 1/2 years after the first 30 days late notation that lead to the charge off. If it's still reporting you can dispute this account as obsolete.

[fogg30]

Thank you for your answer!  How can I dispute it and to who the credit reporter?

[beb86]

The collections can vary with your states SOL but if you have the cash to pay it off you can always inquire about there Optima oasis program