Debt Collection from 1996

[mrpeabody]

I recieved a call from a collection agency about an account from 1996. I owe $843 from when I was 19 years old. It is no longer showing up on my credit report. Should I even listen to them if they call me back, or is it a waste of time.

[RadioRob]

It SHOULD be way past SOL and past the timeframe for reporting under FRCA.  However that does not mean they cannot for example try and sue you.  

The easy defense is just to show up and state it's past SOL.  But if you don't show up, they get a default judgement against you.  So be careful with just 100% ignoring them.