How long can a collection agency try to collect a utility debt?

[masscredit]

I received a call from a collection agency that is trying to collect on a utility bill from about 3 1/2 years ago. The guy said that a recent loan payoff triggered my info to pop up in their system (don't know how true that is). The last time I spoke with this company was over a year ago. Is there a point when they will give up or time will run out?

[Anonymous]

They can attempt to collect forever.  What they cannot do is put it one your CR if the DoFD is beyond the 7.5 years for reporting.  If it is still within your states suing SOL they could sue.

[masscredit]

It's actually not on my CR. I wonder if I can make an arrangement with them. Like see if they will reduce the bill and set up an arrangement of maybe $20.00 per month? I really don't have much if anything to offer them at the moment.

[Anonymous]

The debt is only 3.5 years old.  What is your states SOL for suing? 

You could restart the SOL for suing if it is outside the time limit and you start making payments.

[masscredit]

I'm in MA.  Looks like 6 years -

edited

Unfortunately links to CIC aren't allowed in here. - llecs, myFICO moderator

[Anonymous]

It is 6 years.

If you know the debt is yours, you can forego the DV and just ask for payment arrangements and not reporting to your CR.  If you can get it in writing that they will not report to the CRAs.