State University Debt Collction...What do I do???

[nicktheman]

I just received a letter from a collection agency that is collecting on a debt for Penn State University.  I enrolled for the semester and then ended up dropping out before it started, however Penn State has not listened for the past 8+ years that I have been fighting it.  They keep saying I attended that semester which I did not!  It has since dropped off my credit.

Now I have gotten a letter from this agency that claims they will be checking my asset information i.e. income, bank account, real estate, auto, and personal property. 

My question is can they do this?  Isn't this past the SOL?  I live in PA so I thought it would be 4 years.  Can they sue me?  What should be my next steps? 

Thank you in advance!

[LynnInMN]

Penn State is a public school so therefore public debt....no sol. Plus they can seize tax returns.

You said you dropped out....did you officially withdraw??  Or just not attend.

[nicktheman]

Penn State is a public school so therefore public debt....no sol. Plus they can seize tax returns.

You said you dropped out....did you officially withdraw??  Or just not attend.

I withdrew before the date, but it was so long ago I do not remember the exact details.  Should I send a letter asking for proof and if I do that will that restart the SOL on my credit report?  I can find a way to pay it if I must, but I don't beleive I should be charged for a semester that I did not attend. 

[LynnInMN]

How did you withdraw??  Did you go to the registar's office and do all the official paperwork?  Any information submitted should be logged into their system.

[nicktheman]

I think so, but to be honest I have no idea.  Lets say I did then what should be next steps and if I didn't what should be next steps?  Thank you!~