4 year old debt

from california. my car was towed on 04/03/97, and I just received a letter from a collection agency{dated 02/21/01} wanting to collect $850.00,they say I owe the towing co. There has been no judgement re:this debt as of yet. It's been 4 years as of 04/03/01, and I can't recall ever getting a bill from the tow co. I seem to remember they did send me a notice of a lein sale of my car, but i can't find any records of this debt.
can they still collect on this debt?

If they already had a sale, they recover twice.

BUt, the statute of limitations for a creditor has not passed yet for them to still recover.


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I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.