Ticket paid in 2001 collection agency on my heels

[daa8801]

What is the name of your state? DC
In may 2001 I received a ticket for having stopped in a no stopping/standing zone in DC. I mailed a check at that time and a year later I received a notice that the fine had not been paid and the penalty was then increased from the original $105 to $205. I mailed proof of the original payment and then heard nothing about this. Now, seven years later I receive a notice from a collection ageny asking for the $205. I have moved overseas since then and have no more records of this payment. Does the collection agency have rights to demand this from me and can I invoke the statute of limitations on this saying that they have no rights to claim this since seven years have passed? Thanks.What is the name of your state?

[JETX]

Originally Posted by daa8801

Does the collection agency have rights to demand this from me

Yes, they have the right. Clearly their records of your not paying contradict your claim of payment. Simply prove them wrong.

and can I invoke the statute of limitations on this saying that they have no rights to claim this since seven years have passed?

You can invoke anything you want... but an unpaid traffic ticket is not subject to SOL.

[PrinceCharming]

I had a collection agency after me for something similar. The first step is to file a complaint with your State or district. Not every state has one. My state (NY) worked it out for me.

[FlyingRon]

Are you sure your initial payment was in the ten day limit? DC has a automatic doubling of the ticket value and if your payment was late it may not have fully paid the penalty.