I keep getting harassed by debtcollectors over a debt that was not mine from 14yr ago

[JBoy888]

Georgia:

Debt collectors are still harassing me via phone and letter over a cell phone bill that belonged to my mother 14 years ago. The company that issued the collection claims the account was in my name, however I was just an added line on to my mothers account. I also was a minor when my phone plan was added on to hers. My mother has since declared bankruptcy in which this outstanding bill was included. This issue originally reared its ugly head when I previously applied for a home loan. It was an up-hill battle but the issue was resolved (or so I thought) and I was able to obtain the mortgage I needed. Since then (about 4 years ago), I haven't been contacted regarding this collection. I now am receiving harassing phone calls and letters. These calls make me not even want to look at my phone, the stress is too much and I have no clue how to make this go away for good aside from paying money I don't have for a debt that isn't mine. Any tips you all may have will greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Zigner]

Why did this affect your mortgage application? It should only have stayed on your credit report for a little over 7 years. Also, the statute of limitations appears to be four years for this type of matter. When they call, just say that you only have two things to say: "First, it's not my debt. Second, it is well past the statute of limitations." Then, simply hang up.

ETA: If it is currently showing on your credit report, dispute it with each credit bureau.

 

[JBoy888]

Why did this affect your mortgage application? It should only have stayed on your credit report for a little over 7 years. Also, the statute of limitations appears to be four years for this type of matter. When they call, just say that you only have two things to say: "First, it's not my debt. Second, it is well past the statute of limitations." Then, simply hang up.

ETA: If it is currently showing on your credit report, dispute it with each credit bureau.

Thanks for the quick response! Upon performing the credit check, the bank was notified that there was a collection which in turn made it very difficult to get approved. I had to fight with the collection dept and the collection-issuing company as well as the bank before I cleared my name enough to permit me to obtain the mortgage.

 

[Zigner]

Thanks for the quick response! Upon performing the credit check, the bank was notified that there was a collection which in turn made it very difficult to get approved. I had to fight with the collection dept and the collection-issuing company as well as the bank before I cleared my name enough to permit me to obtain the mortgage.

AGAIN: There shouldn't be a collection showing on your credit report for a debt that was incurred 14 years ago. At this point, whether or not it was your debt is irrelevant because the time frame for reporting or even for legal action is long past.

Dispute this with the three credit bureaus.

 

[JBoy888]

AGAIN: There shouldn't be a collection showing on your credit report for a debt that was incurred 14 years ago. At this point, whether or not it was your debt is irrelevant because the time frame for reporting or even for legal action is long past.

Dispute this with the three credit bureaus.

I most certainly will. Thank you!