' Surviving Zombie Debt - Law Offices of Robert M. Geller
CALL NOW!
FREE PHONE/VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Surviving Zombie Debt

Zombie debt is old debt that “comes back to life.” In the world of money lending, debts are often sold to other financial institutions and when an old debt is sold to a new debt collector, that debt collector sometimes tries to revive it by intimidating the borrower into paying. The key to surviving zombie debt is to not panic if you are contacted about a debt you thought was in the past. Collect as much information as possible and learn what you can do to get through the zombie debt attack.

Check the Validity of the Debt Claim

First and foremost, you need to make sure the debt is valid. You have a right to verify any debt claims by collectors within 30 days of contact. You need to make this request in writing and send that request via certified mail so you have proof it was received. If the debt is valid, you will receive original documents associated with the debt that include the amount you owe when the debt was turned over to the collector.

If you do not receive validation within 30 days after requesting it for a debt, a collector is legally not permitted to add that debt to your credit report. In order to have the debt deleted from your credit report, submit a dispute to the appropriate credit bureau(s) and include a copy of the validation letter you sent to the collector.

Removing the Debt from Your Credit Report

If the debt is not even valid, you will need to take the necessary steps to have it removed from your credit report and possibly, to further prove it is not your debt. This is one of the reasons it is so important to keep track of your credit report from year to year, so you know if something appears on it that is not legitimate. Keep in mind not all non-legitimate debts are actually mistakes on your credit report. A debt that was yours and paid off or that has expired could be a problem in a zombie debt attack, too.

Has Time to Collect on the Debt Run Out?

Once you have proof a debt is legitimate, check the statute of limitations in your state concerning the debt. There is a limited amount of time a debt collector can use the court system to collect a debt. They can pursue a lawsuit against you but it will likely not hold up and usually collectors don’t even bother if enough time has passed. Bankrate.com lists the statutes of limitations from state to state here.

You might need to send a cease and desist letter to get debt collection efforts to stop even after the statute of limitations has passed. A cease and desist letter can also be sent to stop contact with you even if a debt is still legitimate.

Are you facing a zombie debt attack? Would you like to learn more about what you can do in general to stop creditor harassment? The Law Offices of Robert M. Geller can help. Contact us at 813.254.5696 for more information.

Archive

Video Testimonials

Tampa Bankruptcy Law Blog

Can You File Bankruptcy on a Title Loan?

If you're struggling with debt and have a title loan, you may wonder if bankruptcy can help you escape that...
Read More

Will Bankruptcy Affect My Security Clearance?

When you're facing financial difficulties, the prospect of bankruptcy can be daunting. This concern is amplified if you hold or...
Read More

What is Involuntary Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals or businesses to resolve their debts under the protection of a bankruptcy...
Read More

Is It Bad to File Bankruptcy at a Young Age?

Filing for bankruptcy is often viewed as a last resort for those overwhelmed by debt. While it is a significant...
Read More

How Far Back Does the Bankruptcy Trustee Look?

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process that requires full transparency and cooperation with the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your...
Read More

Can Bankruptcy Be Reversed?

Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to help individuals and businesses eliminate or repay their debts under the protection of...
Read More

Can I Sell My House While in Bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex and stressful experience, especially when it comes to your significant assets like your...
Read More

Does Bankruptcy Clear Attorney Debt?

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process that often requires the expertise of a bankruptcy attorney to navigate successfully. However,...
Read More

What to Ask a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a significant and often emotional step, and having the right legal guidance is crucial...
Read More

How Can I File Bankruptcy with No Money?

Filing for bankruptcy is often seen as a last resort for those overwhelmed by debt. It's a step that provides...
Read More

Bankruptcy

For The Next 5 Days GET A FREE BOOK About Bankruptcy

Learn More

Infographics

We are A Debt Relief Agency.
We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code

Pay Online Bankruptcy Courses Newsletter Subscription

Call For A Free Initial Consultation

813.536.4468

Tampa Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
807 West Azeele Street
Tampa, FL 33606
T: (813) 328-6667
F: (813) 253-3405

Map And Directions

St. Petersburg Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
125 5th Street South
(Wells Fargo Financial Center)
2nd Floor, Suite G
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: (727) 274-9155

Map And Directions

Pasco Office

23526 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33559
T: (813) 492-2663

Map And Directions