The debt collection business has become very profitable and the collection of old debt is on the rise. When it comes to getting collections for old debt especially that is excess of seven years and no longer appears on your credit record, it would be wise to know your rights.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (or FDCPA) prohibits third party collection agencies from using underhanded and abusive practices to collect private debt.

Maybe you legitimately owe an unpaid balance and are out of work or unable to pay, or maybe the debt was run up by someone else (for instance, if you are the victim of identity theft): In either case, debt collectors are NOT allowed to just do whatever they want to bully you into compliance.

You receive a collection letter or pull your credit report to find that you owe money you didn’t know that you owed. Do you really owe it? Many people pay bills that arrive in the mail without question. Many people pay what is on their credit report without question. Find out what you need to do before you pay that bill.

You were just served with a summons and ordered to appear in court regarding a debt you owe. You feel like an ostrich wanting to bury your head in the sand. Find out what to do and how you could have avoided the situation in the first place.