If you are being haunted by creditors trying to collect debts from years ago, you may be experiencing so-called zombie debt. This occurs when a lender, having been unable to get you to pay, sells your debts to a new collector—known as a debt scavenger—who then starts the collection process from the beginning. As any debt lawyer will tell you, these collectors can be particularly ruthless. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

Types of Zombie Debt 

Zombie debt typically applies to accounts where debts are at least three years old or, in some cases, have been deemed uncollectible. The debt scavengers who take on these accounts will often try to trick or scare you into paying. All kinds of debts can be revived.

Examples include debts where the statute of limitations to sue for the unpaid amount has run out, those that were actually legitimately charged via bankruptcy, or even debt that isn’t yours—for instance, due to identity theft. By hounding you, debt scavengers hope to get you to pay voluntarily, even if there is no legal obligation to do so.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Debt scavengers often use questionable tactics. For instance, they may promise to leave you in peace in exchange for a small payment. However, once you make this payment, the statute of limitations on the debt automatically resets, so they will then come after you for the full amount. Even if the debt wasn’t yours, a payment could be seen as an admission of guilt that it is.

Don’t talk to debt scavengers if they contact you. Instead, have a lawyer research the company and request verification of the debt from the collector. Whatever you do, do not admit verbally or in writing that you owe the debt. If the collector is using illegal tactics or trying to collect on debt that isn’t yours, your attorney can send a cease and desist letter. 

If you are facing zombie debts, contact Riley Resar & Associates in Lorain, OH, for assistance. Their lawyers bring more than 30 years of experience to the table and have the knowledge and confidence needed to push back against tough collectors. They are a member of the Lorain County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Cleveland Bar Association. You can get an overview of their services online. For an appointment, call the law firm at (440) 244-5214.