Zombie debts are uncollectable, past-due balances that creditors have stopped pursuing. Unfortunately, these debts can be purchased by debt collection agencies that then pressure you to pay the money. In some cases, collectors can be so aggressive that you may need an attorney. Learn more about zombie debt and how to protect yourself from collection agencies below.

What Is Zombie Debt?

Creditors often do whatever they can to get paid for a debt, from making phone calls and sending registered letters to pursuing collection action and even filing lawsuits. However, in some cases, a person may not have the money to repay what they owe. As a result, most creditors will abandon debt after a few years, rather than endlessly trying to get a debtor to pay back money they don't have. For example, the Kentucky statute of limitations states that a creditor has only five years to collect a credit card debt before it's canceled.

Years later, collection agencies can buy debt for a fraction of the cost, since the original creditor is happy to get even a small percentage of their money back. The collection agency then attempts to get the original debtor to repay the full amount, even if the debt has already been canceled. Collection agencies have also been known to scour bankruptcy records and attempt to get creditors to repay debts eliminated in bankruptcy. They may even try to get you to pay back debt that never belonged to you in the first place.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

One of the most effective ways to deal with scavenging collectors is to ignore them. If they have no legal ground to pursue the debt, don't give them any reason to believe you’ll repay it.

If you do communicate with them, request verification of the debt. Ask the collector to send a debt verification notice, which should include the amount owed, the name of the original creditor, and your rights to dispute the debt within 30 days. If you're ever unsure about a debt, or you're being harassed endlessly by collectors, contact an attorney to review your legal options.

If you’re being haunted by zombie debt, contact Bruce Bentley, Attorney at Law in London, KY. Since 1999, Attorney Bentley has offered representation in debt and bankruptcy cases, meaning he has the experience needed to keep collectors away. Visit his website to learn more about his practice areas, or call (608) 877-0088 to schedule a free case evaluation today.