I received a call from Portfolio Recovery this morning concerning a debt from 1993. A debt that had went on my credit report and come off. It should be illegal to even attempt to collect an 18 year old debt. The original creditor was Kay Jewelers.
I made it a habit to keep copies of old credit reports...they would come in handy with something like this...especially once it's over 7 years. That's when you write them a nice little letter telling them the statutes of limitations have run out and you send them proof with it....they have to stop. Look up sample ceast & desist letters and mail or fax them. If they keep on, file a lawsuit. Good luck everyone. And if they keep harassing you by phone....answer and put the phone next to something really loud....they may not want to call you again.
I just got a call from this number, No message was left, I have no idea who this is or what they want from me. If you don't have enough nerve to leave a message and tell me who you are and what you want, then quit calling me.
Got a couple calls from these folks as well, a week ago and again today. Followed the advice above from Texxy, AND looked up the FDCPA for my state, VA. There is none, but for clarification, Texxy's post references the Federal Act, which I assume supersedes.
Texxy's letter appears to cover the gist of the Clark and Howard "Drop Dead Letter" as well.
Anyway, the company's fax number is 757 321 2519
Here is a comment submitted by Portfolio Recovery, basically outlining their modus operandi where it applies to disregarding the statute of limitations (bottom of page 2)
http://www.ftc.gov/os/comments/debtcollectroundtable1/542930-00022.pdf