There is. In California it's 7 years. Look up the statute of limitations for the state that you live in. It doesn't mean they can't attempt to contact you and get the debt paid after 7 years, it just means that their attempts won't hold up in court, especially if you move to dismiss based on the expired statute of limitations. Do not send them any money in the meantime because if you do, you restart the clock on your statute of limitations.