Zombie Debt Survival Guide: Tips For Facing And Resolving Old Debts

Zombie debt refers to old or forgotten debts that come back from the grave.

Usually, these debts come back so suddenly because debt collectors are trying to collect them. It's important to understand and handle these debts well to keep your financial health and credit score in good shape.

What Is Zombie Debt?

Zombie debt, also known as phantom debt, refers to old financial obligations that people have either forgotten, settled, or never actually owed. Typically, zombie debt is at least three years old. It includes forgotten debts, those already paid off, or debts wrongly assigned to individuals. It can also arise from identity theft, computer mistakes, or fake attempts to collect debts. Often, the original creditor stops pursuing these debts and hands them over to collection agencies. Debt collectors "revive" these old debts to try to collect them. These agencies sometimes use strong and intimidating methods, like making constant and invasive phone calls. The laws regarding zombie debt vary, and often you can't enforce these debts legally.

Types Of Zombie Debt

• Unpaid Debts. These debts were legitimately owed but remained unpaid for an extended period. They turn into "zombie" debts when collectors try to resurrect and collect them after a significant lapse of time.
• Settled Debts.  Collectors keep going after settled debts for a long time.
• Time-Barred Debts. These debts have surpassed the statute of limitations for legal collection in a particular state. While they may still be valid, they are not legally enforceable in court.
• Debts Fallen Off Credit Reports. Collectors can still target debts older than seven years, which is the typical period for credit reports to remove negative items.
• Debts Not Owed by the Individual. Zombie debts can be fake, nonexistent, or already paid off, but collectors still chase them by mistake.

#DidYouKnow The term "zombie debt" itself is quite intriguing. It draws its name from the idea that these debts, like zombies in popular culture, come back to life from the past.

10 Tactics Zombie Debt Collectors Use

Zombie debt collectors often employ aggressive and sometimes unethical tactics to try to collect old, unverified, or unenforceable debts. While not all debt collectors engage in such practices, it's important to be aware of potential tactics used by some:

• Harassment. Some collectors may resort to excessive phone calls, emails, or letters, often at inconvenient or odd hours, to pressure debtors into paying.
• Threats and Intimidation. Unscrupulous collectors may use threats, intimidation, or false statements to create fear or anxiety, such as threatening legal action, arrest, or harm to a debtor's credit score.
• Misrepresentation. They may misrepresent themselves as legal authorities, misstate the amount owed, or falsely claim that they can garnish wages, seize property, or take other actions they cannot legally take.
• Pressure to Pay Immediately. Some collectors may demand immediate payment, not allowing debtors time to verify the validity of the debt or explore their rights.
• Failure to Verify Debt. They may refuse to provide written verification of the debt, as required by law when requested by the debtor.
• Contacting Third Parties. In some cases, collectors may contact the debtor's friends, family members, or employers, disclosing information about the debt, which can violate privacy laws.
• Re-aging Debt. Unscrupulous collectors may try to manipulate the reporting of the debt to credit bureaus, making it appear as if the debt is more recent than it actually is.
• Ignoring Statute of Limitations. Some collectors may attempt to collect on debts that are beyond the statute of limitations for legal collection, hoping debtors are unaware of their rights.
• Threatening Legal Action. They may threaten to sue even when they have no intention of doing so, as a scare tactic.
• Refusing Debt Validation. Collectors might ignore or deny requests for debt validation, which is a debtor's right to request proof that the debt is valid and accurate.

How To Deal With Zombie Debt Collectors

Dealing with a zombie debt collector can be challenging, but understanding your rights and best practices can help you manage these situations effectively.

Do Not Acknowledge The Debt

If you're unsure whether the debt is valid, do not admit to owing it.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in the US. This law prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices, including rules about when and how they can contact you.

Request A Debt Validation Letter

You have the right to request a validation of the debt. Under the FDCPA, you can ask the collector to provide a written notice with the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt. Send your request in writing and consider using certified mail for a record.

Check The Statute of Limitations

Determine if the debt is outside the statute of limitations for collections in your state. If the debt is too old, it may be legally unenforceable. However, be aware that the statute of limitations can vary based on the type of debt and the state.

Dispute Inaccurate Claims

If you believe the debt is not yours, is incorrect, or you already paid it, you can dispute it by writing a formal letter and including any supporting evidence for your claim.

Don’t Provide Personal Information

Avoid giving out personal or financial information over the phone or through email. Scammers sometimes pose as debt collectors to get your information.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all communications with the debt collector, including dates, times, the name of the person you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation.

Report Violations

If a collector violates the FDCPA, such as by threatening you, using obscene language, calling you at odd hours, or contacting you after you've asked them in writing to stop, report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), your state's attorney general, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Negotiate A Settlement (If Applicable)

If the debt is valid and within the statute of limitations, you may choose to negotiate a settlement for less than what’s owed. Get any settlement agreement in writing before making a payment. Zombie debts are not reported by credit bureaus as they are typically old, unverified, or unenforceable debts. The three major credit bureaus in the United States—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—focus on reporting current and accurate information related to consumers' credit histories, including debts that are still valid and within the applicable statute of limitations.

#DidYouKnow A debt collection agency is a business that helps creditors recover money owed by individuals or businesses who haven't paid their debts.

How To Protect Yourself So You Can Avoid Zombie Debt

Regular Credit Report Checks

Regularly monitor your credit report for any inaccuracies or unexpected entries. You have the right to request one free report from each of the major credit bureaus annually.

Cautious Communication

If contacted about an old debt, do not immediately acknowledge it. Any acknowledgment or payment can restart the statute of limitations, making the debt legally valid again.

Demand Debt Validation

Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request a validation letter from the collector. This document should detail the amount owed and the creditor's name.

Dispute Incorrect Debts

If a debt listed is not yours, is inaccurate, or has been previously settled, dispute it in writing. Keep copies of all correspondences.

Seek Professional Advice

If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a debt or your rights are being infringed, consulting with a consumer rights attorney can be beneficial.

Stay Alert To Zombie Debts.

Zombie debt can unexpectedly reemerge, posing a risk to your financial health. The key to managing these debts lies in understanding your rights, maintaining accurate records, and approaching communications with caution. By staying informed and vigilant, you can effectively navigate and protect yourself from these financial relics. Subscribe to the free Camino Financial newsletter. Our goal is to deliver quality content that helps you improve your finances, earn more and grow your business.