L

Hi Sarah — I'm Leslie. Ask me anything about your credit. I can help you understand your report, write dispute language, explain your rights, or tell you exactly what to do next. What's on your mind?

S

A collector called me this morning about an old debt from 2017. What do I do?

L

First — do not pay anything yet. A 2017 debt may be past your state's statute of limitations, which means they cannot sue you to collect it. In Texas, that's 4 years for most debts.

Here's what to do: send them a Debt Validation Letter via certified mail within 30 days of first contact. This legally requires them to prove the debt is yours and the amount is correct. I can generate that letter for you right now in the Dispute Center.