Dabt Collector Made Settlement Offer On Admitted Time-Barred Debt

[well met one]

I received a form letter from a California debt collector offering to settle for half the amount of an alleged unsecured debt. It states right in the body of the letter that the statute of limitations has passed for legal action, that the debt will not be reported to credit agencies, and no lawsuit will commence. I am inclined to ignore the notice, but after reading online that ignoring a notice can be interpreted as a default acknowledgment that the debt is valid, I am considering three possible options:

1. Sending a standard debt validation request via certified mail.

2. Acknowledging via certified mail that the letter states the debt is not legally enforceable and to please cease and desist all contact with me.

3. Not responding to the notice at all.

Suggestions please?

[echat11]

This is a UK website, so it might be best to seek advice from a US based consumer website.

[MIKE770]

In Uk once they admit situation they are barred from seeking after they are told not paying., just begging letters.,

[MIKE770]

Under state laws, if you are sued about a debt, and the debt is too old, you may have a defense to the lawsuit. These state laws are called "statutes of limitation." Most statutes of limitations fall in the three-to-six year range, although in some jurisdictions they may extend for longer depending on the type of debt.

Statutes of limitation may vary depending on the:

• Type of debt
• State where you live
• State law named in your credit agreement.

The statute of limitations may also be affected by terms in the contract with your creditor and, if you've moved, by laws in the state where you are sued. You may want to consult with a lawyer to learn how this period is calculated and when the period may have started with respect to your debt.

In some states, a partial payment on an old account may restart the time period during which you can be sued. Similarly, in some states, sending a written statement acknowledging that you owe an old debt may restart the time period during which you can be sued.

[MIKE770]

Debt Collectors | State of California - Department of Justice

[well met one]

Thanks all for the detailed and thoughtful responses. They are truly appreciated!