What Is Zombie Debt?

Zombie debt refers to old, often uncollectible debt that resurfaces, typically because a debt buyer or collection agency attempts to collect on it. These debts may have been:

• Past the statute of limitations, meaning you can no longer be legally sued for payment.
• Already settled, discharged, or paid, but still being pursued.
• Incorrectly reported, often due to clerical errors or debt collection scams.
• Zombie debt is named because it “comes back to life” even after you thought it was resolved or forgotten.

Where Does Zombie Debt Come From?

Zombie debt typically appears when:
🔹 Debt buyers purchase old debts at a discount and attempt to collect.
🔹 Debts are incorrectly revived due to errors in reporting.
🔹 Scammers try to collect on non-existent or already-paid debts.
🔹 Creditors or collectors resell charged-off debts multiple times.

How to Protect Yourself From Zombie Debt

✅ Do NOT Acknowledge or Pay Right Away – Making a payment or agreeing to the debt can restart the statute of limitations, making it legally collectible again.

✅ Request Debt Validation – Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to demand proof that the debt is valid and that the collector has the legal right to collect it.

✅ Check the Statute of Limitations – If the debt is too old, collectors cannot sue you, but they may still try to pressure you into paying.

✅ Dispute the Debt If It’s Invalid – If the debt is inaccurate, send a written dispute to the collection agency and credit bureaus.

✅ Watch Out for Scams – If a collector demands immediate payment or refuses to provide documentation, it may be a scam.

✅ Contact a Consumer Protection Attorney – If a collector is violating your rights or trying to sue for an expired debt, you may be able to fight back and seek damages.

Are You Dealing With Zombie Debt? We Can Help!

If you’re being harassed over old or invalid debt, The Wood Firm PLLC can help protect your rights and take legal action against unfair debt collection practices.

📞 Call us at 844-638-1122
📧 Email us at help@protectionforconsumers.com

Don’t let zombie debt haunt you—fight back today!