Academy Collection Services

About three weeks ago, I began to get calls from multiple phone numbers on my cell phone. I answered the first one, and it was an automated voice asking me to "please hold for the next available representative". Therefore, I hung up. I Googled the number, and it came up as Academy Collection Services. Since the initial calls, I have received multiple calls from them, each from a different number.

After the first call, I ran my credit report from 2 of the credit agencies. Both confirmed what I already knew - that I have NO accounts past due. My guess is that this agency is trying to collect on a debt that was incurred in February 2000. This debt was sent to collections as I disputed it, and I finally settled in August 2006 (yes, I know it was beyond the statuatory time!). As the debt was settled for less than the full amount, I am thinking this agency, Academy, bought the remainder and is now trying to "recollect".

My question is twofold:
1. My understanding is that since this debt was paid/settled, the remaining amount CAN NOT be sent to yet another agency. Is that correct?
2. I live in Colorado. I have found multiple statutes that state either a three or six year limit. This was from a medical bill with multiple errors (hence my refusal to pay). IF they can collect on the remaining amount, what is the statute for that time?

I have tried to contact them back, and they have yet to return the call. I have no account number to reference, nor have I any idea what this could be about other than the scenario noted above.

Any help is appreciated.

To answer your first question, yes, when you settle an account it is considered as paid but it is not unusual for the collection agencies to sell the account further to another JDB. Ofcourse, this is against law. That is why we always ask our members to demand in writing that the account has been paid off. Hope you too have done the same.

Thanks - I do have the letter from the original collection agency that was sent to the credit agencies indicating this debt was paid and should be removed from my reports. This is the only thing I received, so I hope it is sufficient.

Send this collector a cease and desist letter along with a copy of the letter that you have received from the other CA.

Thank you - I will do that. I do actually have one more question as I can not seem to find the info online. When I reviewed what I have, the cover sheet says paid in full, but the actual document says settled in full. I paid with a credit card, not a check.

I know that some states allow a collection agency to re-sell the remainder of the settled debt, and continue to try to collect. However, I can not find a definitive answer on Colorado.

Also, since this debt is from 2000, and was removed from my credit reports in 8/06 when settled, can this new agency re-report this debt to the agencies again as they are a "new" agency?

Sorry for all the questions - this has really caught me off guard.