I opened a Sears account in 1992; from my recollection, I used the account a few times until 1994 or so. From my credit reports, the highest balance was $68 (I bought shoes).
Sears sold their portfolio in 2001, which included this account. It has also been sold to other companies since then.I have tried unsuccesfully to locate the "owner" of this account, as Sears claims they no longer own it.
I have been contacted by 3 collection agencies since 1994 claiming that I owe over $402 on this account. I have credit reports from 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005 - none of which show any outstanding debt.