The amount of my old debt keeps going up!

When did you make the last payment on this account? If the SOL is not renewed, you can wait for a while and let the account removed from your file after the reporting time is over.

Collectors are allowed to charge a fee as mentioned in the state laws. You also need to go through the contract copy signed with the original creditor. It should mention their charges when it reaches collections.

If the collector continues to call, send a dispute letter notifying about the expiry of the statutes and to stop calling you. Send it through certified mail with return receipt requested. You need to have a proof of your actions in resolving this matter.

I read a case law summary last week regarding this, and validation. The plantiff kept getting dunning letters, with the amount increasing with each one. The court found this to be misleading and confusing to the consumer. It ruled that the defendant (a collection attorney) must provide, how he calculated the sum, and how he calculated addtional fees.

It may be reported on your CR for 7 years indeed. But was your last payment in 2000? Unless you live in Ohio, no doubt the SOL would have run on this debt.

In California they must explain any increase in their next letter. If the amount stated changes. (15 USC Section 1692g; CCR Section 620).

There is not contract to review, I was approved over the phone and dont recall ever getting anything in the mail? And the last payment on the account was in 2000. And I live in Texas. Where can I find the statute of limitations for my state?

Texas SOL is 4 years, regardless of written or unwritten contracts.