Debt Collection Process

Is this unfair collections techniques...? I wasn't notified of my debt until 4 years later...?

In the spring of 2003, I got (of all things) a jaywalking ticket for $90, and I thought I paid it! Shortly after that I moved (but had my mail forwarded!), then moved again a year later. I have been at my present address since June of 2004. Just the other day, I got a letter from a collections agency stating that I owe the Superior Court over $500. I'm contacting the bank I was with at the time to see if I really did pay it, but there is a chance that I forgot. I haven't been notified in ANY WAY of this debt OR of its exponential growth over the years. Seemingly the debt has been getting larger while nobody informed me of anything. They said that my license is on hold, and if I was pulled over I would have been arrested. But just last year I registered a car AND renewed my driver's license and, again, nobody mentioned anything to me. What are the rules regarding notification of debt? Can a debt just grow and grow without the debtor even being informed it exists?

Public Comments

1. Check to see what the statue of limitations is. It may be that a fine after four years is noncollectable. Also verify that the collections agency is an authorized representative of the jurisdiction in question, and check the status of your license with the RMV/DMV. It sounds very suspicious to me that they are claiming that you can have your license revoked for a violation that had nothing to do with your vehicle. It's possible, but sounds fishy.
2. You were informed of the debt, when youn received the ticket. It is a general rule of law that if you owe people money, whether a lender or the government, they are allowed to add interest, late fees and collection expenses to pay it. Under the law, you not realizing that something was illegal isn't an excuse for breaking the law. The law says you as an adult have a responsibility to be aware of the law. The same principal says that if you acquired the debt, the debt doesn't go away because you forgot about it.
3. the only reason the collection agency is contacting you now is, that the statute of limitations has run out, or is about to run out. they are trying to trick you into promising a payment, or sending a payment, which will start the 4 to 6 year statute all over again. you no longer legally owe that money, and they no longer can come after you. whatever you do, do not promise a payment, just tell them you are aware of the law. you would not have been able to renew your license, they will say anything to get money out of you!
4. I have never heard of a court using a collection agency. I would check into that to make sure its legit.
5. I'd love to see the letter you got. Sounds like a scam, but then, without seeing it. And no contact for 4 years, then BAM!!! I'll suggest clark howard. He's at www.clarkhoward.com A wonderful consumer warrior!