Learn personal and professional finance terms to keep you in the know
Zombie debt is old, uncollectible debt that has been paid off, discharged in bankruptcy, or has passed the statute of limitations, yet is revived by aggressive collection agencies. The term comes from the idea that this debt keeps coming back even when it should be dead. Debt buyers often purchase portfolios of these expired debts for pennies on the dollar and attempt to collect, frequently targeting consumers who do not realize the debt is no longer legally enforceable. Common tactics include sending urgent, intimidating letters or making misleading threats about legal action. Understanding your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is your best defense against zombie debt collectors.
