How long can a debt collector attempt to collect a debt?

In Mississippi, debt collectors are allowed to attempt to collect a debt for up to six years. In most cases, the debt must be brought against the debtor within three years of the date the debt was incurred, or the debt is no longer legally collectible. If the debt was incurred while the debtor was living in Mississippi, the debt must be collected within three years and six months. During this period, a debt collector may contact the debtor by mail, phone, or in person to attempt to collect the debt. When the six-year period ends, the debt collector can no longer take legal action against the debtor and cannot contact the debtor regarding the debt. However, creditors are allowed to report unpaid debts on credit reports for up to seven years from the date the debt was incurred. This means that the debt may still affect the debtor’s credit score even after the debt collection period is over. It is important to note that some types of debts can only be collected for a shorter time period. For example, debts from student loans are typically collectible for up to 10 years. Additionally, the statute of limitations for a debt may be shorter in some states, so it is important to check with an attorney to determine the exact rules for the state in which the debt was incurred.

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