How Debt Collectors Trick You Into Paying Expired Debts

How Debt Collectors Trick You Into Paying Expired Debts

From The Desk Of Victor Phala

RE: Lies Debt Collectors Tell, And How To Win Without Paying A Cent More Than You Legally Owe.


Some debts are so old they’re legally dead. 

But collectors revive them using a sneaky, dirty, little trick. 

Here’s how they get you to pay for something you legally DON’T owe:

If in the past 3-6 years you: 

➵ Never paid a cent toward your debt.

➵ Never made an arrangement to pay. 

➵ And never been served with summons.

Then... 

Your Debt EXPIRED!

By law... 


And you NO LONGER owe them anything.

In legalese we say the debt is past the statute of limitations under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969.

Yet, many collectors will STILL try to collect. Here's how the trick works:

They’ll offer you a “settlement deal,” making it sound like you must pay or they'll sue. Even if it's little money.

They’ll beg, plead, and sweet-talk you to…

“Just Pay R100 a Month

Toward Your R30,000 Debt”


Sounds ridiculous, right? 

That’s because it is. And here's why:

If you’re gullible enough to send them that measly R100, you’ve automatically agreed that you OWE them an EXPIRED debt. 

You’ve been tricked. 

That tiny payment woke up a sleeping beast—your old, written off debt

You see, statutes of limitations exist for a reason—to protect YOU from harassment, stress, and financial sabotage over zombie debts that should’ve stayed buried.

The law understands something many people don’t:

  • Memory fades.
  • Records get lost.
  • Life moves on.
  • And after a certain time... so should the debt.

Imagine owing someone a R5,000 loan in 1995, and today—out of nowhere—they slap you with a bill for R83,000, threatening legal action unless you “pay up now or else.”

That’s not just unethical... it’s insane.

That’s why South African law (Prescription Act 68 of 1969) gives a clear time limit—usually 3 years for standard debts like loans, credit cards, and store accounts.

Once that time's up and you haven’t made a payment, acknowledged the debt, or been sued—it’s legally dead. Done. Gone. And Buried.

But... here come the Debt Collectors...

Like Vultures

Circling a Carcass...


Only this time, they’re trying to bring it back to life.

And they use fear as their favourite weapon.

Fear of summons. Fear of shame. Fear of court...

When you engage without knowing the facts, here’s what can happen:

  • You say “yes” on a recorded call. That’s admission.

  • You sign a new payment plan. That’s a contract.

  • You make one small payment. That’s legal acknowledgment.

And just like that—you’ve handed them the keys to your bank account.

They’ll chase you harder, faster, and with more legal firepower than before. Because now... you’ve validated their claim.

Don’t let your fear become their payday.

You can avoid this fatal fate by doing these:

Here’s what the pros do:

  1. NEVER admit the debt is yours.
    Even if it was. Even if it feels "morally right" to pay.
    Admitting it resets the clock.

  2. Demand everything in writing.
    Proof of debt. Proof of dates. Proof of original contract.
    Make them work for it. Most can’t. They’re bluffing.

  3. Consult a legal expert before responding.
    A single wrong word can cost you thousands. A lawyer can shut it down with one letter.

  4. Know the signs of expired debt.
    If it’s older than 3 years with no payments, no legal summons, no acknowledgment—chances are it’s prescribed.

You don’t need to dodge calls or hide in shame.

You don’t need to feel bullied or rushed.

This isn’t about escaping responsibility.

It’s about refusing to be exploited by dishonest tactics and fear marketing.

The law is clear.

Your rights are real.

And you hold more power than you think.

Be calm. Be smart. Be bold.

And never let fear make a payment decision for you.

Regards,

-Victor Phala