I find it quite sad that you are trying to do the right thing by paying off your debt, even though after ten years of no payments it's likely that the statute of limitations had expired. If so, that means that if you did not pay, there would be nothing the collector could really do to force you to pay.
In addition, if your only income is disability income, and you don't have other assets, then you are likely "judgment proof." That means that even if if the collector took you to court and successfully sued you, there would be no way for them to force you to pay.
So it sounds to me like they are lucky that you paid anything at all!
Adrienne, there are a number of issues in your email that raise red flags for me and lead me to be concerned that the debt collector may have broken the law. I would really encourage you to do two things:
2. Talk with a consumer law attorney with experience in debt collection cases. If the collector has broken the law, you may be entitled to damages, and the the attorney may be willing to represent you on a contingent fee basis, which means there is no cost to you unless you win. You can find a consumer attorney locally or you can call the Collection Complaint Hotline at 888-711-5143 to be connected with one. Again, there is no charge for this.
Adrienne, it seems to me that you have done everything you can to honor your debt with Capital One, despite your very difficult circumstances. There is no need for you to put up with unfair and possibly illegal harassment. Get some help so you can put this behind you.
Please let us know how this turns out for you!
PS: This debt is too old to be on your credit reports. If it is there, you must dispute it immediately.
