When Zombie Debt Collectors Chase Written-Off Debts

Chances are that you have never heard the terms Zombie Debt or Zombie Debt Collectors. Neither had former United States Marine Lt. Charles Lay until the first week of October 2018, when he received this phone call:

"Superior Court calling, and we want to verify if you are going to be making your court hearing tomorrow at 8 a.m."

"What are you talking about?" he asked. The voice replied, "Here is the case number, call 855-722-5011 and give it to them." Next, Lay phoned and reached "Armstead Legal," and was told, "You better be home tomorrow. We are going to serve you. You are stealing from Navy Federal Credit Union!"

Lay at one time had a checking account with Navy Federal, "which was closed over 10 years ago. None of my bank statements or credit reports ever showed anything past due."

He asked for proof of what they were claiming. "You