Can debt collectors collect on a debt after it has been charged off?

Answer

The term "charge off" indicates the original creditor has removed the debt from their balance sheet as uncollectible from the borrower. This is misleading however, as the debt may remain it must be validated according to the FDCPA should it come back in some other type of collection activity and subject to collection by means of an agency working for the OC or a third party that purchases the account. Also be aware that there are times that the debt is also used as a tax loss by a creditor then cannot be collected at a later time as the collector would then obtain unjust enrichment by obtaining two bites from the same Apple. To determine this would require due inquiry by a process to validate and verify the debt. Remember no debt is not to be deemed valid unless validated and verified. It is surprising how many debt collectors do not have the original documentation that can actually be used in a court of law for collection purposes. Many of the debts must be wiped off your credit report if it cannot be lawfully validated and verified. If the debt cannot not verified and validated by the debt collector and the collector continues collection activity you may have grounds to sue the creditor and possibly the credit reporting agency pursuant to the Fair debt Collection Practices Act.