How long can a collection agency try to collect on a debt in the state of California?

7 yrs.

Not sure when this was answered, but the answer appears to be inaccurate.

California Statutes of Limitation on Debt Collection:

Written agreements: 4 years, calculated from the date of breach.

Promissorynotes: 4 years

Open accounts [including credit cards]: 4 years

Oral agreements: 2 years.

The statute of limitation clock is stopped if the debtor makes a payment on the account after the expiration of the applicable limitations period. In some cases, the clock can also stop if you acknowledge ownership of a debt.