“And my records from that time had been shredded a few years back. So I can’t say.”
Yes, you can. They are required by law to provide verification of the debt upon your request. Also, I doubt that a 15 year old debt would still be enforceable in most states.
Yes I know, I made the mistake of calling them, before I had properly researched. Live and learn. They guy on the phone said they had bought it from someone else, or some bogus BS. Also said that GTE or other collections agencies had been sending notices to my old address, even though I had supplied the Post Office with a COA. All other creditors were able to pick up on that fact.
Still, since I made contact, I'll have to do the mail dispute thing. And I know the Sol has run out.