Sorry, the initial post had to do with a call out of the blue from some debt collection agency for a debt that was 20 years old. These companies try to get you to acknowledge the debt TODAY, which starts the clock ticking again. It’s a bit of slight of hand in which you acknowledge NOT the debt from 20 years ago, but a current debt to the debt collection agency today.
These agencies don’t have a leg to stand on unless you formally acknowledge that you owe them the money.
Acknowledging the debt can, in some states only, restart the limitations period. That is, the period during which you can be sued. A mere verbal acknowledgment is insufficient in most states.
Acknowledging the debt can NEVER restart the 7-1/2 year credit reporting period.
Even in states where acknowledging the debt restarts the limitations period, it does not create a new debt. It the the same 20 year old debt.