How much sleep are you losing over that handful of unpaid bills you forgot years ago? Creditors called and called and then threatened to ruin you forever, but in the end the calls stopped and the bills seemed to fall off your radar and maybe even your credit report. You figured they were dead and gone, right?

Well, don't look now but "They're baaack... ," and not in a good zombie-movie kind of way! Aptly termed "zombie debt", those pesky debts long forgotten and (you thought) buried are being revived by debt collectors generally trading in debt past the legal statute of limitations.

"Impossible!" you squeal in horror, "How could I be pursued by my long-dead debts?"

Well, old debt never dies, it just appears to fade away! And sometimes, if a person even acknowledges an old debt existed to an agency that suddenly appears to collect it, the debt-- in its full value-- could be revitalized! Worse, the older your debt, the cheaper it is for a collection agency to buy (usually pennies on the dollar). For the collector who can scare you into paying up, the difference between their cost and potential profit is highly motivating.

But fear not. If you think you're being pursued by zombie debt here are 6 tips to get you armed and ready:

1. DON'T PANIC! Know your rights regarding debt collectors. For instance, they are NOT allowed to threaten to sue or otherwise harass you. Zombie collectors are banking that showing up at the last minute before you make a large purchase (like a home or car) is when you most need that credit rating and therefore, most vulnerable to attack!
2. Don't admit the little bugger is yours!
3. Get basic! Ask for information about the alleged debt in writing. Ask when, who and how: when was the alleged debt incurred? To whom and for how much? In the meantime get your credit report and other documents in hand. Especially if you've had a bankruptcy or other legal proceeding with documents that prove you are protected from certain debts or certain kinds of debt collection.
4. Push back! If you paid the debt or the alleged debt isn't yours (say your name is the same as the supposed debtor) tell the agency within 30 days! Send a letter with your statement including documentation by certified mail and return receipt.
5. Get informed! Know your state's statute of limitations on debt. In some states just making a payment can reopen a debt. Also, bone up on consumer rights groups and federal agency advice on debt collection.
6. Accept that debt never dies! Take care of ALL your bills, large and small, and after that use the yearly free credit report guaranteed you by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Keep up with any changes, especially the appearance of similarly named person's debts or inaccurate addresses.