Return of the Living Debt, Part 1
You may be sitting back in your favorite chair, tired from a recent shopping spree or feeling dead-tired from decorating for Halloween. But don't get too comfortable--there's something lurking in the shadows and it will ruin more than your night. It's zombie debt, and it's no laughing matter. Zombie debt may creep up on you at any time, when you least expect it. Those inopportune times could be when you're trying to get pre-approved for a mortgage, or are trying to buy your first car. It's important to learn how to recognize zombie debt when it makes an unwelcome appearance at your front door.
What is Zombie Debt?
Just as you have learned to recognize movie zombies by their glazed-over eyes and brain-eating ways, consumers also need to recognize zombie debt. After all, you can't fight something if you don't know what it is. Zombie debt is more than a clever term, it's an actual form of old debt and one that threatens to mar your financial reputation.
- Discharged Debts - Types of zombie debt include old debts that were discharged through a bankruptcy case. This type of zombie debt can be quick to attack, or can try to surprise you during a bankruptcy case or immediately after a bankruptcy discharge.
- Valid Debts - Zombie debt includes valid debts that have fallen through the cracks, as well as old debts that you may have paid off already. Old debt, even debt that you made good on, can come back to life and haunt you when you least expect it.
- Fraudulent Debt - The scariest form of zombie debt is debt created through fraud. Credit card accounts opened with your personal financial information can haunt you years after the fraud occurs, and you may be unaware of it until it wakes you up in the middle of the night, gnawing at your brain.
Who is Behind Zombie Debt?
While the public is engrossed in a love affair with vampires, the army of puppeteers resurrecting zombie debt is growing. Because collecting zombie debt is a lucrative venture for the companies that buy old debt, zombie debt is on the rise. Active attempts to collect old debt are becoming more prevalent because the companies can make tremendous profits, without much leg work.
Without verifying the debt, the collection companies behind zombie debt relentlessly pursue the debtors, whether or not the money is still owed, or was ever owed.
How Dangerous is Zombie Debt?
Zombie debt can maim or even kill your good credit rating. When the debt is inflated, not yours, discharged or already paid off, your credit can be unfairly ruined by overly aggressive collectors who can sue you.
Read more about Credit Cards
Return of the Living Debt, Part 3: Coming to Terms 
Sometimes you have to face the zombie debt and face it head-on. Stop running, put down your weapons for fighting, and figure out the best approach for sending the "un-debt" back to the grave.
Return of the Living Debt, Part 2: Fighting the Un-Debt 
Consumers being pursued by zombie debt collectors can come out of hiding and use these weapons to fight off the financial monsters.
Zombie Debt! 
Collectors can't file suit for credit card debt over a certain age. Know the statue of limitations for the state in which you live.
Reasonable Credit Card Fees 
New Federal Reserve guidelines about fees issued by credit card companies have the potential to help American consumers get out of debt and back on their feet.
The Right Steps to Get a Credit Card if You Have Bad Credit 
Don't allow bad credit to hold you back. Obtaining a credit card with bad credit is possible, you simply need to take the right steps.
Get a credit card despite bad credit
Difference Between the Credit Card Issuer and the Credit Card Network 
When you get right down to it, the difference between Visa and MasterCard and the banks that issue their cards is pretty subtle.
Banks vs. Visa and MasterCard
Who's Responsible if a Friend Maxes Out My Credit Card? 
If a Friend Abuses Your Card, You're Still Responsible. Loaning your credit card to a friend or relative is just as financially risky as giving them the keys to your car.
Lending your credit cards
The Types of Credit Cards 
It is important to understand that there are several different types of credit cards; each offers unique benefits to the card holder.
Types of credit cards
Which is Best: A Credit Card with Rewards or a Low-Interest Credit Card? 
Rewards cards and other types of credit cards are offered from nearly every financial institution, so how does an informed consumer make a decision?
Best credit card deals
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? 
The key to how many cards you should have is your responsibility in managing them.
How many credit cards is too many?
Read more about Personal Loans
Difference Between Credit Card Cash Advance Vs. Payday Loans 
You should never assume that a credit card cash advance is your only answer without at least considering a payday advance.
Cash Advance Vs. Payday Loans
Read more about Credit Repair
When do Negative Marks Expire from Your Credit? 
Most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years. In the meantime, you can prepare a budget and gain control over your personal finances.
How long does bad credit last?
Bad credit credit cards
Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards
- An excellent credit card for help rebuilding credit scores; reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly
- Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
- Email and text messages are available to remind you of your upcoming payment due date
Orchard Bank Visa Cards
- Reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly providing you the opportunity to rebuild your credit
- Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
- Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
Green Dot® Gold PrePaid Visa®
- $0 Activation Online - with no credit check
- Access over 18,000 MoneyPass® ATM's
- Get a $4.95 credit on your first MoneyPak cash load (see site for restrictions)
Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards
- An excellent credit card for help rebuilding credit scores; reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly
- Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
- Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
Walmart MoneyCardSM MasterCard® Prepaid Card
- No issuance fee online
- No credit check or bank account required
- No overdraft fees
Walmart MoneyCardSM Visa® Prepaid Card
- No issuance fee online.
- No credit check or bank account required
- No overdraft fees
See more credit cards
Compare Credit Cards for Bad Credit, Prepaid, and Secured Credit Cards
Making on-time payments with your creditors and maintaining account balances below the credit limits is key to building credit.
Auto Loans for Bad Credit
There are lenders available for those who fail to qualify for auto financing with lending institutions, such as credit unions and banks, due to bad credit.
Personal Loans and Social Lending for Bad Credit
Get instant cash, regardless of credit problems, and ofter within hours of applying.
Bad Credit Home Loans and Mortgages
If you're seeking a new home loan or refinance and existing loan--for cash, a better interest rate, or lower payments--these companies can help.
Credit Repair and Consumer Advocacy
Credit repair companies provide a fast and easy service for improving your credit score and eliminating questionable items from your history.
Consolidate Debt and Reduce Interest Rates With the Right Debt Relief Solution
Debt relief solutions specialize in consolidating debts into one payment, reducing interest charges and getting late fees waived.