My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Mass.
7-9 years ago I was in college in Massachusetts. During those years I took a scholarship from the college for my first 2 years out of the 3 I spent there. I left the school after only 3 years of my 4 year program because I was physically assaulted, a female student was sexually assaulted and the administration told the other student and I not to go to the police but to cover it up basically. I left, threatened to sue the school, and they actually gave me a few thousand bucks and told me not to come back to the school, which I would not have anyway.
Now, 9 years after I first attended and 7 since I have been on campus, a debt agency called me saying that the scholarship I got for my first 2 years at the school was only valid if I completed the program and since I did not complete it, I owe the money back.
I wasnt even aware that you had to pay scholarships back, this was not a loan. I got a call from them, i told them I had no idea what they were talking about, and I got a letter to my grandparents house where I used to live telling me about the debt and giving 30 days to dispute.
Am I past any statute of limitations where they can take legal action? A lawyer friend said to tell the agency to send a copy of any proof showing that I owe a debt. But isnt that acknowledging that I owe something? Any advice is appreciated before I start paying lawyers for advice. Thanks.
I did go to the police 7 years ago and report the crimes on campus, I assume they still have a record of that. I guess that my lawyer still has a copy of the money the school tried to pay me, and I have a letter from a former administrator from the school stating that I did indeed report crimes that the admin told me to cover it up. Does any of that have anything to do with the scholarship or not having to pay that money back, I dont know. If the statute of limitations isnt over and I do get sued, I assume because I can prove that the campus wasnt safe, I dont see how I was expected to fulfill my 4 year program.
(sorry if I was suppose to post this in the student loan forum, but its not technically a loan so i didnt know)

