My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Califonia.

I received a collections letter stating I owe $6381.45 from Sears account supposedly opened in 1995. I have no recolection of opening such account. Lady I spoke to said there was 1 pmt made in 1999 and there was a judgment on account since 8/6/1997. She tried to give me the # for a lawyer, which was very scary. ('Ive never had to talk to a lawyer, this meant to me this was serious buisiness. )
T told the lady that I would be sending them a letter disputing the validity of the debt. asking for copy of all documentation relevant to the debt. THe judgment affects my credit. I'm wondering if I should send a "expired statute of limitations letter" I've been reading about the Statute of LImitations, and would like to go that route so it doesn't appear on my credit report should they decide to renew the judgment. Does anyone know CA statute of limitations on judgments, and how can I find out if I have one and when it was filed. Any and ALL suggestions, comments would be greatly appreciated.
THanks a million,