Dear Harry: I recently received a letter from the accounting department of the Court of Common Pleas stating that I owe them $759 going back to 1990-98. I don't deny that I owe this money, but can they come after me after all these years? Will credit-reporting companies be notified so it hurts my score? I think the city is in such desperate straits that it is trying to get money any way it can, even if the debt-collection period has expired.

What Harry says: I am amazed that they let you off the hook for so many years. In any event, after getting conflicting reports from some legal-eagles, I got the information from the "horse's mouth." There is no statute of limitations on the debts. However, they will make arrangements for a monthly payment that is within your means. It is unlikely that they will report your delinquency to any of the credit agencies, so your credit score likely won't be affected. Don't delay! Contact them today to arrange for the payments. *

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Harry urges all his readers to give blood: Contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.