Can a company send you to a collection agency when your under 18?

Question

911 was called one night about a year ago for me. And then I recieved a bill for $60. My mother said she would pay for it, so it was case closed. I was 17 when this all happened. Just a few days ago I recieved a letter adressed to myself from a collection agency. It stated that my credit was suffering and I needed to pay this bill. I had no idea it was still unpaid. I don't mind paying it, however, I'm very worried about my credit. It seems unfair that I've only been 18 for 2 month (And so I've only had credit for 2 months) and already it being ruined by this stupid bill. So my question is can I be held responisble for this bill? And can they ruin my credit like this?

Answer 1

First, Ask your mother if she did in fact pay the bill.  If she did have her contact the company she paid it to.  If she didn't pay it, contact the place where the bill 1st came from; NOT the collection agency.   To check if your credit is really affected by this or not, contact one or all three credit reporting agencies, Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian.  You are entitled to one free credit report from each once a year.  To make your request on line go to https://annualcreditreport.com .  Do NOT use sites that offer a free credit report (such as the singing ones in the commercial)  they don't give you the free report until you subscribe to a service they are selling.    If this bill shows up on your credit report you can dispute it.   Don't just pay the bill.  Look into it - you might find out you really do not owe anything.  Since you just turned 18, it would be good for you to do these things (check your credit report) now so you can determine if there is a problem or not.  I wish you well.

Answer 2

You should call the collection agency and be sure to confirm way the payment is for. Do not offer information; if they do not have sufficient information, it could just be scam.

Since you were a minor (and considered a dependent on your parents), the bill should have been sent to them. You should also contact your insurance policy provider as well as the hospital to confirm where the bill was sent.