Fraud - a collection agency is looking for me to pay on an account i never opened what do i do?

Question

seems this collection agency is looking for over a thousand dollars - the account was ran up to over $500.00 about six/seven years ago. what do i do? they have my social and everything.

Answer 1

If this is NOT your debt, and you are sure of it....follow the procedures for ID Theft.  Visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/id... for info on this.

In a nutshell you file a police report for ID Theft, notify the credit bureau and file a dispute claiming the debt is not yours, and notify the creditor.  They will want a copy of the police report, plus a signed and notarized affidavit stating the debt is not yours.

If it "may" be yours....force the collection agency to prove it.  Send them a "demand to validate" letter, and dispute the debt with the credit bureau.

Note that many states have statute of limitations laws.  After about 6 years the creditor loses the right to sue you in court for the debt.

Answer 2

I would pull up your credit report and see if it's on there.  SOMEONE ELSE could have opened the account in your name and left it for you to pay.  If you've lost your wallet/purse or any of your personal identification within the last 5 years it's possible.  If this is the case, you will need to contact the authorities and file a claim.  Also, get everything in writing from this company BEFORE you pay if you find that this debt is legitimate.