Help?

[Anonymous]

My mom opened an account in my name when I was 14 (cable) and didn't pay the bill, she had to use my name because they disconnected on her. Im 20 years old now.  $929 for service charges and on top of it she didn't return the equiment which has been long since ruined in her leaky basement-which resulted in a seaperate collection for $200 some.  I know what she did was illegal and I know you can't get cable service in your name unless you are 18.  But now I'm stuck between what to do to get it off.  She doesn't have the money to pay it obviously, and neither do I-not to mention,  I shouldn't have to!

I tried calling the cable company and they are having some upgrade and cannot get into anyone's account (I don't even have an account # anyway) and I do not know what collection agency they are working with to try to get into contact with them.

It is really hurting my score and my husband and I are planning on buying a house soon.  How do I get it off my report without ratting on my mom?

[Anonymous]

Technically speaking, the cable company cannot hold a minor responsible for payment.  It will fall off your credit 7-1/2 years from the date of first delinquency (when the debt was charged off).

However, I suggest that you dispute the account with the bureaus as "not my account" and provide a copy of your driver's license, social security card and birth certificate.  State that you were only 14 years old (a minor) at the time of the alleged account being opened.

If the dispute ends up verified, send the same letter to the OC and request that they remove the derog from your credit.

You can file a BBB complaint and complaint with the your state's AG and the FTC.

I wouldn't wait for it to fall off when it is not a legitimate derog.  This was your Mom's account, not yours.

[Anonymous]

Because someone used your information to open an account, it is ID theft.

You are going to end up needing to file a police report for ID theft and send this to the CRA and whomever is reporting it on your report, either the OC or CA.

The police will ask you if you know who done it. Also, because of the amount and the fact that the cable company has a service address, they will likely investigate it and find out who all lived there at the time.