Anonymous Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 When I was 16, I was sent a Verizon credit card in the mail. It had a $500 limit. Silly me didn't quite understand yet and I spent the money. However I couldn't pay it and fees and interest continued to build up. Once the balance was over $1000 they sent it to a collection agency. I had told the agency my situation and they said to fax them my license and social security card to verify my birthday and if I was telling the truth they would delete the record. I got a credit report after that and noticed that they had reported that the card was stolen to the credit bureaus. I said oh well and let it go. However now they are trying to collect the debt again. I unfortunately did not save the proof that I had settled it already so I don't have that, however I don't have the money to pay the whole $1000+.What do I do? I am now 18 and just want this whole stinky situation to end. I made a huge mistake, learned my lesson, and I want to be able to move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Well, they shouldn't be able to collect on this debt since you were a minor at the time - contracts signed by minors are not legally binding unless also signed by parent or guardian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous Posted September 19, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 That is what I thought, and my parents certainly never signed anything and I only recently told them about it (2 years later now). Know of any method I should go about to have this whole thing resolved? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 I'd tell them you were a minor at the time - maybe send them your birth certificate? Just don't send them your SSN or driver's licence. They won't be able to sue you, or if they do, win, so I'd put that out there, too. I'd also send them along with this nice note a C&D letter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous Posted September 19, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Thanks for the idea, I will give the birth certificate a try. I tried to even negotiate with the company (because I did spend money I do believe I should pay it back) I told them I would give them the $500 that I actually spent but that I would not pay any of the fees or interest and that if they wouldn't take that offer I would just let it go and if they came after me I would just be forced to file for bankruptcy because I don't have the money to pay them back fully anyways.Should I also try and use my age at the time as leverage to get the items cleared up on my credit report?PS - I really love this site, I searched for a long time for a free resource to help me with this but couldnt find anything that didnt want (ironically) a credit card number to help fix my credit. It is great that this resource is available:-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous Posted September 20, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2002 BTW...What is a C&D letter. I can't find that abbreviation anywhere. I'm sure once you type it out I will get it but is really stumbling me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonniegirl Posted September 20, 2002 Report Share Posted September 20, 2002 Cease & Desist Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeajack21 Posted September 21, 2002 Report Share Posted September 21, 2002 You can always go to the CRA's (Credit Reporting Agencies) directly and dispute this account based on the fact that you are not legally obligated to it because when the account was open, you were a minor and not of legal age to sign a contract. In the letter to them, state that they must verify the date in which the account was opened and your age at the time. Furnish your birth certificate if you desire. I would do all these by mail, CMR, to be exact!!! (Certified mail receipt). Good luck. You can a solid case that you do not owe this debt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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