teenage contract

What is the name of your state? california

I recently discovered that I am being charged approximately 200 dollars for a cable bill that was charged in my name when I was 17 years old. I did not order nor recive cable. I am now 25, and its on my credit report. What can be done in this situation?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by renaldept
What is the name of your state? california

I recently discovered that I am being charged approximately 200 dollars for a cable bill that was charged in my name when I was 17 years old. I did not order nor recive cable. I am now 25, and its on my credit report. What can be done in this situation?

My response:

Get a copy of the Cable contract. Check the signature. Then, talk to your relatives to find out who signed your name. Then, go to the District Attorney's office and swear out a criminal complaint; e.g., if it's your mother, then this is your opportunity to have your mother finally incarcerated for the way she treated you.

IAAL

[bigun]

Minors can't enter into a contract. Send a letter to the CRA's {send it CRRR} stating you were a minor at the time and enclose a copy of your DL with the DOB circled.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by bigun
Minors can't enter into a contract. Send a letter to the CRA's {send it CRRR} stating you were a minor at the time and enclose a copy of your DL with the DOB circled.

My response:

Wrong, Bigun!

Minors can, and do, enter into legal contracts each and every day. The only difference is that a minor can "disaffirm" their contracts, leaving the other party out in the cold.

However, unless a minor disaffirms their contract, in writing or in open court PRIOR to the age of 18, then the contract is "ratified" and is enforceable against that former minor.

In this case, our writer is now 25 years old and, unless there was civil and/or criminal fraud involved, then it's too late; i.e., the statute of limitations has long ago passed.

So, please, retract your above statement.

IAAL

[bigun]

But, for credit reporting purposes it's different. CRA's won't list debts incured prior to a consumer turning 18 if you show proof of age.
I've personally helped 2 people dispute medical debt that showed up on their reports when, they received the services as minors. In both instances, sending proof of their age got them deletions.