Can a collections agency affect my credit for something I did not buy?

[Andrewgt6]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I'm getting a notice from a collections agency saying that I owe for a book that was sent to me. I think my ex girlfriend ordered the book under my name thinking it was free but apparently they sent a bill but I had already moved and never received a bill. Now they forwarded it to a collections agency which knows my new address. Can or will this affect my credit?

 

[adjusterjack]

Can or will this affect my credit?

Yes it can, and yes it will.

They've got your name on the bill and don't care about explanations, just money.

I suggest you pay up and then go after your ex-girlfriend for the money.

 

[Andrewgt6]

Now that it has hit collections does it affect my credit now or if I don't pay? Seems unfair to affect my credit even if I pay up now since I didn't even know I owed money to this company.

 

[adjusterjack]

Check your credit reports through www.annualcreditreport.com

See if the item has been reported.

If it has, there isn't anything you can do to remove it because it's an accurate entry. The account in your name has been referred to collections.

Once you pay it, the negative entry becomes less negative and your score goes up a little.

There is nothing "fair" about the collection industry.