What should I do if I am sent to collections for a charge that should not be mine?

Question

In August of last year, my boyfriend, a roommate of ours, and I went to sign-up for the gym. The only way my roommate could sign up was if he had a credit card that the gym could charge payments from. My roommate had just opened his bank account that week and had not yet received his card so my boyfriend agreed to put his card on the account temporarily but they would change it as soon as our roommate received his bank card. Problems arouse in the household and we ended up moving out. They never changed it and now my boyfriend got sent to collections for my roommates account at the gym. Is there anything we can do so that we don't end up paying for something that is not ours?

The card we had originally placed on the account was never charged because we had closed the account. So the payments kept adding up and they never switched the accounts.

We are young and did not realize the consequences. This collection is probably the only thing that would show on his credit report because he has never used his credit.

The amount of the collection is 934.

Answer 1

First: Call your roommate
Second:Talk to the gym
Third: Get a lawyer.

This can affect your credit score - and we all know the problems of a bad one at an early age - it is VERY hard to get back up.
Try calling the CC company and seeing what they can do. If they cant help go try thru small claims court (if it is a small amount of money). It is cheaper then a full lawsuit. Also see if your roomate can help you out here (he may have forgotten about it).

Answer 2

You might send them a debt validation letter (making them prove that it is your boyfriends account)

Chances are good that your boyfriend is stuck with it. He should have taken care of the membership issue.

Even though he may be stuck with it, if he pays the collector and IF he has a good papertrail proving that the use of his card for the roommates membership was a temporary thing - he could file a small claims suit against the former roommate and recoup the amount for the collection agency.

Answer 3

I am assuming that your boyfriend did not sign on the dotted line? if he did then he is responsible. I hope you've put a stop on the credit card. When calling it in ask the credit card company for their assistance as well. I would say that if there is no signature on his part there is no binding agreement. Ultimately the fees are to be paid by the party entering into the agreement.

Answer 4

First should have canceled or contacted the gym immediately because you are liable if youhave not.

you can go to conciliation court but will have to prove your claim. this also is a legal document but.... you'd still have to be one to collect.

so my guess is talk to the gym..... see what can be done at this late date and at least set up payments.

if sent to collections, well you should have been talking befor e this.

You probably are young and that isn't bad or good thing but this is something you definatley have to learn. help others but becareful..

Answer 5

You're stuck with the bill. You're only option is to sue the roommate in small claims court. If you don't pay it, your credit will get messed up.

Answer 6

Yes since you authorized the transaction. You need to pay it. If you really want your money back, you can take the roommate to small claims court.

Answer 7

you can try small claims court

Answer 8

get a lawyer