How do I prove that I don't owe this credit card debt?!?

Question

I frequently receive calls from a law firm regarding a Capitalone credit card balance that they say I owe. I sent them a written request for more information about my alleged debt and they sent back a copy of the credit card statements, along with the application (which had a social security number that did NOT match mine).

I feel uncomfortable providing them with my social security number (even though this will clear my name), but am I required to do so in order to clear this mess up? They can send all the letters they want but at the end of the day I know this isn't tied to my SS#, so is it OK not to disclose this info since I know it won't affect my credit report?

Answer 1

This isn't fraud. Please don't waste the police dept time. This is a debt that belongs to someone with a similar name.

I understand why you don't want to give this collector your social securitynumber. I wouldn't want to either. Send them a certified letter, return receipt, telling them this is not your social security number and to cease and desist contacting you about this debt.

Check your credit report and see if it shows up. If it does, dispute it and include a copy of that contract as proof it ain't yours.

If the collector should try to sue you, just show up in court. You might have to show your social security card to the judge. Chances are the collector will just sell the debt. Keep all the paperwork, because you'll probably get contacted again by the next collection agency.

Answer 2

You first need to file a police report, as this is a fraud case.

Second, contact one of the credit bureaus immediately and file a fraud alert on your history. They'll notify the other 2, so you don't have to...

You'll get a copy of your reports, look over them and make sure there aren't any other inaccuracies. Flag them immediately if it's the case.

Fax a copy of the police report to the law firm representing the creditor. They will do the investigation from there.

If you don't clear this up, they will eventually file a claim against you in court, and possibly obtain a judgment. So it's best that you handle this right now.