So yeah, I just turned 18 this year after finishing high school, and now I’m constantly getting calls from debt collectors and emails about unpaid bills. No one ever taught me much about money or credit, and it’s confusing. Plus, I’m struggling to find a job that fits me (I’m autistic and have sciatica).
My main questions are, how do debt collections even work? Is this gonna mess up my credit score? Also, what even is a credit score? Should I be worried about this stuff right now?
Big question—are these debts actually yours?
If they are and went to collections, it’s probably on your credit report, which might make it tougher to get loans for things like a car or an apartment later.
@Blakeley
Yeah, for a lot of folks, that first apartment after high school or college is the first big credit check hurdle.
Riley said:
@Blakeley
Yeah, for a lot of folks, that first apartment after high school or college is the first big credit check hurdle.
Good point.
First question—are these debts even legit?
Do you know where these debts came from?
Here’s where you can get your credit report here. See if the debts are real.
If you were under 18, you legally couldn’t sign a loan contract. Sometimes, sadly, parents take out lines of credit using their kid’s info. I hope this isn’t the case for you, but it’s good to check. If not, maybe someone else used your identity.
It’s possible that the phone number you got belonged to someone who had debts, and now those calls are coming to you.
Do you actually owe money?
If not, tell them to stop contacting you if they call again.
But if you do owe, it’s part of adulting to sort it out.
Any chance you actually owe money? Or could someone else have taken out a loan in your name? Maybe they’re calling about someone with the same name?
And yeah, it’s probably worth looking into since a bad credit score can make things really hard.
You can get a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. It’ll show any debts you may have. I found one on my report once that wasn’t even mine, so I disputed it and got it removed. Definitely worth checking.
Get a credit report and check if someone has been using your info. If it’s fraud, freeze your credit and take action.
You can’t sign contracts if you’re a minor.
West said:
You can’t sign contracts if you’re a minor.
Exactly. A minor can’t legally enter into a financial contract, which includes stuff like loans.
You should check your credit report—lots of questions here like, is this actually your debt? Did your parents maybe use your info? Hard to know with so little info.
If these debts were taken out when you were under 18, let the collectors know that and that you don’t acknowledge the debt.
Then, tell them they can only contact you in writing. Lock your credit with the three bureaus, get your full credit history, and dispute any debt you don’t recognize. If a relative is involved, I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that.
@Brady
Yes, definitely freeze your credit. It’s free.
Are you connected with a regional center? If so, your case manager can probably help. Question is, did you actually make this debt?
When my daughter got calls for debt on her new phone, it turned out to be from the last owner. I sent a cease-and-desist letter, and they stopped calling.
So, did you actually not pay some bills?
If so, contact them. Some debt collectors can be quick to sue and garnish wages, which adds extra fees.
That credit score is gonna be important for stuff like getting an apartment or even some jobs. Be concerned if these bills are actually yours.
Lol, when my wife was 19, a collection agency tried to scare her over a cable bill from 6 years ago! I helped her show them they were wrong. She was only 13 at the time the bill happened! Stand your ground and don’t let them bully you. If it’s really your debt, though, maybe work out a payment plan.