<prompt> Human: To go into more detail, my ex-stepfather did the same thing to my younger brother which he found out by running his own credit report - he also has approximately a 10k balance. I have no idea what to do. I would rather not get him arrested, and I dont have money for a lawyer as I am paying over 700month in student loans. I have a lot of debt, but I have been very diligent in paying on time every month in order to raise my credit score and work my way out of this dept. Now I find out about this black mark on my score and its really upsetting. Has anyone had anything like this happen to them? If so, what did you do? Any advice that anyone can offer for my brother and I would be so appreciated! UPDATE: I just found out through some digging that this account is actually my moms that was opened when we left my ex-stepfather. We needed money to leave so I understand why she did it. She is not admitting to it though, just saying how she is confused why it would be attached to me. The same account is attached to my brother, so I am guessing it is not in our name, but in hers. So why is it showing up in my brothers and my reports? And how can it be attached to us if we were underage? I am so confused. And what can be done about it so that my mom doesnt get in trouble?Assistant: Just... contest it on all 3 credit reports. The only proof you need to have it removed is your DOB.Human: That sounds too easy... is it really that easy? And not to sound dumb, but how can I contest it on all three reports? Would I need to call them? Thank you!  <response>: If you were under 18 you arent legally liable. Its the absolute easiest thing to contest and prove.All three credit beaureas have an online dispute form. It should be very straightforward.After disputing you need to put a freeze on your credit and your brother should too. This will prevent your stepdad from doing it again. You should be monitoring your accounts and credit reports very closely. You should also prepare for having to take legal action in the future if he continues his identity theft. 