<prompt> Human: Let me start with, I dont use Comcast. I hate that fucking company and would never willingly give them a cent of my money.So basically in 2007, I moved into an apartment with a co-workermanager. We very quickly realized we didnt like each other and I moved out 3 weeks after moving in. It is possible that he signed up for Comcast using my name and social since he had access to it as he was manager at the restaurant I worked at.Regardless of the potential identity theft, Comcast JUST sold my debt to southwest credit systems who then attached it as a negative item to my credit report. Now let me reiterate, this is 7 years after the fact and this is the FIRST notice Ive seen of my supposed debt, and its the collection company adding it to my report. Never once in 7 years did I receive a letter, email, phone call, anything to state I owed Comcast anything.The more fucked up part of this is Comcast is starting they dont keep records from this long ago, so they have no evidence signature, phone call to show I signed up which leaves me unable to prove that whoever used my social wasnt me; I cant show a fake signature or someone whos voice isnt mine in recording since they dont keep the records this long.So here is my problem; Comcast is claiming I have to prove I didnt live there during that time period. I dont know how many of you keep old lease agreements from almost a decade ago, but I certainly dont. It is impossible for me to prove that this debt is not mine, since they apparently have no other information except that the account was open for 2 year, opened with my social, and eventually became past due. They are claiming they have no records of payment methods used, how they signed up in the first place, or any evidence that I signed up at all, be-it a signature or a phone call.This seems like a scam to me. How come I have to prove I dont owe a debt, when they cant prove I do owe one? Again, I fucking hate Comcast, so I would rather let the 254.40 debt stay on my report for 7 years then give them a single fucking cent of it, but any advice to help this situation would be greatly appreciated.Edit: I really appreciate all of the responses and advice. Its really comforting to see that there is actually action I can take and I dont just have to eat this. I can post the turn out if its wanted. Again, I truly am thankful for all your help.Assistant: Former debt recovery supervisor here. Couple things: 1. Dispute the bill with the credit bureaus that are reporting it. 2. Look up the Statute of Limitations SOL on the debt. If the debt is past the statute of limitations, send them the collection agency a certifiedregistered letter informing that they are trying to collect zombie debt. This is debt which is too old to have any legal liability for a consumer. legal liability meaning a debt you can be sued for - doesnt mean you dont owe it 3. If they do not remove the listing after you point the statute you can sue them. 4. If the debt is NOT past the SOL then you can send them a certifiedregistered letter requesting VALIDATION. This means they have to PROVE you owe the debt and that they are legally able to collect the debt. Proof would be: Proof that the collection company owns the debtor has been assigned the debt. Copies of statements from the original creditor. Copy of the original signed loan agreement or credit card application or service agreement. 5. The FDCPA provides 30 days for the agency to prove you owe the debt. If they dont comply send another letter with copies of the other letters you have sent and let them know they are in violation of the FDCPA. Again you will want to send this certifiedregistered mail. You also want to tell them that they are to remove the negative credit reporting and threaten to sue for their violation of FDCPA section 809b. 6. Give the agency another 15-20 to respond to this letter. If the debt is valid and verified settle it. Settling means you can pay a portion of the full balance to close the debt and cease collection on it. You may also send the collection agency a Cease and Desist letter requesting that they only contact you via mail. After receiving that letter they may be in violation of the FDCPA by calling you. Now for my personal opinion: As you can see these steps are long and drawn out. If the debt is small enough see if you can just settle it. In the long run Id rather pay 150 to clear my name than to jump through hoops trying to sue a collector at small claims court. Just my opinion. Good luckHuman: Wow, thanks for the information man!I debated paying off the debt since its so small, but... Im a broke ass college student, so not only to I need this money WAY more than Comcast, but I cant roll over because they want to charge people that dont owe them. They get away with too much. At least I can make this a bitch for them. If Im gonna have to pay them eventually I want to know they spent more retrieving it than they collected.  <response>: I respect that. Just remember: any communication with the collection agency should be sent certified mail so that you can have a record of when and who signed for it. 