text: You have a couple of avenues:\n\nSomeone recommended that you contact an attorney.  This will cost you at least $200 for an initial consultation.  Then probably $1,000 or so for retainer. If you have the money and the debt truly is not yours, then I would fight it.\n\nIf the debt is yours, or you can not prove that it is not, then I would contact the collection agency and settle before court.  The collection will only be on your credit another 3 years, but the judgement will stay on for much longer, maybe 10 years.  Plus you will incur court costs if you do not settle now.\n\nHopefully this helps.  Good luck.