I purchased a TV from a local retailer. After about a month I returned the TV because I did not like its picture quality. Retailer refunded my money as I paid in cash. After one week the retailer called and said the screen was damaged and he wanted me to pay for the set as it was "totaled". I tried explaining to him that the set was inspected when I returned it and no damage was found. Now he is threatening to turn me to collections and I am very upset. Even though he has my name and address, he does not have my SS number. Can he report me to credit agencies without this number? If he damages my credit, can I sue him ? Many thanks.

What country was this? What state or provence? I hope you still have your receipt that they accepted it, as any visible damage should have been acknowledged by them at that time.

Maryland, USA. I do have the return receipt and nothing about damage is noted on it.

He is blowing hot air. Hang onto the receipt.

Keep all the paper work, he may turn you over to collections, if he does, send them a letter in writing that there is no valid debt and not to contact you again.

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Originally Posted by moonlite

I purchased a TV from a local retailer. After about a month I returned the TV because I did not like its picture quality. Retailer refunded my money as I paid in cash. After one week the retailer called and said the screen was damaged and he wanted me to pay for the set as it was "totaled". I tried explaining to him that the set was inspected when I returned it and no damage was found. Now he is threatening to turn me to collections and I am very upset. Even though he has my name and address, he does not have my SS number. Can he report me to credit agencies without this number? If he damages my credit, can I sue him ? Many thanks.

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He doesn't need your SS money in order to attempt to collect from you or report you to a credit agency.

I agree - he's pressuring you, and he's bluffing.

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Originally Posted by moonlite

... Now he is threatening to turn me to collections and I am very upset. Even though he has my name and address, he does not have my SS number. Can he report me to credit agencies without this number? If he damages my credit, can I sue him ? Many thanks.

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There is a difference between "collections" and "credit agencies". The former are outfits which make their money by harassing you until a debt is paid. The lattter simply keep tabs on whether you pay your bills when due.

And yes, he may be able to report this matter to a credit reporting agency even without your social security number.

If he reports it to a credit agency you have the right to correct the story with the full and accurate facts. Take advantage of that right and your credit rating should not be adversely effected.