I never signed up for this account
If you're chased for an account you never opened, you can dispute it and ask the creditor to prove you agreed.
This guide helps you
- Understand your position when chased for an account you didn't open
- Know how to ask for proof that you agreed to the account
- Recognise when this might point to fraud or identity theft
- Put a firm dispute in writing and keep records
- Find free help and know how to escalate
7 min
What's happening
If you're being chased for an account you say you never opened or agreed to, you can dispute it. This can happen through a simple mix-up of names or addresses, a billing error, or in some cases because someone used your details without permission. The creditor should be able to show you actually agreed to the account. This is general information, not legal advice.
Your first steps
- Don't agree to pay an account you don't recognise.
- Ask who the original creditor is and what the account relates to.
- Ask for the signed agreement or application that set up the account.
- Consider whether your details may have been misused — if so, see the identity-theft guide.
Step by step
- Request proof you opened the account — the application, signed contract, or electronic acceptance records.
- Dispute it in writing, clearly stating you never opened the account and asking them to stop collection while they check.
- Check your credit report for other accounts you don't recognise.
- Report suspected fraud to the creditor and, if needed, to police and a credit bureau.
- Escalate to a free external dispute resolution scheme if it isn't resolved.
What evidence helps
Ask the creditor for the original application or signed contract, identity documents they relied on, and the address and details used to open the account. On your side, keep anything that shows you couldn't have opened it or that your details were misused. If you suspect identity theft, the separate guide explains the extra steps and you can read more at help.merion.com.au.
Where to get free help
Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free advice, and consider IDCARE (Australia's free identity and cyber support service) if your identity may have been misused. Free legal help is available from community legal centres and Legal Aid. Unresolved disputes can go to a free external dispute resolution scheme such as AFCA.
Key takeaways
- The creditor should be able to prove you agreed to the account
- Dispute it in writing and ask collection to be paused
- Check your credit report for other unfamiliar accounts
- Free help is available, including for suspected identity theft
Frequently asked questions
What if they can't produce a signed agreement?
If a creditor can't show you opened or agreed to the account, that's a strong basis to dispute it and, if unresolved, to escalate to a free external dispute resolution scheme such as AFCA.
Could this be identity theft?
It can be. If you think someone used your details, see the identity-theft guide, contact IDCARE for free support, and consider reporting it to police and the credit bureaus.
Where do I get free help?
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and free community legal centres can both help you respond and escalate.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
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