My sister used my SS and put me in debt. How should I go about contacting Collections? And if it would even work? - Hi everyone!

So, long story short, my sister took my social security number when I was 18 and opened a light bill in my name for her apartment. I knew nothing about credit, she came to me saying she needed a favor that I couldn’t tell anyone and said she needed my SS to open a light bill. She said it wouldn’t be permanent and she’d never mess up my credit. I felt bad when she said my niece and nephew couldn’t watch TV. I realize now I was being manipulated by someone I thought I could trust. I ended up telling my mom because I hate lying to her. She freaked and made me call my sister to tell her not to do it. My sister went ahead and did it anyways, she impersonated me to the light company.

She never paid the bill and let it go up $4k. She played it off like she was paying it the whole time. It eventually became a huge argument once I did know and she refused to pay it. I live in an abusive household, and by that time I was ready to move out but she still had the account in my name. She said she’d pay it when she could and when she felt like it. I knew that wasn’t going to happen.

She got assistance from some sort of program and got it bumped down to $2k. But she still wasn’t paying it. She told me if I closed the account, it would get sent to collections, and that her debt would be completely on me. I still closed it. Once it was sent to collections, I begged and pleaded with her to call them and just say it’s her debt. I did the same before I closed the account.

I did an Identity Theft thing with the light company. And a police report. Both told me this was a civil matter because she’s my sister and I technically gave her permission. She told me police and court don’t scare her and that she’d show the text message of me sending it to her.

I wanted to take it to court. I know nothing about that either. I was told all I can do is pay it and sue her for the amount. They can’t force a third party to remove it from my credit. I was just told I can contact the collections company and say it’s not my debt and provide proof like me never living at the address on the bill and things like that. Is that true? Would I even stand a chance? I’m 23, I don’t want that on my credit. It’s so frustrating to know she put me in this debt that really belongs to her.

I’ve frozen my credit since then because she still has it. I feel hopeless, pretty much.

Just wanted to add a thank you to everyone who’s offered me great advice and kindness. It’s much appreciated. Thanks for teaching me new information