someone used my ssn and name in Missouri to obtain services at a gas company and now it is in collections for $177. if that person is caught what are the possible penalties? and what is that called? i am from Oregon

It can be Identity theft...

I can certainly understand this is a frustrating situation for you. I suggest you contact an attorney to determine your legal options.

You can also browse through the information in LawInfo’s Free Legal Resource Center here: http://www.lawinfo.com/index.cfm/fus...lient.consumer, or search for your particular topic here: http://resources.lawinfo.com/index.html.

Identity Theft resources:

http://resources.lawinfo.com/Search....identity+theft

http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Vide...eft/index.html