I have a 700 dollar Direct TV bill on my credit holding up a home purchase but I've never had direct TV...

I have this bill hanging out on my credit report for 700 dollars but i've never had direct tv. I've called and talked to several people and I'm told that I just need to pay it. Evidently it's supposed to be for unreturned equipment... this is insane, they won't do anything but tell me to pay the bill. I don't have their equipment and never have, in fact, I can show that I have had spectrum the past 20 years for internet and tv. I'd like to know how crap like this even happens.