I did not think I could get credit card becuse I had filed bankruptcy years ago. Mother got card in her name for me to use but I cannot prove it because she has died. I didn't know it was illegal to do this, because one of the reasons I am on disabilty is because of mental problems that make me a bit slow. I was making payments on card, even after she died.card center called after finding I was using it, wanting me to pay higher payments in order to"take care of it". At least they were getting their payments. They might would not have gotten anything from her since she had died. I feel like they are holding "fraud charges" over my head so I will pay them higher payments. My mother told me I could keep using it after she died so I could pay some of the bills that she was helping pay before. I was living with my mother. Still living at house and bills are too much for my disability check. That is why I used card., as my mother wanted me to. We were both paying the utility bills.
2006-07-02 14:00:58 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
One of the main things I was wondering is what can they do, if I am guilty of fraud, such as the penaltys? And can they force me to make higher payments than what I have been making, which is the minimum amount they asked for. Also, if I have a signed statement saying I could use her card, what can they do then?
2006-07-03 03:00:46 · update #1
if you used the card you will have to pay for it
they could charge you with fraud if you have no proof of what your mother told you
as she died they probably closed the account so you can't use it anymore but want the bill paid as fast as possible
2006-07-03 15:11:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she gave you written permission, they have nothing. Next time they ask for larger payments, ask for their mailing address, mail a copy of the written permission from your mom.
Also, them threatening you is not legal. So long as they are receiving regular payments, they can do NOTHING. Contact your local Legal Aid center. Those who are disabled (I'm assuming you are since you mentioned your disability check) can contact Legal Aid at no charge.
You can also record all conversations with the credit card company and get those recordings along with copies of ALL letters to and from the credit card company to the Legal Aid office. They'll have so much fun!!
An easy way to get rid of the debt, although this will probably close the account... for your next payment, make the check out for the usual amount and write "paid in full" on the memo line in the bottom left corner.
They may send the check back with a letter that says they can't cash the check, and give a reason. If they do, you will have to keep making payments (DO NOT give in to their pressure for larger payments!!)
But if instead, the check clears, get a certified copy (front and back) from the bank. If you get another bill, send the copy- certified mail... you should have no more trouble from them.
In the future, be VERY careful about credit cards- those companies have a lot on the line, and they will protect it at all cost.
2006-07-02 14:27:01 · answer #2 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for a major credit card company as a customer service manager. So I can answer this rather easily for you. If you used the card after your mother died, then yes that is fraud if you were not listed as an authorized user. Secondly, if you have the PIN number, that proves that you had permission because your mother would have had to have given it to you. My best advise to you is to stop using the card and continue to send in what you can afford. As long as payments are being received nothing can really be done. Especially since your mother is deceased. I don't think she'd care if they revoked her credit card.
2006-07-02 20:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by Carmen B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you own the house your living in?if so try to get a home equity loan for the balance of the credit card,for the reason you will never get them paid off.and the equity loan maybe cheaper than the credit card dept not to mention the intrest.other than that get an attorney that you have used before.if you do own the house,you will get to rite the intrest off at the end of the year on taxes.
2006-07-02 14:08:41 · answer #4 · answered by strange_busaman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are using the card since your mother passed away, yes, purchases/advances after the date of death can be deemed as fraud.
2006-07-03 00:18:28 · answer #5 · answered by Donna S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU WILL BE ARRESTED AND CONVICTED FOR FRAUD.
I suggest you to stop using her Card at once and sell everything you have (Including your bed) to pay them all their money before they press charges and send you to prison.
2006-07-03 12:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not guilty unless they can prove it
2006-07-02 14:35:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋