My mother charged a cable account in my name and now it is affecting my credit as the collection agency is after me. I want to report this, how would I go about this as she owes me alot of money and I want to show her this is wrong? Also, she says it doesn't matter because I was under 18 when she did it.
2006-10-09 10:46:00 · 18 answers · asked by jensilver77 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
The Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is the federal agency responsible for receiving and processing complaints by people who believe they may be victims of identity theft. Trained counselors will provide information on the steps you should take to resolve problems and repair damage to your credit record. Certain cases may be referred to law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies or private entities that can help. Call toll-free 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). The FTC also maintains the U.S. government's central Web site for information about identity theft at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Go there to fill out an online consumer complaint form or link to educational materials.
I hope this helps you.
2006-10-09 10:50:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does matter. This is a case of fraud , both against you and the cable company. If you can prove this you cannot be held liable for the charges. If you have to , sue her in a court of law. I know this sound drastic but it is your right. She opened an account using your name, social security number ( probably ) and other personal information. Even though this your mother, what she did is wrong. By the way does she still have the account with the cable company in your name? If so close it out. Also talk with the cable office they might want to persue legal action. Since you say this is a large amount you will need a lawyer because it might be more than allowed in a small claims court. Good luck.
2006-10-09 18:02:08 · answer #2 · answered by richard b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd first try letting the cable company know what she did.
The if your really serious about this, you can take your mother to small claims court.
It isn't right that she started you off, or should I say, your name, on the wrong track, before you even knew what causes bad credit reports.
It might be hard to take your own mom to court, but think about if YOU owed her money, she doesn't seem the type that would hesitate from taking you to court.
God Luck
2006-10-09 17:50:38 · answer #3 · answered by peggin_beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, you can press criminal charges against that person, or you can take them to Civil Court and get a Judgment against them, providing that you have enough proof that they did it. Being under the age of 18 makes no difference. Having said this, Fraud is still Fraud.
You can also inform the Fraud Department of the Cable Company, if they have one. Let them know that you were underage when this was done.
I hope that this little tidbit of information helps you.
2006-10-09 18:07:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything your mother did in your name before you were 18 is her responsibility (as at that age you cannot make a legal contract).
The collection agency has no case and the credit agencies should be advised that anything shown against you is illegal for that reason and should be removed from your report.
2006-10-09 17:50:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
About the only thing you can do is take your case to small claims court. She is right though. You are not responsible for the debt when you are under 18. But talk to someone at small claims court. It is called a civil matter.
2006-10-09 17:50:58 · answer #6 · answered by Just Bein' Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's wrong... a persons credit can begin prior to their 18th birthday... go to where she opened the account first... ask to speak to a customer rep... have them explain to you why they allowed your mother to do this... ask them what is the process or steps they take to prevent fraud. accounts being opened... what forms of ID do they require... put them on the defensive end of the arguement... instead you going in defending yourself... never say to them that you didn't do it... say why did they allow it without your knowledge... offer proof of your signature etc...
This is very common ... parents opening things in their minor childrens name... ruining their credit before the child has the chance to use it... it's sad... if the cable co. won't go after her... for a small fee you can take her to small claims court... which will humilate her and you'll get to see her squirm... small claims is simple ... don't be afraid to do it... situations like this is what small claims is all about... Good Luck!!!
2006-10-09 18:01:00 · answer #7 · answered by Sandy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out the year that it was opened at the cable company and take her to small claims court. Even though she is your mother, it doesn't make it right using your name and ruining your credit.
2006-10-09 18:00:29 · answer #8 · answered by Zodiac_Child 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
legally...what this family member has done is fraud. they used your name to get something for themselves. and, depending on how much was charged would decide on if its a misdemeanour or a felony.
It's always hard when a family member is involved as it can put a wedge between the relationship...but in order to heal..sometimes u need to fall further apart.
2006-10-09 17:50:02 · answer #9 · answered by bald_guy69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget the fact that she is a relative and ask the police what you can do. They are the only ones that can tell you what your rights are. Or maybe an attorney could tell you. That is so wrong! What a terrible mother. Good luck:)
2006-10-09 17:48:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋