A couple of months ago, my friend used my information for what she said was 'co-signing' a loan for her, since she didn't have the credit rating to be able to get it on her own, and really needed it at the time.
It turns out she ended up signing up for a credit card in my name, with her as a joint user on the account. She then proceeded to buy a $1500 bed using the account, and has been late on payments, even though, after I confronted her on this, she told me she paid it off.
She continued to change her story, now saying she sent payments. Today, I talked to the collections department for the credit card, and they told me they haven't received any payments on it, and tomorrow the account goes down as being over 30 days late on payments.
They gave me the fraud number, but I don't know if I should report this friend. I've known her for over ten years, and even though she's been abusing my trust and kindness recently, I worry what may happen if they charge her with fraud...
2006-12-10 03:07:55 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
I'm very sorry to hear about your story, but you shouldn't feel sorry for friends who abuse and take advantage of you like this. Don't feel sorry!!!
You indicated that the debt is over 30 days late? If that's correct, then that's good. Most banks won't report late payments to credit bureaus until after 60 days late, so be sure it stays current from hereon.
Here's what I would do:
** Ask the bank to close the account, but arrange to continue making payments for the remaining balance. This will prevent your friend from making further charges.
** Ask your friend to make cash payments to you directly. This way, you can ensure the payments are being made and you can personally pay the creditor. Give her a written receipt for payments.
** Keep track of all payments. If she decides to screw you over, you can at least take her to small claims court to recoup your losses.
** In the long run, regardless of if this "friend" remains a friend or continues to pay, you should be more concerned about your credit. If you can afford it, pay off the balance ASAP and continue to pursure the remaining balance from your friend to avoid interest charges.
** Forgivenessis cheap. Your credit is not! Don't let your "friend" screw you over. It takes 7 years to rebuild your credit rating. How long have you known this "friend"? How long will this "friend" be around? Weigh your options carefully.
* Make sure your "friend" isn't into crystal meth. It's the largest contributor to dead beat friends.
2006-12-12 23:00:33 · answer #1 · answered by Guru Sharma Prasad 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, your friend is taking total advantage of you and you are letting your friendship with her cloud your decision making.
If this was a stranger to you - would you report it? I think you would and you should report your friend too. Fraud is fraud, whether you know the person or not.
The consequences of you NOT reporting it are great. If you don't do something about it now, it will affect your credit - and you will have little chance to change it later. Don't worry so much about what they will do to her - worry about what this will do to you.
I understand how you feel. I found out that my own mother "stole" my identity and was conducting transactions as me. I waited a year before reporting her to the District Attorney in my county. It was the right decision, as I was in line to be sued for her actions as "me" and lose everything that me and my husband have worked for in the last 20 years. Honestly, I don't know what happened to my mother over this - the DA said to just go on with my life and I have.
Your friend knows what she is doing is wrong and so do you. There are over 6 billion people on this planet and I think that out of that number, you can find another friend.
Just my opinion.
2006-12-10 03:18:25 · answer #2 · answered by quietude61 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The person you are describing in not a friend but rather a user. I understand your situation but you have two choices: (a) turn her in because she broke the law; or (b) forget about it and pay the debt out of the kindness of your heart. I opt for "a". Hopefully you have cancelled that card so that she no longer has access to it. Check your credit report to make sure that is the ONLY occurance of identity theft. The best thing you can do is stop using the word "friend" when referring to this person.
2006-12-10 03:14:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
With friends like her who needs enemies?. What you 'friend' did was fraud pure and simple and should be reported to the bank and to the police.
She's not only a fraud, but also a liar who changes her story and cannot be trusted. Is you self esteem so low that you need to be around a con artist like this yet call her a friend?.
Get her out of your life asap. She need to learn the error of her ways by being reported and facing up to what she has done which is fraud. She could be fined and made to pay you back what she owes you. Is this the first time she has committed deception and fraud? and does she have a drug habit she needs to feed by thieving other people's money, if so she needs treatment.
2006-12-10 03:19:53 · answer #4 · answered by Carrie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First step CANCEL THIS CARD ASAP! She is not a friend as far as I can see and has severely mis-used your trust. To protect your credit rating you got to get the payments up to date or you'll feel the repercussions from this for years. Threaten her with a law suite, call her family and explain it to them. Friends like this you don't need, get rid of her as a friend. Worse case your stuck for the bill but you have learned a valuable lesson, FRIENDS AND MONEY DO NOT MIX!
2006-12-14 02:55:23 · answer #5 · answered by Paca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would be more worried about what could happen to you if you don't report her. that was highly dishonest of her. if you don't report it to a fraud department, this will negatively impact your credit rating. you are responsible for the debt since the card is in your name.
2006-12-13 11:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by cimi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She isn't your friend. She's just using you. She is spending your money, lying to you, lying to others, and breaking the law. You could turn her in, ever though you've known her for 10 years, or you could pay back all of her debts for friendship. Personally, I don't think she deserves any kindness, but she's your friends and its your choice.
2006-12-10 03:18:56 · answer #7 · answered by x♥Miss Murder♥x 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why on earth would you worry about what is going to happen to someone who did that to you? You like getting taken advantage of? I would definately report her and believe me, that is not a friend. Friend's do not do things like that. It's your choice but if she gets away with this and you stay friends with her, I feel sorry for you.
2006-12-12 17:30:53 · answer #8 · answered by luciousgreeneyedlady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm my perfect pals certain, yet even although i love the girls I carry out with, I wouldn't totally believe them. It sounds terrible yet i comprehend for a shown truth that they each and every so often gossip about one yet another. both way is say I have some pals who're both honest climate pals and some who're like sisters to me.
2016-11-30 09:40:14 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would but it would depend on how close of friends you are. Like i have a few friends i would never report but i also have friends i would report in an instant
2006-12-10 03:17:30 · answer #10 · answered by wambo6767 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋