If a credit account was opened with a false birth year, before I was 18 can it be removed legally?

Question

My sister opened an account with my info, but using a different birthday. the account is now charged off on my credit report, I want it removed, but I obviously don't want to press charges against her. Can I do anything to remove that negative info?

Answer 1

In my not so humble opinion, you owe it to yourself to do whatever you have to do to get this off your report. Your sister demonstrated that she has no concern for your future by using your information to create a fraudulent account, and if she is making you feel guilty about her poor behavior, that just demonstrates that she would have no problem doing it again!

Depending on the creditor, however, you may still be able to do something. First, you need to contact the credit bureaus in writing, indicating that the account is not yours and was opened without your knowledge before you were 18. Then, write a letter to the credit company stating:

This letter is to advise you that I have noted potentially fraudulent activity on my credit report. An account was opened under my name and social security number on (date). I did not open this account. At this time, I am requesting that you provide me with information regarding the origins of this account. As of the date this account was allegedly opened, I was not yet of legal age to enter into a credit agreement. I also request that this information be purged from my credit report."

Some smaller creditors, not wanting to deal with the issues of a fraud case, will write off what is owed and close the account. If you get lucky, they will simply close the account and wipe it, depending on how much money is owed. However, they may request that a police report be filed before they provide any information. In which case, you have to determine whether or not you are willing to take the punishment for your sister's poor behavior, or if you are going to hold her accountable.

In any event, please remember that none of this is your fault, and trying to clean up your credit does not make you a bad person. Con artists prey on the kindness of others, and their families are often the best targets. Don't let her get away with it.

Answer 2

If your sister opened the account under false identification and then used the card, she is guilty of fraud.

You can have it removed, but it would most likey involve them going after your sister. Mainly because you would say that you did not open it as were not even 18 at the time. They will investigate and find out that it was opened by your sister. Best case would be that they would just want her to pay it off, worst(and most probable) case is that they would pursue charges against her. If they are able to prove that you knew about it they might still try to come after you for both the money and legally.

Answer 3

If the account was opened before your 18th birthday, it is not valid. Doesn't matter if the Easter Bunny opened it. Report this to the 3 Credit Reporting Agencies, and have it removed.

Answer 4

you could call the lender and try to have it removed: unless you are willing to press charges for fraud, the lender will not believe this is just a scam of some type, and might decide to press charges against her for fraud.

I think you're stuck and this is one situation where there isn't much you can do unless you plan on having your sister face the music for what she did. (this whole thing sounds pretty iffy to me)