Friend used my name and info to acquire a cell phone, and racked up a $5,000 bill...HELP! What are my options?

Question

Because my friend had sh*t credit, I gave her use of my name and info to get a cell phone plan...she racked up 5,000 dollars and NEVER PAID IT!! now, the cell company's lawyers are demanding I pay for it even though I was not the one who racked it up... my friend is screwing me over here, is there any legal options out there for me? can i take my friend to court and win?

Answer 1

Let me make sure I understand this: Your friend, who had poor credit (probably because she didn't pay her bills), convinced you to let her use your name and social security number to open a phone account, and now you're whining here about it?

1) You are legally liable for the charges made. If she opened the account in your name, with your permission, then you can't claim identity theft. It wasn't theft, but it MAY be fraud, on YOUR part.

2) Did you and she agree that she would pay the phone bill? Then, you may have grounds to attempt to sue her for the money that you have to pay. NOTE: You will need to pay the phone bill, regardless of whether or not she is ordered to pay you, and regardless of whether or not she actually does pay you.

I think you have learned a hard lesson here from some very, very unwise actions. Your friend also isn't much of a friend, in my opinion.

You didn't say what state you're in, but you might want to consult with an attorney in that state. For a referral, contact your local or state bar association.