Okay, first of all...I am mature enough to admit that I screwed up. PLEASE do NOT lecture me about what happened, I am being honest enough to admit this to you all - and I already feel punished enough.
Alright, this is what happened. I had a bank account at Washington Mutual. I payed to own a website online. I didn't know this when i was signing up, the site that I purchased the website from would automatically charge me for another month unless I cancelled my account. I ended up with lots of overdraft fees. I was fifthteen at the time and EXTREMELY dumb. I never paid the bank and my account ended up closing! Now, I am 16, and I have a bad feeling that the bank is going to sue me for the money I owe them.
I am perfectly fine with paying them for what I owe, even though it happened a YEAR ago. I mean, I SHOULD be held responsible for my stupidity. I have the cash to pay them back. I just don't know what do. If they already filed a suit on me, is it possible I can just pay them & not
2007-11-05 11:01:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
have to appear in court? I'd really like to have my name cleared [paying them back would actually be a huge stress release]. But i am ABSOLUTELY terrified of having to go to court if they are trying to sue me. Would this work? Paying them back? Or would they still want to go to court anyways?
I feel like dying. My parents are going to totally disown me when they find out the trouble I got myself into. [Going to court in my family is a HUGE thing.]
2007-11-05 11:03:54 · update #1
First of all I have to say I really admire you for the way you take 'ownership' of this problem. We ALL make mistakes and we learn by facing up to them. Bravo!
Now if it's not thousands of dollars we're talking about here, just forget it. It would cost them more to take you to court than it's worth. And that's -beside- you being a minor and YOU ARE NOT EVEN LEGALLY ALLOWED TO SIGN A CONTRACT! _They_ should have known that before making the contract. The contract is null and void! THEY are the ones who screwed up here. And anyway it's almost impossible to sue a 16-year-old, even for a million dollars.
If someone calls you from a collection agency, you might try to make a deal with them to pay them a small amount, I mean like $10/month, over a long period of time. I wouldn't even do that, but if your conscience bothers you it's the least you can do. Then you have the legal defense that you at least tried to settle with them.
But remember, collection agencies are very sleazy. They are not allowed to threaten you or browbeat you, and if it sounds like they're trying to do that, tell them to forget it. If you tell them 'Please don't call me at home' they are not even allowed to call you again! If you don't pay them in five years, they have to drop the matter entirely, it can't even appear on your credit record.
2007-11-05 11:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I didn't read anywhere that you've talked with anyone at the bank about this problem. If you haven't, you are worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, AND very possibly helping it to happen. Face things, don't hide from them. It's very possible that because of your age, you could not legally enter into a contract with the webhost, but they already have your money. You may be legally obligated to the bank, or maybe not, due to your age. Talk to someone at the bank, find out what you need to know, if you have to pay, set up a payment schedule with them and get a job and work off the debt. Show them that you are a stand-up person and I'm sure you'll come out of this without too much pain. The last thing they want to do is sue, and if you are open with them, it's the last thing they will do.
2007-11-05 11:12:33 · answer #2 · answered by curtisports2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, I'm shocked that they'd even let you get in debt and give you an overdraft, being a minor.. they should be ashamed of themselves.. that's so wrong. ..it's their own fault, the shouldnt expect anything to be honest.. I mean you're obviously old enough to realise you're wrong, but very naive at your ages, which is only normal...
If you've not heard anything, leave it..I knwo a bit dishonest but they should never ever have let you have an account which allows you to have an overdraft, however, make sure you have all bank statement, any relevant details ,and to avoid any further fustration talk to a parent or maybe someone at your school so they could advise you, as banks really dont care unless they have your money.
good luck
2007-11-05 11:14:19 · answer #3 · answered by elin j 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You sound like you wised up, owing up and accepting responsibility will help with what you need to do next. Contact the bank, explain the situation, including your age (the guy who mentioned the issue regarding contracts for people under 18 is right). Maybe you can work out a reasonable payment plan with them. Good luck, most of us have made mistakes, it's not the end of the world, but you are wise to be concerned and to want to make amends.
2007-11-05 11:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Call them, and talk to someone. See if you can cut a deal. Most banks would rather have your money up-front, rather than pay someone to collect it from you.
Also, get all bills, and account information on paper, and be sure to keep all that paper for many years.
But start now! The longer you wait, the worse it will get.
2007-11-05 11:12:18 · answer #5 · answered by patrick 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can just go to the bank and settle the account. Since you are underage, they know they can't sue you. That's why you haven't heard from them.
2007-11-05 11:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well dont worry i got into a similar situation the most they can do to my knoledge is put you account into collections and your credit will be bad until you pay i suggest you contact the bank and set up some payments in full if possible or monthly payments you'll be back on track and your parents wont be thrilled but i'm sure you'l learn from this and take care of your credit from now on take care sweetie luv elvi from ny
2007-11-05 11:08:33 · answer #7 · answered by DIOSESMIPAZ 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You need to tell your parents, they will be able to help you with what you need to do, they may be disappointed but they will appreciate the fact that you are willing to own up to the problem and pay back the money you owe.
2007-11-05 11:10:54 · answer #8 · answered by paganmom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The bank cannot legally open an account for a minor. This is why. How were they able to give you an account?
2007-11-05 11:08:43 · answer #9 · answered by Tiea H 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
go to the bank and ask them what to do. it is not the end of the world.
2007-11-05 11:56:46 · answer #10 · answered by Barry C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋