I co-signed for a cell phone a couple years ago for a former roommate of mine. He moved out, but had been paying the cell bills regularly so I didn't take the phone away. We parted on good terms- our lease was up, and I was expecting a baby so it just worked out for us to each move into our own separate apartments. He wound up with another roommate. This second roommate (who I never knew and had no agreement with regarding the phone) used my former roommate's phone and ran up a HUGE bill that I wasn't aware of until about six months ago when I tried to take out a loan for a car and was denied because of a collections account on my credit rating. Do I sue my former roommate? Or my former roommate's former roommate for the cell bill? I know this is confusing..
My former roommate is saying he didn't know the other guy was using the phone until the bill came in and that he wasn't able to afford the bill the other guy ran up. He and I fell out of touch and he never let me know (cont'd)
2007-12-23 08:35:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The last time I talked to this guy, he told me the phone was shut off because he didn't need it anymore. I didn't bother checking because I trusted him. It had actually been shut off due to nonpayment and now my credit score is in serious trouble over it. Which guy do I sue?
2007-12-23 08:36:37 · update #1
I understand I'm also responsible for it legally because I cosigned- that's why MY credit is being screwed up over it and even once it's paid off, my credit will still have the negative rating. I, however, never used the phone and want the ones who ran up a nearly 2k dollar bill to pay for what they used- why should they get away with it?
2007-12-23 08:44:30 · update #2
You can "sue" both of them; and maybe even collect; but your credit rating will still be in the toilet.
2007-12-23 08:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As the legal co-signor, you are responsible for paying the bill. You already know that. You also (under most state laws) have the right of redress by suing the person that you co-signed for. If that person is irresponsible and allowed someone else to run up a huge bill, that is NOT your fault, it is his. Seek an attorney in your state and definetely file. Good luck and I hope this helps.
2007-12-23 17:48:00 · answer #2 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately I don't think you have a leg to stand on as far as suing either one of these guys.
When you co-sign an agreement it is your responsibly to make
sure the terms of the agreement are being met by the parties involved.
Have you tried calling the cell phone company and making payment arrangements?
I think this is the only way you will get your credit rating back on track.
As well, if the cell company agrees to these terms get your former roommate to agree to pay half the bill in writing...if he does and then he reneges you can take him to court because you have a new specific written agreement.
2007-12-23 08:53:23 · answer #3 · answered by mrmilo02020 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sue both of them and let them figure out who is responsible. Good luck though, as you did co-sign on the account, so legally you are also responsible (that's what co-signing means).
2007-12-23 08:42:14 · answer #4 · answered by phab_4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sue both of them. Let the judge or the defendants sort out who owes the money.
2007-12-23 08:39:56 · answer #5 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU are responsible for it. That's what you get for co-signing.
2007-12-23 09:07:52 · answer #6 · answered by Scooter_The_Squirrels_Wifey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'd better get yourself a damned good lawyer...
2007-12-23 08:57:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋