Someone listed me as a reference on their mortgage application and now they have defaulted and the bank keeps calling me. I barely know this person, and I never gave them permission to use my name and number as a reference. Can I take legal action against this person for fraud?
2007-12-28 14:40:59 · 4 answers · asked by peaceforhumans 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Sure they can, but it is a bad idea. When you get called for the reference you are likely to teel them that you barely know them and that you can't recommend them or say anything about their ability to pay.
There is nothing illegal about it and they don't have to have your permission to write down your name and number.
2007-12-28 14:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person only gave the bank permission to ask you about them. There was no deception. You have not lost money or property because of deception on their part.
Your real argument is with the bank. Unless you cosigned for the loan, they have no right to go after you. If they persist in harassing you, report that to your state's banking regulatory agency and your lawyer.
2007-12-28 15:05:37 · answer #2 · answered by hamrrfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure they didn't forge your signature as a cosigner on the application? (A reference is when they want names of people who can verify that the applicant will be able to pay.) You should contact the police. Cosigning makes it count as your debt.
2007-12-28 16:46:41 · answer #3 · answered by mguardian_north 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have no obligation as long as you didn't cosign the loan. Just tell the lender the truth - your name was used as a reference without your knowledge.
2007-12-29 01:47:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋