Is it illegal for someone to open a joint credit card using my name without my permission?

Consumer Protection

Legal Eagle

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If a credit card was opened using your name without your knowledge or permission, that can be identity theft or credit fraud under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act. (18 U.S.C. § 1028) What matters is whether you actually applied for the card or gave consent for your name to be used on the account. If your ex added you as a joint account holder by signing your name or providing your information without permission, that can be illegal, and it can also affect your credit if the balance is maxed out.

A practical next step is to check your credit reports with all three bureaus to see if the account appears and confirm how your name is listed on it. You have rights to dispute inaccurate or fraudulent information under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), and if the account involves unauthorized charges you did not agree to, the Fair Credit Billing Act (15 U.S.C. § 1666) may also give you grounds to dispute the charges with the card issuer. Once you know how the account is reported, you can decide whether to dispute it with the credit bureaus or contact the card issuer to report it.

I hope I was able to help resolve your issue! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

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I was in a relationship for 10 years and I found out my ex had a credit card opened with both our names on it. Is that illegal?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how concerning this situation must be for you. Can you tell me if you were aware of the credit card before finding out about it?

No, I wasn't.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you experienced any financial issues or impacts as a result of this credit card?

Not sure, but I do know my ex told me the credit card was maxed out when I asked about it.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your credit card issue.

No.

Legal Eagle

Hello, I'm Legal Eagle. I'm an attorney who works in your area of law, and I'll help you sort this out today. I've read what you shared, so let's go over what's happening and what your best next steps look like. Did your ex ever show you a physical card, a statement, or any account documentation, or did you only learn about the card through what they told you verbally?

Legal Eagle

I hope I was able to help resolve your issue! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Legal Eagle

134,901 satisfied customers

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