[IL] I co-signed a lease for an acquaintance who used my credit card information without my consent to pay rent for seven months, totaling about $12,000. What can I do?
The leasing company is attempting to collect rent from me, even though I wasn’t the primary tenant and they haven’t contacted them. The acquaintance has stopped responding to my messages. This situation is in Chicago, IL.
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The fact that they have a history of fraud—and you have written proof—strengthens your position. It shows a pattern of intentional misconduct.
When you co-sign a lease, you agree to be responsible for the rent if the primary tenant doesn’t pay. However, that doesn’t give them permission to use your credit card without consent. This is a separate fraud issue.
Since your credit card company reversed some charges, they’ve acknowledged the fraud. Keep all related documentation.
The leasing company is likely following standard procedure in collecting from a co-signer. However, you can address the lease payment issue separately while pursuing your acquaintance for the fraud.
Your options include:
- Civil lawsuit: Sue for the $12,000, using your written evidence.
- Police report: This could lead to criminal charges and strengthen your case.
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I have one more question. Shouldn’t the leasing company obtain a refusal to pay from the primary tenant before pursuing me?
I co-signed a lease for an acquaintance who used my credit card information without my consent to pay rent for seven months, totaling about $12,000.
They admitted it was a mistake and agreed to repay me, and I have evidence of this. They have also defrauded another individual.
My credit card company has reversed some of the fraudulent charges.
The leasing company is attempting to collect rent from me, even though I wasn’t the primary tenant and they haven’t contacted them.
The acquaintance has stopped responding to my messages.
This situation is in Chicago, IL.
I’m sorry to hear about the situation with your acquaintance misusing your credit card information. Have you reported this incident to the police or any relevant authorities?
Not yet.
Do you have a copy of the lease agreement that clearly shows you were only a co-signer and not the primary tenant?
Yes.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your co-signed lease issue.
Yes.
Hello! My name is TJ, and I’m an attorney. Thanks so much for the opportunity to assist you! I’ve reviewed the details you shared and will post my initial response shortly, along with a few quick questions to better understand your situation.
You’re in a tough spot, but there are definitely paths to explore. Since your credit card company reversed some charges, that’s a good sign they recognize the unauthorized activity. Your evidence of the acquaintance admitting fault and agreeing to repay you will be helpful if you pursue legal action.
The leasing company’s attempt to collect from you is also something to address, especially since you were only a co-signer.
What was the exact nature of your agreement with your acquaintance regarding the lease?
When did they stop responding to your messages?
Roughly two weeks ago. They said they were coming over to pay and then suddenly stopped responding. I can see they’re receiving my messages.
It sounds like they’re intentionally avoiding you, which makes it harder to resolve informally. Getting a clear timeline will help with any legal action.
Was the credit card you used a consumer card (like a Visa or Mastercard for personal use) or a business credit card?
Additionally, they have a history of committing this type of fraud, which I discovered later.
I have written evidence to prove it.
The fact that they have a history of fraud—and you have written proof—strengthens your position. It shows a pattern of intentional misconduct.
When you co-sign a lease, you agree to be responsible for the rent if the primary tenant doesn’t pay. However, that doesn’t give them permission to use your credit card without consent. This is a separate fraud issue.
Since your credit card company reversed some charges, they’ve acknowledged the fraud. Keep all related documentation.
The leasing company is likely following standard procedure in collecting from a co-signer. However, you can address the lease payment issue separately while pursuing your acquaintance for the fraud.
Your options include:
- Civil lawsuit: Sue for the $12,000, using your written evidence.
- Police report: This could lead to criminal charges and strengthen your case.
Do you need clarification on any of this?
I have one more question. Shouldn’t the leasing company obtain a refusal to pay from the primary tenant before pursuing me?
Generally, no. When you co-sign, you become jointly and severally liable, meaning the landlord can pursue either party for the full amount without getting a formal refusal from the primary tenant. They typically go after whoever is most likely to pay.
Thanks.
I’m sorry for the bad news, but I’m glad I could answer your questions. Best of luck!
