Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

I was listed as an authorized user on my former boss' credit card. I never signed anything, and she just gave me a card with my name on it. When I quit, she told me that I needed to pay back all the charges on the last two statements, which equaled to almost $4000. But I know for a fact that I do not owe that much, and when I calculated what was purchased for my personal use, it was totaled to about $1700.

Unfortunately, she made me a sign a written agreement stating that I need to pay back all the money. I was forced to sign it as she was keeping my personal belongings from me. In order to get my laptop and other belongings back, I had to sign the agreement when I didn't want to.

I know I owe her some money but not the entire almost $4000. I owe her $1700.

What can I do? She wants to take this to court, and to the police. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Asked on 12/28/09, 1:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Carl Starrett Law Offices of Carl H. Starrett II

You don't have a particularly strong case. You signed an agreement that you claim was signed under duress. The police would be very unlikely to do anything...no crime has been committed that I can see. However, you did agree to pay the money back. It's like trying to say that you signed a promissory note, but didn't really borrow the money. The judge is unlikely to believe you.

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Answered on 1/02/10, 8:42 pm


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