Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas
What is responsibility of Authorized User
In 1984, Mr. J (primary card holder) and Miss E (authorized user)opened a credit card acount. Mr. J died in 1990. Miss E continued to renew (using another male to act as Mr. J to activate account when card expired)She continued to charge. In 2001 Miss E decided she no longer wanted to pay off her outstanding balance. The account has been sent to collections. I need morally Miss E's responsbility is to pay the balance is owes. But, legally what is her responsbility as an authorized user. What if any crime has she committed?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: What is responsibility of Authorized User
An Authorized User is responsible to the Primary Card Holder, and was responsible to J's estate for charges incurred before J's death.
E's continuation of the credit card by fraud is criminal. She is responsible for the debts she has incurred, and the friend is liable as a co-conspirator. I believe there are both state and federal criminal statutes that have been violated. I do not know what an Attorney General or District Attorney would charge them with.