Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

fraud

i just found out that my wife opened at least 4 accounts in my name using my social security number i have contacted the credit bureaus for fraud and i wrote all of the companies including the collection agencies the accounts are now with i made my wife send the companies and agencies letters to i don't want to pay these accounts and have requested that they go after her for payment because i thought that in the state of va a spouse who had no knowledge of their spouse opening an account in their name and didn't authorize it couldn't be liable for the account except for fifty dollars is that true what more do i need to do one company says that i am responsible anyway am i please get back in touch with me as soon as possible


Asked on 11/12/03, 1:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Hawes Hawes & Associates

Re: fraud

I don't know about all that - it's really a matter of federal law that I don't have off the top of my head. I don't think you're liable for any of it, really. But I get the impression you're not currently on good terms with your wife. If that's true, you might want to call the local police or sheriff and have them take you to the magistrate to swear out a complaint.

If the amount taken was more than $200 it's a felony. Va. Code section 18.2-186.3; if you have a police report relating to the incident, you can submit that to credit bureaus and have the information blocked so it won't affect your credit. 18.2-186.3:1.

If you don't take action promptly (and in writing), you will probably lose your ability to contest the charges.

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Answered on 11/12/03, 4:24 pm


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