Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia
Issuing a store credit card with no social security number.
Based on only my address and name in the back of a store catalogue, the departement store issued a store credit card to my roomate (and cousin) in my name without my consent. I did not even have a social security number at the time of creating the account. Two years later, I applied for a social security number and the collection company put on my record the charges for that account. I don't want to press charges against my cousin, What should I do? And are credit companies allowed to issue an account based on the name only, isn't this against the law?
Thanks for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Issuing a store credit card with no social security number.
Actually, it's against the law in Virginia to use your social security number in connection with a consumer account if you tell them you don't want them to do so.
The credit reporting agency is required to supply your explanation along with the store's account information to anyone they tell about your credit history. A failure to supply both if they supply either is a violation of the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act.
The store was defrauded by your cousin. You don't have take any legal action, but the store may, if its suffered any loss as a result of the fraud.
What you need to do is write a letter of explanation and send it to the credit reporting agency with a request that it be disclosed along with the store's account information. I'd send a copy to the store to make sure they understand that you weren't involved.
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