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Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract

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  • 08-20-2013, 07:12 PM
    JB207
    Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Ohio

    My parents and I live together. My mom had to open a credit card in order to pay for a medical procedure. The doctor's office did the application with her in person. The doctor's office asked if there was any additional income in the house, because my mom has a low income, and my mom said I lived with her. They said that they could use me as additional income. They called me and said that they were going to use me as additional income and they needed my social and annual income. I gave them my social, and annual income, and that was it. My thoughts being they had to validate that there was the actual extra income in the house and they weren't making up a number. However, on the medical credit card I am listed as a secondary for the card as if it were a joint application. I however, never agreed to be a joint applicant, nor did I ever sign anything for this card. I just gave them the info for my annual income in order to boost my mom's total household income. I never wanted to be on the card.

    Do I have a case to dispute this? I want to be removed off the card and my name wiped off from owing them a debt. Because I never signed for it, nor did I consent to be a join applicant.

    Thanks!
  • 08-21-2013, 06:48 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Being listed as a secondary card does not make you a cosigner, or make you responsible for payment. If that's what happened and you want the card off of your credit account you would need to have your mom close out your secondary card.
  • 08-21-2013, 08:34 AM
    adjusterjack
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Mr K may be right.

    There's a difference between an authorized cardholder and a co-signer or co-cardmember.

    We can't know which is which without seeing the application.

    Did your mother keep a copy?

    If yes, read it.

    If no, you need to call the credit card company and find out what happened. Sorry to have to say this, but don't rely on your mother for your self-preservation.
  • 08-21-2013, 08:44 AM
    Antigone
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Quote:

    Quoting JB207
    View Post
    My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Ohio

    My parents and I live together. My mom had to open a credit card in order to pay for a medical procedure. The doctor's office did the application with her in person. The doctor's office asked if there was any additional income in the house, because my mom has a low income, and my mom said I lived with her. They said that they could use me as additional income. They called me and said that they were going to use me as additional income and they needed my social and annual income. I gave them my social, and annual income, and that was it. My thoughts being they had to validate that there was the actual extra income in the house and they weren't making up a number. However, on the medical credit card I am listed as a secondary for the card as if it were a joint application. I however, never agreed to be a joint applicant, nor did I ever sign anything for this card. I just gave them the info for my annual income in order to boost my mom's total household income. I never wanted to be on the card.

    Do I have a case to dispute this? I want to be removed off the card and my name wiped off from owing them a debt. Because I never signed for it, nor did I consent to be a join applicant.

    Thanks!

    You have to call the creditor and verify for yourself what happened. By giving the doctor's office your SSN and other information, you may have unwittingly agreed to be a co-debtor. Never give your SSN unless it is your intention to apply for the credit being offered.
  • 08-21-2013, 07:57 PM
    JB207
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Yeah, I called. They have me a cosigner for the card and not just a secondary name. So if I never signed the card, is it still legal or do you think I have some grounds to be removed off the card since I never signed?
  • 08-21-2013, 08:07 PM
    Antigone
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Quote:

    Quoting JB207
    View Post
    Yeah, I called. They have me a cosigner for the card and not just a secondary name. So if I never signed the card, is it still legal or do you think I have some grounds to be removed off the card since I never signed?

    You gave them authorization when you gave them your SSN. I highly doubt you'll be absolved of this obligation.
  • 08-21-2013, 08:11 PM
    LawResearcherMissy
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Quote:

    You gave them authorization when you gave them your SSN. I highly doubt you'll be absolved of this obligation.
    Concur. When you authorized them to use your SSN and income to help your Mom qualify for the card, you took on responsibility for the debt.
  • 08-21-2013, 09:25 PM
    adjusterjack
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    Quote:

    Quoting JB207
    View Post
    Yeah, I called. They have me a cosigner for the card and not just a secondary name. So if I never signed the card, is it still legal or do you think I have some grounds to be removed off the card since I never signed?

    You're making a mistake relying on what they tell you on the phone.

    I suggest you demand a copy of the application.
  • 08-22-2013, 01:57 AM
    davidmcbeth3
    Re: Can You Be Liable as a Cosigner if You Didn't Sign the Contract
    A doctor's office involved with credit card applications? Oh well...

    The OP stated that he gave the doctor's office information, not a CC company (and there are companies that provide medical-credit cards for use only with medical bills - and many are like 26-30% APR).

    A SS# is usually just a record to aid in the ID of a person..it has other uses..and some people give it out like candy.


    It appears as if the OP had no idea what CC company was involved etc.

    I don't see how he can be liable for anything.

    Also, your mom did not actually HAVE to get a CC to pay for a procedure ...

    Signing the card? Question is : did you sign an application.

    I think that the facts, in reality, are not what the OP has stated.
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