Am I liable as a signer on a credit card?

When I worked for my Father I was a signer on his credit card for business purposes. The business closed down two years ago and now a collection agency is coming after me for an outstanding balance. Am I responsible for this debt? I am in CA. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Edited by diecast on 02-19-2001 at 05:08 PM]

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by diecast
When I worked for my Father I was a signer on his credit card for business purposes. The business closed down two years ago and now a collection agency is coming after me for an outstanding balance. Am I responsible for this debt? I am in CA. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Edited by diecast on 02-19-2001 at 05:08 PM]

My response:

What do you mean by "signer" ? Do you mean a signer of certain charges made on the credit card account, or a signer on the application and contract for the card itself ?

Were you an officer of the company ? If not, and just merely an employee, what reasons are the creditor using to make you believe that you are liable for the debt ?

IAAL

Thank you for your help. I was a signer for certain business purchases only. The card was already in use when I joined the company. I did not sign an application or contract. I was an employee only, not an officer. The creditor called me at work today asking for my bosses name. I told them not to get him involved. They said he would be involved when they serve the subpeona. A couple of years ago this card appeared as past due on my credit report and when I questioned why it was then removed. I thought it was over back then.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Either they are mistaking you for your father, or there's more to this story. As it stands, from the way you describe this matter, you are not the debtor and are not responsible for your father's company credit card debt.

Something is definately out of whack. I can't help you if the information you have given is as complete and accurate as you say.

You may want to have an attorney write a "clarification" letter to the creditor / collection agency, and to make sure your rights are being exercised under both the California and Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.

In the meantime, it goes without question that you should not make any payments until such time as you are able to obtain further clarification in this matter from your own attorney.

Good luck to you.

IAAL