Husband's old ex-girlfriend has him on past due account.

[TrinaMarie]

What is the name of your state? Colorado. His ex is in OK.

I had mine and my husband's credit reports checked today. On my husband's account history it showed that there is a credit card account attached to his credit report that belongs to an ex-girlfriend of his from many years back. The balance is nearly $20,000, and it shows that it is 120 days past due with $3100 due now. We called the credit card company and when he gave his name they stated "We have to inform you that you are NOT legally liable for this account." However, it is showing up on his credit report AND she has him listed as HER HUSBAND! We cannot access any information from the credit card company because we don't have the password she set up and she is unlisted.

We are disputing the credit bureau reports but I would like to know how we can go about getting her to remove his name from her account legally.

[fairisfair]

was your husband an authorized signature on the account??

[TrinaMarie]

Yes, I believe she added him as an authorized signer after they started dating. They did live together for about a year. The account was opened by her in 1992 and they dated/lived together in 1996-7. They did not live together as man and wife but she presented him as her husband to the credit card company.

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by TrinaMarie

Yes, I believe she added him as an authorized signer after they started dating. They did live together for about a year. The account was opened by her in 1992 and they dated/lived together in 1996-7. They did not live together as man and wife but she presented him as her husband to the credit card company.

I believe that credit bureaus are required to add the credit history to the accounts of authorized signatures on the account (which can in some cases be a good thing, and help someone to begin to establish credit), however, he is not legally responsible for the account or it's current status, contact the credit agency, they should have a form for you to complete and will have the information removed from his account.

[panzertanker]

Originally Posted by fairisfair

I believe that credit bureaus are required to add the credit history to the accounts of authorized signatures on the account (which can in some cases be a good thing, and help someone to begin to establish credit), however, he is not legally responsible for the account or it's current status, contact the credit agency, they should have a form for you to complete and will have the information removed from his account.

The information WILL show up on his credit report, as he is an authorized user. BUT, the account is noted as "authorized user", and is NOT used in computation of the credit score.

It is listed in the credit report b/c it supposedly shows that the person has access to that account (even though he does not now) so that the entire picture can be looked at when applying for credit/credit worthiness....

[TrinaMarie]

Thanks for all your info, but after going around in circles with the Citibank call center. They removed him from the account.... mind you it was A LOT of circles!!!

For anyone's info.... we were transferred to 3 different phone numbers and then we spoke to collections and the first representive said "No way, the primary account holder has to remove you," but after escalating the call to a SUPERVISOR (key word there) they were able to remove you. You can be removed... you just have to be an A**hole and not accept "NO" for an answer.

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by TrinaMarie

Thanks for all your info, but after going around in circles with the Citibank call center. They removed him from the account.... mind you it was A LOT of circles!!!

For anyone's info.... we were transferred to 3 different phone numbers and then we spoke to collections and the first representive said "No way, the primary account holder has to remove you," but after escalating the call to a SUPERVISOR (key word there) they were able to remove you. You can be removed... you just have to be an A**hole and not accept "NO" for an answer.

All's well that ends well. Glad we could help. Just for the record, you don't have to be an a**hole, but you are right about not accepting no for an answer!!!!

[TrinaMarie]

Originally Posted by fairisfair

All's well that ends well. Glad we could help. Just for the record, you don't have to be an a**hole, but you are right about not accepting no for an answer!!!!

I definitely mis-spoke by saying that we were a-holes.... we were just persistent.

We weren't rude by any means.... I was being figurative. The first 4 people we were directed to thought we were jerks because we wouldn't accept their phony LIES (they had to have been since it is obviously possible to remove your name from an account that you did not approve of). Everyone of them, seemed perturbed to have us talk to a superior.... it is upsetting that the call center reps are so inept at the rules and regulations of the corporations they work for and that is the most important thing anyone should take away from this.... if it doesn't make sense, then it is most likely bunk!!! AND by all means... keep up with your credit report!!

If anything... I am glad I found this site, lots of great info!