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Identity theft: Bank is asking us to pay for a car that we never had.

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N

NHK1111

Guest
What is the name of your state? California

Hello.

Two weeks ago, we got a letter from a collection department of a bank. The letter states that they have repossesed a Lexus and auctioned it off, but there is about $9,000 difference in the amount the bank financed the car, and the amount they got from the auction. They're asking us to pay for it. Here's the problem: we never had the car. We've never even seen it.

We called the bank, and found out that the Lexus was leased in my mother's name, and whoever had the car was making the payment for it, then stopped a while ago. My mother lives with me, and only car in our household is a Honda. The bank also has her address, phone numer and SSN, so this is obviously an identity theft.

How should we prove to the bank that we never had the car? It seems that the bank is demanding some sort of proof from us that we never had it, but how do we do that? I managed to get the dealership where he/she leased the Lexus from, but I would like some advice on what information I need to get from them.

We will truly appreciate any kind of help. I've heard all kinds of story of identity theft before, but when it hit us, I am really at loss.
 


M

Meursault

Guest
How should we prove to the bank that we never had the car?
Well, first it might be nice to know if mom signed the contract. All you've said in your post is that you never 'had' the car, not that she never signed the document.
 
R

Rainaraines

Guest
If your mom did not sign the contract, you need to demand a copies of the contract, her SSN card, her Driver's License, and anything else that the creditor may have in their file, in writing, sending it certified return receipt requested. Then you need to check her signature to verify that it is forgery. Something else you may need to do is check her credit report for any other fraudulent accounts.
 
N

NHK1111

Guest
Thanks for the replies. I'll contact the dealership and demand the copy of the contract, Driver's License, SSN card and anything else we can use ASAP.

And no, she did not sign the contract, nor went anywhere near the dealer.

Oh, and this might be a stupid question, but how can we get a credit report?
 

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