• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

utility bill NOT fraud....

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

nothing wrong

Junior Member
New york
I had a business 5 years ago. The utilities were put in my daughter's name, with her permission. I didn't have the money to pay the final bill of $2700, so the utility company turned it over into a lawyer's hands. The other day my daughter received a summons about the bill. She has 10 days to answer.I know I am responible for the bill but I don't have the full amount they want. We contacted the lawyer who is handling the case for the utility co. and asked if we could make payments of $25-50 per month. We also asked if they would accept so much, like .50 cents on the dollar, they said no. He just said no to e'thing, and wanted it paid in 6 months. The only other option to keep it from being a judgement against my daughter was for her to file a fraud case against me, saying she didn't know anything about the utilities being in her name and have me arrested. So she is proceeding with this. We were told that the utility co.'s lawyer can't prosecute civil matters or he could be disbarred , but he can pick up the phone to my local police and have me arrested for fraud. I guess what bothers me the most is my daughter lieing about this and having her own mother go to jail. I don't have the $2700 to pay this bill. I asked her to let them put a judgement on her and I will make monthly payments on it. They can't put a lien on any of her and her husbands property because her name isn't on any of it.She said "NO". I asked if she would pay the bill and I would pay her the monthly payments, she said "NO". Well, I am just over whelmed by her actions and lies. I did not committ fraud, she knew about the utilites being in her name. I asked her if I could put them in her name, she gave me her ss# etc.. But to save herself, she is going to lie. I don't care that it will be in my name , but I am worried about the going to jail part. My question is...will I really go to jail or will it be a judgement on my credit files? Please, please, someone help.
 


Tayla

Member
From the sheer ludicrious post in HOLDING your daughter responsible for YOUR UTILITY BILL, Youve just jeopardized her credit! Grow up and pay the piper! I'm glad a family member is stepping up and holding you accountable. Sure you can be a wimp and let her take the fall for you and in return she will gladly trip you up.! Stop the negotiating for pennies on the dollar. You owe, You Pay, one way or another. I wish you nothing but the chance to make amends to your daughter and her GOOD credit!
 

nothing wrong

Junior Member
Didn't you read where I wrote I KNOW that it is MY bill???? And I wanted it turned over to me???? The ONLY way they will do it is if she says it was fraud. If she' says it was fraud, then she is lieing!!! Don't you think if I had the money it would have been paid?????? I offered the lawyer to make payments on it, they refused..they want the whole amount in 6 months. I don't have a job because of a bad back and I babysit my 3 grandsons 5-6 days and nights a week! WITHOUT PAY!!! AND, by the way. my daughter's credit is terrible! My daughter owed over $3000 in student loans, I gave her the money to pay them off..what did she do..she spent the money and never paid the loans..now they are on her credit report. She had a boyfriend, they lived together, she charged all kinds of things and never paid the bills, they are on her credit report also. I have tried e'thing to get MY utility bill from becoming a judgement against her. Since this is a site for asking a LAWYER" for advice, and obviously you are not a lawyer, keep your opinions to yourself!
 

Ladynred

Senior Member
Well, she can claim it was fraud all she wants, but that doesn't mean you will be actually charged with fraud. It basically comes down to your word against hers, and that probably isn't enough to get you jailed for fraud. Do you have ANYTHING in writing that show her signature.. not yours, for the utilities ??

Unfortunately, $50/month on a $2700 bill is going to take far too long to pay off than they are ever going to accept. That would take 4-1/2 YEARS, they're not going to wait that long.

While its obvious this isn't going to hurt your daughter's credit, its really poisoning your relationship with your daughter. Is there ANY way you can borrow the money, sell anything, to get enough money to pay the bill ?? The problem is, now that they've sued, the amount is going to be much higher for attorney's fees and court costs.

I suggest you get a lawyer, ASAP.
 

Tayla

Member
To: Nothingwrong
And just to pop your wee little ego.. this site clearly has a disclaimer stating that lawyers are not to give out Free advise for that would insinuate a "client - lawyer relationship." So since your new here and obviously un -accustomed to the forums goal. I'll DISMISS your little banter . One doesnt HAVE to be a lawyer to understand the laws and address concerns. Stop smearing your daughters name. She isnt here to validate or deny your statements.
 

nothing wrong

Junior Member
Tayla??????????????

Is this what you do all day.... read the posts on this site of people who are looking for help and advice..then add your smart little remarks? GROW UP and GET A LIFE!!!
 
nothing wrong said:
New york
I had a business 5 years ago. The utilities were put in my daughter's name, with her permission. I didn't have the money to pay the final bill of $2700, so the utility company turned it over into a lawyer's hands. The other day my daughter received a summons about the bill. She has 10 days to answer.I know I am responible for the bill but I don't have the full amount they want. We contacted the lawyer who is handling the case for the utility co. and asked if we could make payments of $25-50 per month. We also asked if they would accept so much, like .50 cents on the dollar, they said no. He just said no to e'thing, and wanted it paid in 6 months. The only other option to keep it from being a judgement against my daughter was for her to file a fraud case against me, saying she didn't know anything about the utilities being in her name and have me arrested. So she is proceeding with this. We were told that the utility co.'s lawyer can't prosecute civil matters or he could be disbarred , but he can pick up the phone to my local police and have me arrested for fraud. I guess what bothers me the most is my daughter lieing about this and having her own mother go to jail. I don't have the $2700 to pay this bill. I asked her to let them put a judgement on her and I will make monthly payments on it. They can't put a lien on any of her and her husbands property because her name isn't on any of it.She said "NO". I asked if she would pay the bill and I would pay her the monthly payments, she said "NO". Well, I am just over whelmed by her actions and lies. I did not committ fraud, she knew about the utilites being in her name. I asked her if I could put them in her name, she gave me her ss# etc.. But to save herself, she is going to lie. I don't care that it will be in my name , but I am worried about the going to jail part. My question is...will I really go to jail or will it be a judgement on my credit files? Please, please, someone help.
If it was your business, why were the utilities placed in your daughter's name?
 

Tayla

Member
nothing wrong said:
Is this what you do all day.... read the posts on this site of people who are looking for help and advice..then add your smart little remarks? GROW UP and GET A LIFE!!![/QUOTE


Thank you. Now run along ...bye!
 

nothing wrong

Junior Member
John......

John, they were placed in my daughter's name because we were in business together. Since, I had e'thing else in my name, this was our agreement. After a couple months, my daughter decided she didn't like the business and quit. However..I did tell her I would pay the bill. I AM responsible. I do have another question though...on the summons my daughter was served, there is a $ amount. Does this amount include the interest, fees, etc??? Is the amount on the summons, the amount the judgement will be? The summons needs to be answered tomorrow morning. Really need to know about the amount thing. Thanks
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top