If my ex used my credit cards without authorization, can I dispute all the transactions with my bank?
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If my ex used my credit cards without authorization, can I dispute all the transactions with my bank?
For the last 3 months she spent an average of $6000. She only has written authorization from me to use $550. She also has text messages from me demanding to pay back, but nothing explicit from me that I authorize the use of cards (i.e. What card did you used for the electric bill?). Am I going to be legally held for the whole amount, and how long do I have to dispute transactions?
Asked on December 10, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You say she only had written authorization for $550--what does that mean? If she had her own card on your account which was limited to $550, but the credit card issuer mistakenly allowed her to charge more than that, the credit card company should be responsible for amounts over $550--they violated the terms of the card. However, if there was no limit built into the card she used and it was simply that there was an agreement between the two of you that she could only charge up to $550, then you are liable for her charges--you cannot hold the credit card company or the vendors she charged from to a private agreement between you and your ex; as far as they were concerned, the charges were legal--though you can then in turn sue her for breach of the agreement and/or some form of theft to recover the amounts over $550. In the meantime, cancel this card so she can't keep using it.
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