What measures can I take to ensure that I am not arrested due to false accusations of identity theft?
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What measures can I take to ensure that I am not arrested due to false accusations of identity theft?
In 2007, my grandmother co-signed with me for a $16,000 on-line student loan. I have the paperwork where she and I both signed. The loan is now in default because I can’t make payments. She is sending word through other people that I forged her name and that she never signed any papers. She said I was going to go to jail. This loan company has talked with her many times on the phone before and she gets statements at her home. I think that she is trying to get out of the loan by lying that I forged her name. What measures can I take to ensure that I do not get falsely arrested for this?
Asked on January 28, 2011 under Criminal Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The first thing that you need to do is to gather all relevant papers and go speak to a criminal law attorney directly. Don't wait. Identity theft is a crime that is taken quite seriously. Experienced legal counsel can best advise you as to your rights in this situation. Even though this was an on-line loan, hopefully you have something (ie. loan application) that has her original signature on it, or at least a witness to her co-signing the loan on your behalf, etc.
Note: Until you speak with a lawyer, don't say anything to anyone else at this point. You could unknowingly incriminate yourself.
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