What can be done to avoid being in trouble if debt was not mine or had no idea about the credit line increases?
137906
The creditor will come after the co-signer because both parties are equally liable for all of the debt.  If you co-signed, you can (1) pay it, (2) file BK yourself, or (3) live with it on your credit report as an open collection item, or as a write off.\n\nYou can also try to negotiate a settlement for less than the amount owed, but that's still doing the first option.
584981
Be up front and let them know that you have outstanding debt and how you're taking care of it.  Honesty, surprisingly, blows them away.  \n\nOffer to pay a larger deposit, right off the bat.  State you understand you do not have great credit and that you're taking steps to rectify that, but that you're willing to pay a higher deposit to make them more comfortable.\n\nTake a look at your credit report too, there are lots of free programs.  Make sure all of it is truly yours and that there are no duplicates.  Have answers ready so when a potential landlord pulls your credit, you can explain the mistakes and inconsistencies and show them you're pro-active at the same time!  Good luck!!
661204
Don't panic!  First, they're not going to come after the store.  Credit card companies can't really come and take things...that's why they call it unsecured credit.  Furthermore, they would have to go to court to get any kind of judgment against you, and even if they did, all they could do would be to go after your bank accounts (in your own name) or paycheck, but even that is extremely unlikely.  So, really, this isn't worth worrying about right now.\n\nSecondly, let's undo some misconceptions.  The minimum payment (not finance charge) that doubled is not because of any 'bad credit' statement.  It is standard.  Suddenly, lots of us are seeing the minimum payments increased, and it is something that results from a change in the law, not any decision that the credit card companies are taking.  The requirements have been made because many people have payments so low that they may never get out of debt.  The problem with such a law is that it has had the effect of suddenly whipsawing people into deep trouble that shouldn't have gotten there.  But we can't change that here.  Let's talk about how to deal with the new reality.\n\nYou can simply stop paying, but that may not be your best option.  It will affect your credit for real, and limit your options in the future.  You may also consider refinancing somehow, but this may only get you in deeper.  I think the best thing I could recommend is to get in touch with a credit counseling agency such as CCCS.  They may be able to get your monthly payments reduced back down to the level you were paying before.  It won't happen without some problems (such as cutting up your credit cards), but it should help you get out of debt entirely within about 5 years.\n\nBest of luck to you.
161345
Somtimes talking to the bank will get them to quit charging you additional overdraft fees.  But, getting a loan or advance is probably the best option (if that is possible).  Next time, read some of the fine print before using any card then you won't be in this mess again.
498735
If it goes past due...it will hurt your credit score. Ask them if you can make an interest only payment...that should help with a little extra cash and also not hurt your credit. If they agree, make sure you first ask if they will report it as a delinquent payment.\n\nMike\n\n================
392042
Just pay it back. NO legal problem, but make up a story as to why you thought you were getting the extra money.
365311
are you in England?\n\nIf so, they usually use a tracing agent and he will most certainly be caught if he tries to apply for further credit.\n\nYou need to contact the people he owes money to though, otherwise it can reflect badly on your own credit rating. If you explain the situation, they are really understanding. My family went through the same with my brother. They will find him eventually though, they usually persuade them to make an agreement to start paying it off month by month
591550
You can't just change the number.  If there was going to be an identity theft, you'd know by now.  You can always check your credit.
549727
What other information do you need?\n\n1) Negotiate an offer to pay the debt. \n\n2) Demand that they agree IN WRITING to delete any negative information from your credit reports.\n\n3) Demand that if you are only paying a portion of the debt, they agree to consider this debt "paid in full" and give you a letter saying that!  Otherwise they could sell the remaining portion of this debt to another collection agency.\n\n4) DO NOT pay them a dime until you get these agreements.  Get the entire agreement IN WRITING explaining how much you will be paying each month.\n\nA sample letter is below.
423738
I would call your credit card and tell them what happened.  Then always remember to mark out every line and write the total in yourself.  They can and do Dr. up your receipt if you're not careful.
652427
Living with debt or bad credit can be very stressful, but help is closer than you realize. Improving your credit rating requires that you take positive action and change your attitude toward money. \n \n   \n  Steps:  \n1.   Request a copy of your credit report from a credit bureau. If there is an error, write to the bureau and ask it to fix the mistake. It might also help to contact the creditor who reported the error. Some creditors will contact the bureau on your behalf.  \n  \n2.   If the bad marks on your credit report result from outstanding debts, repay them as quickly as possible. Pay off those with the highest interest rates first.  \n  \n3.   If your debts are overwhelming, contact a nonprofit credit-counseling organization to work out a debt-consolidation plan. A counselor will help you consolidate your debts and will contact your debtors on your behalf to reduce or eliminate finance charges. This can reduce your monthly payments by up to 40 percent.  \n  \n4.   Steer clear of any services that offer you credit-repair or debt-consolidation loans. These companies will plunge you further into debt. Be suspicious of any company that advertises aggressively or sends unsolicited mail or e-mail.  \n  \n5.   Close your credit accounts and cut up the cards. Sell valuables or liquidate assets that will help you repay your debts. Buy the bare essentials (food and gas) and use the rest of your earnings to pay off your consolidated debts.  \n  \n6.   Work with your credit counselor to repay all of your debts. Meanwhile, live a life that will help you re-establish good credit. Pay rent and utilities or mortgages promptly, keep the same residence and job, maintain savings and checking accounts, set a budget and stick to it.  \n  \n7.   Once you have repaid your debts, apply for a new credit card to build a good credit history. It might be easier initially to get a department-store or gasoline credit card or one from an employee credit union.  \n  \n8.   Promptly pay off the balance of the credit card monthly to build good credit. Use the card responsibly.  \n  \n9.   If you don't qualify for a regular credit card, apply for a secured one. With a secured credit card, you fund an account up front and then "charge" expenses on it. This card will show up as a credit card on your credit report and, if used responsibly, can help you build a good credit history.  \n  \n  \n  Overall Tips:  \n Get a copy of your credit report once a year even if you think you have good credit. You may find errors that will damage your credit rating.  \n  \n Filing for bankruptcy is always an option, although your credit history will reflect it for 7 to 10 years, making it very difficult for you to get a car or home loan in the future.  \n  \n Creditors agree to reduce or eliminate interest rates under a debt-consolidation plan because it saves them the expense of collection efforts and increases their chances of recouping the balance.  \n  \n Every application you make for a credit card shows up on your credit report, and multiple applications can hurt your credit rating. To avoid this, use an online service that matches you with creditcard companies that will extend credit to you. Search online for "credit card finder" or "credit card search."  \n\nNo matter how bad your credit is, you can take steps that will make it better. \n  \n1.   Pay all of your bills on time. Late payments (payments that are 30 days late or more) have a negative effect on your credit rating.  \n  \n2.   Reduce the number of credit cards you carry. Write to your creditors to request that they close your accounts and report this status change to all three credit-reporting agencies.  \n  \n3.   Avoid bankruptcies, tax liens (a lien for not paying state or federal income taxes or property taxes) and collections. A bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to 10 years. Collection accounts and paid tax liens stay on for seven years, and unpaid tax
133671
Here is a method I used once to get rid of a legitimate debt that I owed. You may be ablet to adapt this and use it for yourself. \n\nI owed a $485 bill to AT&T that I refused to pay until they took down a cell phone tower that had been illegally erected right next to someone's back yard. Of course they ignored me, so I ignored them right back and things went round and round for a few years like that. finally the debt was sold to a collection agency and then to another one and finally to one in Florida. Up to this point none of them had reported it to any of the credit bureaus. Suddenly one day, there it was! A festering puss-filled sore right in the middle of my credit report! I immediately wrote a letter to the collection agency saying that the debt was not mine, that this was an old debt (by now it was over five years) that was being shopped around until they could stick it on somebody. I told them this was very damaging to my credit, that I had no other late payments, and I demanded they remove it immediately. Also, I said, at the time this debt was incurred there had been two other people living in the same county as me with exactly the same name as me, and it must have belonged to one of them. Again I demanded that they remove this thing from my credit report. About two weeks later I got a very apologetic letter from them saying how sorry they were for the mistake and yes it would be removed from my credit report immediately. It was and I never heard from anyone about this again.\n\n"Hell no," said Tom. "I'm not paying this. You can take this bill and shove it!"
319364
Contact the Credit Counselling Service (or something along those lines).  Free charity, great at helping to deal with debt.  As far as I know you can ask but it is unlikely they will reduce the amount - they do however cancel interest!  Good luck.  Also CCJs only last for 7 yrs on your credit rating.
32657
What you should do is talk to them and explain your situation... Also I would look into going through a debt consolidator... That is what I do... and I was in your situation and now all I have left is less than a year and I am debt free!!!! I had to go to court for one of my bills... and when I did that the person said that they couldnt take money I didnt have, so they worked with me so I am paying a very low payment... SO your best solution is to talk to all of them... They may be able to help you out...
306854
Rule #1:  Stay away from companies that promise to reduce your debt by thousands of dollars.  It will hurt your credit.  Look into finance counselors that can look at your income, expenses and debt and help you establish a plan and stick to it.  Debt consolidation is a good move in that it won't hurt your credit.  The risk is that you will have to pay an additional couple thousand dollars over the years for the convenience of the consolidation.  Again, credit/finance counselors are your best bet right now.
187672
the best way to lower your rates is simply to ask. when you call the credit card company tell them that you have been looking at other credit cards with lower rates and you were wondering if they would match it. if they say no to that, ask to speak with their supervisor and ask them the same thing. then if that doesnt work switch to another with a lower rate and transfer your debt to that one. \n\nalso, im not sure if a lot of people know this. but the reason that the rates got so high in the first place is usually due to late payments. so the best way to keep your rate low in the first place is to always make your payments on time. they can start to jack up the rates with as little as one late payment and they dont need to give you notice. \n\nhope that helps you
627252
I need more info before giving you any good advice.  \n\nIf someone got credit in your name, and you are claiming the debt is not yours, then there is a procedure already in place regarding ID Theft.  Go to the first link below and read up.\n\nYou first need to contact the local police department and get a report.  Then you will need to contact the creditors who are after you and inform them that the debt is not yours.  Send them a copy of the police report, plus a signed and notorized affidavid saying your ID was stolen and this is not your debt.\n\nIt's up to them to prove it's yours, not the other way around! \n\nNow, to clean up your credit, examine the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Fair and Accurate Credit Reporting Act.  These laws detail exactly what you must do.\n\nFollow these instructions carefully!\n\nSend a dispute letter to the Credit Reporting Agencies demanding that the listing be removed.\n\nSend a "demand to validate" letter to the creditor, and demand that they prove this is your debt.\n\nIf this does not solve the problem, you can sue them in small claims court.\n\nThis is exactly what happened to me.  Someone used my ID to get a Holleywood Video account and run up $300 in charges.  It went to collections agency and ended up on my credit report.\n\nI did the letter writing stuff, but they still wouldn't take the listing off.  So I went to small claims court.\n\nThe credit bureau settled for $200.  The collection agent decided to fight me, and it cost them $1000 plus court fees.  \n\nThe reason they get away with this stuff is because consumers don't understand the law!  \n\nContact me if you need more advice or support.