Help with real problem debt (credit card)not in my name

alpha47_2

Hi
Yes they are adding interest, they know the card is not being used and they do not want to talk about lower payments of freezing interest, I have tried to ask. Its really tricky.

Eager_Elephant

Not an ideal solution but I wonder how long it would take them to pass the account to a debt collection agency or even to default you.

My warped thinking is that the amount of charges you would get in that small space of time would be less overall than the amount of interest you are paying at the moment and also you would be able to set a payment arrangement that suited your income and expenditure.

The obvious downside here is that your mother's credit rating would be shot to pieces and I am not sure that it is morally right to do this but at least it gives you some scope for manouerve. However I would have thought it would be unlikely that she would be applying for credit any time soon.

EE

justruth

I think EE has a good point if you are worried about confessing to the CC company, when the debt collection company come on the scene, you could explain to them that your mother is very ill, and offer them the £80, you may find them easier to deal with.

Another option might be obtaining power of attourney (or however you spell it) and as such be responsible for managing your mothers CC debt anyway, although this may open this debt up to scruitiny so you would have to check that first.

The impression you give is that you are tired of the lie and the way it has spiralled out of control, you do what is best for you. You have our support.

alpha47_2

I would do that, but I think they are already thinking I am not my mum, due to a mysterious phone call she had when I was there, someone asked her her address details and did not want to talk to me. She had given the details without knowing who she was speaking to. I am pretty sure it was them, they did not have a different contact number, she has had the same number for years. Thats all they did confirm her address.

alpha47_2

justruth wrote:

I think EE has a good point if you are worried about confessing to the CC company, when the debt collection company come on the scene, you could explain to them that your mother is very ill, and offer them the £80, you may find them easier to deal with.

Another option might be obtaining power of attourney (or however you spell it) and as such be responsible for managing your mothers CC debt anyway, although this may open this debt up to scruitiny so you would have to check that first.

The impression you give is that you are tired of the lie and the way it has spiralled out of control, you do what is best for you. You have our support.

Hi
Thanks for your help. I am worried about confessing to them as I do not know how much trouble that puts me in (I am my sons only carer).
I am tired of the debt, the only reason I did not sort it before was I was quite ill at the time, so just kept on paying them.
I had thought about power of attorney as I have to do a lot of her stuff for her, paying bills, dealing with bank sorting out council tax and it makes it easier. I do not know if she would think power of attorney is a bit much.

Difficult to explain, but its like saying, you are very old and frail so sign this and I will do all your stuff for you, It is sometimes people do not want you to put this into words. as they already know it and do not want to confront it. I totally understand after being so ill myself, it is quite scary.

I think going to Citizens advice and more or less telling the truth, ask them to tell card company is probably what I need to do.

If I could borrow the money on low interest rate and pay it of would be good, but do not think anybody would lend it me.

Lots of stuff going round in my head at the moment.

I think you are all really great on this board though.

rog2

I think Citizens Advice will be your best option.

alpha47_2

Just to say, contacted Citizens advice today and they said for now get a form of authority to act for my mum.
After that I telephoned card company and explained most of the problems and that we wanted to pay them and they would be getting this form. They were very nice (I think) and are happy to deal with me with the authority in the circumstances. They actually could not discuss everything with me until they receive the form but did give me guidance.

Any further tips, I am always open to advice.

Thanks

lil'H

I reakon once they have the form and realise you will be taking over her payments (however much they have suspected this in the past) surely they will be reasonable and help you come to an agreement, maybe i'm just delusional, probably am as I am buzzing on caffiene and no sleep at the moment! At least once it's officially you dealing with it you can explain how frail your mother is, and considering her age it's perfectly reasonable that you'd be taking control, and explain your own circumstances. I think once the form is in start afresh on the contact with CC company, and see what happens, but as I said i'm off with the fairies a bit at the moment and actually know nothing much about these matters!!

Also could you post your SOA (see thread for new posters at top of the board) so that we can try and help you in finding some more money to make the payments with?

Lil'H

justruth

Well done you on sorting this out. I can only imagine the sense of relief that you must now feel. It is so tempting to do silly things when faced with financial problems, but admitting to it and tackling it the way you have takes courage. There will be other people on here who have done just as silly things, myself included, who are grateful for this post.

Now all you have to do is pay off the debt! As mentioned an SOA on here so people can help you cut back will help with that. You have my best wishes.

Apple_2

I'm probably going to get slated here but ............

I've still got a problem with the fact the OP fraudulently used the mothers card. I know the OP is doing everything possible to solve the situation and is stressed/worried etc. I'm not being heartless. But her mother has a debt that her mother knows nothing about and her mother will/would be held responsible should the behind-the-scene shinanigans not work.

I just think 'bite the bullet' and own up, then go from there.