justme3333
New Member
I believe this would be California.
14 yrs ago, my friend got me a credit card (American Express Corporate card) in my name. He had the "master" account, and he had agreed to be responsible for the bill each month. At that time I worked for him( under the table). I used the credit card (signing my name) for items that he authorized for work. He also paid me for work with this credit card occasionally, and he would give me an amount that I could spend on whatever I wanted.
For the last 14 yrs, at different times I have worked with and for him. we have been friends, vacationing together several times, and in constant communication. He has never, ever mentioned an outstanding credit card bill.
Now, out of the blue, my friend and his new girlfriend have emailed me demanding that I make payments to them totaling $9000.00.
they are saying I owe $5000.00 for the original bill from 14 yrs ago. and that I owe $4000.00 for fees and charges incurred in the last 14 yrs (and compounding weekly!)
He tells me he had a court date several yrs ago for this and he never went to it. the cc company got a judgement on him and they are garnishing his wages. this is the first time I am hearing about any of this.
My friend and his girlfriend have threatened me with a lawyer's name and threatened criminal charges against me for credit card fraud and theft. They also threatened that my kids will be taken away when I go to prison for these crimes.
I am wondering if there is any statute of limitations here? can I be charged criminally for this? the card was in my name, but he agreed to be responsible. Furthurmore, all the charges were verbally authorized by him, but I can't prove that.
Any advice is appreciated. Thank You!
14 yrs ago, my friend got me a credit card (American Express Corporate card) in my name. He had the "master" account, and he had agreed to be responsible for the bill each month. At that time I worked for him( under the table). I used the credit card (signing my name) for items that he authorized for work. He also paid me for work with this credit card occasionally, and he would give me an amount that I could spend on whatever I wanted.
For the last 14 yrs, at different times I have worked with and for him. we have been friends, vacationing together several times, and in constant communication. He has never, ever mentioned an outstanding credit card bill.
Now, out of the blue, my friend and his new girlfriend have emailed me demanding that I make payments to them totaling $9000.00.
they are saying I owe $5000.00 for the original bill from 14 yrs ago. and that I owe $4000.00 for fees and charges incurred in the last 14 yrs (and compounding weekly!)
He tells me he had a court date several yrs ago for this and he never went to it. the cc company got a judgement on him and they are garnishing his wages. this is the first time I am hearing about any of this.
My friend and his girlfriend have threatened me with a lawyer's name and threatened criminal charges against me for credit card fraud and theft. They also threatened that my kids will be taken away when I go to prison for these crimes.
I am wondering if there is any statute of limitations here? can I be charged criminally for this? the card was in my name, but he agreed to be responsible. Furthurmore, all the charges were verbally authorized by him, but I can't prove that.
Any advice is appreciated. Thank You!
