I just received a letter from Associated Recovery Systems concerning a debt owed to Capitol One credit card company outlining how debt is to be repaid. The name on the card is my daughter's and the address is mine. I have not seen my daughter in twelve to fourteen years and not spoken to her in several years. I was not even sure that she received my new address in the mail when I retired.Is Associated Recovery Systems going to attempt to collect the debt from me? Should I write to them and give them her address. This sounds like she has attempted Fraud on Capitol One and I am concerned that it will fall on my head. My daughter is thirty three years old and fully responsible for unethical choices. What should I do to protect myself?Kate Owens
Optional Information: State/Country of Question: Florida Already Tried: I have just received the letter three days ago and have not consulted anyone. I did not know if contacting the debt collection company would simply make me their target. I do not have a lawyer and believe the expense of making an appointment with someone out of the phonebook would be prohibitive. I live on a very spare income and need to conserve all expenditures. I suppose everyone does these days.
Hello, It appears that the card was issued in her name, but using your address. Perhaps she was without a permanent place to live and used your address. But, it certainly doesn't appear that she used your name. I don't know how you came to open mail addressed to her, but you might try re-sealing it and having it returned to sender, writing on the envelope "Not at This Address." If you receive anything else, just keep sending it back without opening it, and writing on the envelope that she does not live with you. I would also write in a notebook the dates you sent those things back. Again, since your name is XXXXX XXXXX you will not be charged with the debt.
Experience: Juris Doctorate Degree