What Are My Rights as a Victim of Coerced Debt in California?

Schedule a Consultation

Unfortunately, when people think about abuse, they assume this refers solely to physical or emotional abuse. While all acts of abuse are heinous, it’s important to understand the different kinds of abuse someone can face. One of the least discussed is financial abuse. This occurs when someone forces a victim to relinquish control of their financial accounts to continue holding power over them. One example of financial abuse is coerced debt. If you’re unsure what this is or the impact it can have on your life, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll also learn how a California consumer lawyer can help you in the fight to restore your credit.

What Is Coerced Debt?

Coerced debt is a form of financial abuse in which someone forces another person to assume debt in their name, either with or without their knowledge. While this often impacts domestic and romantic partners, it can also impact the elderly or those with disabilities. Common examples of coerced debt include, but are by no means limited to, the following:

  • Taking out loans in the name of the victim without their consent
  • Forcing the victim to make purchases or open accounts
  • Refinancing loans without the victim’s knowledge or consent
  • Using the victim’s debit or credit cards without their approval

In many circumstances, victims of coerced debt are often unaware of the debt accumulated in their name until their relationship with the abuser ends or they are contacted by a collector regarding the debt in their name. In instances where this occurs, debt collectors are eager to enforce the incorrect assumption that victims market that they are irresponsible for these debts and have no legal options.

What Can I Do to Repair My Credit?

If you are a victim of coerced debt in California, it’s critical to understand your legal options. Though you may assume, because the debt is in your name, that you are solely responsible, this is far from the truth. In reality, there are several laws on your side to help you remove the fraudulently accumulated charges from your credit and repair your score. For example, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) protects against unauthorized electronic transfers, while the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guarantees your right to dispute fraudulent or inaccurate information on your report.

The first thing you should do is file a dispute with the creditor about this debt by sending an explanatory letter and including any supplementary evidence to support your claims. You can then send an additional letter to the credit reporting agencies to have the erroneous information removed from your credit report.

This process can be incredibly challenging to navigate on your own. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. At Los Angeles Legal Solutions, our dedicated team understands how devastating these matters can be, which is why we are committed to fighting for you. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.

Watch Our Educational Videos

© 2025 Los Angeles Legal Solutions. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer | Sitemap | Privacy Policy