Can a spouse commit credit card fraud?
Isabella Turner
Updated on February 02, 2026
Credit card fraud In other situations, a spouse may commit fraud by opening a credit card in the other spouse’s name. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit card companies are required to investigate any reports of suspected fraud and cannot hold borrowers responsible for unauthorized accounts and charges.
Can you sue your spouse for identity theft?
While largely disposed of across the country, the concept of tort interspousal immunity may impact a claim for theft or fraud. This legal concept arose out of the belief that the married couple was one person, typically the identity of the male. Therefore, the law opined that a spouse should not be able to sue himself.
Can you accidentally commit credit card fraud?
You can also commit friendly fraud by accidentally reporting a charge as fraudulent after the following: Not recognizing a charge due to its name on your transaction history. Not recalling a charge, especially if it takes a long time for it to be processed and show up on your account history.
Is it illegal to open a credit card in your spouses name?
The Legality of Opening a Credit Card In short, the answer is no: it is illegal for a spouse to open a credit card in his or her partner’s name. When spouses share bank accounts, the money in the account is technically owned by both parties, and both spouses will know of its existence.
How do you prove identity theft?
File a police report.
- The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC;
- Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver’s license);
- Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement);
- Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and.
How does one commit credit card fraud?
How credit card fraud happens
- Lost or stolen credit cards.
- Skimming your credit card, such as at a gas station pump.
- Hacking your computer.
- Calling about fake prizes or wire transfers.
- Phishing attempts, such as fake emails.
- Looking over your shoulder at checkout.
- Stealing your mail.
Can a spouse be held responsible for credit card fraud?
First, it can be difficult to prove that a spouse used the credit cards without permission, either tacit or explicit. Second, if the credit card company does believe the card holder, the spouse will likely be held responsible for the damages and might even be charged with criminal fraud.
What happens if you commit credit card fraud?
Combine both of those and it makes sense that consumers can unknowingly break the law. Committing credit card fraud, whether it’s on purpose or by accident, can carry legal and financial consequences and might impact your ability to obtain future credit or even open a bank account.
What happens if my spouse uses my credit card?
However, when a spouse uses a credit card without permission, the card holder might have a right to take his spouse to court. When a person takes out a credit card, he is essentially taking out a line of credit with the financial institution that assigned him the card.
Who is responsible for unauthorized credit card charges?
The law limits your parents’ liability for unauthorized charges to $50. In addition to the FCBA protections, Visa, Mastercard and many credit card issuers offer zero liability policies for fraud, which means that those reporting fraud may not be responsible even for the $50 liability the FCBA sets up.