WHEN LOVE TURNS TO A LIABILITY — Fighting Coerced Debt in California
Financial Abuse Is Real—and Legally Actionable
Coerced debt is a devastating form of financial abuse, often hiding in plain sight. For many Californians—particularly women, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence—coerced debt happens behind closed doors, where abusers use financial control as a weapon.
Whether your name was used to open unauthorized credit cards, apply for loans without your consent, or rack up charges under the threat of harm, you are not responsible for debt that was forced upon you.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys are fierce advocates for survivors of coerced debt. We help victims dispute fraudulent accounts, repair damaged credit, and hold abusers and institutions accountable.
What Is Coerced Debt?
As explained in the document’s page 1 summary, coerced debt occurs when one person forces another to take on debt, with or without their knowledge or consent. This is especially common in relationships marked by control, fear, or dependency.
Examples of coerced debt include:
Opening credit cards or loans in your name without permission
Threatening you to co-sign or open new accounts
Using your credit card without consent
Refinancing loans behind your back
Forcing you to accept financial responsibility for their purchases
It’s a form of economic abuse—and it’s increasingly recognized in California courts as part of a larger pattern of domestic coercion.
You May Not Know Until It's Too Late
Many victims only discover coerced debt after a relationship ends or when a collection notice arrives. Creditors may assume the charges are legitimate and demand payment—while abusers continue to hide behind your name and your ruined credit.
Even worse, some debt collectors refuse to acknowledge the coercion, blaming the victim for charges they never agreed to.
This is not just unfair—it’s a violation of your rights.
What Are Your Legal Options as a Victim?
You are not powerless. Under state and federal laws, you have protections and remedies to reclaim your identity and your credit.
Key Legal Tools Include:
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Requires credit bureaus to investigate and remove fraudulent information.
Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) – Limits liability for unauthorized transactions.
Identity Theft Laws – Offer restitution, credit repair, and legal avenues to dispute coerced debts.
On page 2 of the source, the recommended steps for victims include:
Dispute the Debt in Writing: Include an explanatory letter and supporting documentation.
Check Your Credit Report: Look for other unauthorized accounts or charges.
Submit Dispute Letters to Credit Bureaus: Use certified mail to ensure tracking.
Consult an Identity Theft Attorney: Especially if debt collectors persist or your credit report is not corrected.
R23 Law Supports Survivors of Financial Abuse
At R23 Law, we believe that no one should be financially punished for surviving an abusive relationship. Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys work with victims of coerced debt to:
Dispute invalid debts and remove them from credit reports
Prevent abusive creditors from pursuing wrongful payment
Sue collectors or institutions violating your rights under consumer protection laws
Guide you through rebuilding your financial future
You Are Not Alone—And You Are Not Liable
If someone used your identity, your credit, or your name to accumulate debt through threats or manipulation, you are not legally responsible for that burden. Our attorneys are experienced in unraveling complex credit histories and asserting your rights as a survivor of economic abuse.
📞 Contact R23 Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, clear your name, and rebuild your credit with dignity.
