Question
Can a spouse open an account in your name?
I have a credit monitoring service on my credit and found out I had a credit inquiry to open a utility account under my name. The company told me that whoever did this needed my SSN in order to open the account. I would like to believe that she would not do anything this low but can a spouse open an account in your name? (we are currently in the process of a divorce). I am going to place a fraud alert and credit freeze on my credit immediately but the account was created in a city about a 45min. drive from me and I'd of course would love to find out who it is.
8 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
Can they, of course they can if the only piece of information needed is your S.S.N., now can they do it legally is another question and depends on which State you live in. If you live in a community property State then it's legal and even if she had opened the account in her name only in a community property State you would still be liable for the account. Community property States are AZ,CA,ID,LA,NV,NM,TX, WA & WI.
Source(s)
Finance Manager for over 9-years / 2009 edition Consumer Action Handbook.
by SPIFIMAN1
8 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Probably not legally.
by mizzhollywood26- 8 months ago
Yes of course they can, the only information needed is your SSN#. At least some credit card websites are taken preventive actions now, they ask a series of questions that only the person should know, if they fail to answer those questions, then the new account is denied.
by Dixie Darlin'- 8 months ago