Expert: Michael Brotherton - 11/4/2007

Question
My boyfriend made a HUGE mistake and we want to know what his legal
options are for fixing the problem.  

He was manipulated to take out a loan for relatives with bad credit so they
could get $6,000 worth of furniture.  It was always understood that they
would make payments.  This was not a gift.  

The credit card was also mistakenly sent to their residence, not his, and his
relatives went on another $2,000 shopping spree for more furniture for their
house.  They did not make my boyfriend aware of this and the bank is
holding him responsible even though he never authorized this purchase and
he did not request the credit card be in the possession of his relatives.

They lied and kept falsely reassuring him that they were making payments
but then he received calls from the collections agency.  He went to their
house and demanded payment for the loan and his relative gave him a check
after having a lengthy conversation which he consented to me recording.  The
reason why we made the recording is to be able to prove the oral contract
took place and that this was NEVER a GIFT.

We are very stressed out over this and he definitely does not want to pay for
this so they can enjoy free luxury furniture.  What are his best legal options?  
Could they be court ordered to make payments?  They own a home and they
both have full time jobs. They all live in North Carolina.  

What type of lawyer handles these cases?

Side note, this is not the first time these offenders did this.  They did the
same thing to another family member.  This other family member co-signed
for a loan for them which they never paid.  Based on this, it seems like they
do this on purpose--get a sucker to sign or co-sign a loan for them since
they know that theft will not legally be responsible for payment....It is
basically a legal way to steal thousands of dollars from someone and the law
should not allow this type of behavior to continue.

Answer
I am afraid he owes the debt and the only option I can see is for him to sue the "offenders" for the total amount owed. Close the credit card then pay the debt. He may have trouble getting his money even if he gets a judgment. He may be able to file garnishment to attach wages but it may take a while to get his money.