Can a Creditor Change Your Name on an Account and Request Payment?

Reader Question: Can a creditor change your name on an existing account without your permission and request payment? I have never used the name assigned as a signature on any of my initial application paperwork, nor have I changed my name legally.

I'm not sure why they would change your name on paperwork without your permission -- or without a reason to do it. Is the account truly yours? Is it legitimate, other than whatever name issues are taking place? If so, you will have to make the payments one way or another (though you'll want to straighten out the legal name issues).

Generally speaking, clerical errors do not relieve you of your duty to pay back your debts. So if you're looking for a loophole to avoid having to pay a legitimate debt, I don't have any good news to offer you.