Separations are always challenging. It's even worse when an ex uses your credit card information to rack up massive charges as retribution. Assuming your credit isn't in the line of fire, lovers scorned are a formidable foe. To prevent your ex from damaging your credit, consider the following strategies.

Deactivate Your Ex's Authorized User Status

Before the breakup, or as soon as you become aware of the division, you should contact the credit card provider and have your ex removed as an authorized user. In this way, your ex cannot incur hefty charges on the card.

You shouldn't continue to be an authorized user if there's any chance that your ex may start making fraudulent charges on the card in your name.

While the cardholder's legal liability for any payments made by an authorized user remains unaffected, the authorized user and the cardholder will both have access to the account's credit history. To protect your credit, get your name removed from the account.

Separate Your Money From Your Spouse's

Since both account holders had to agree to open the account together, joint accounts are more complicated to manage. Just one individual can't cancel the other's use of the card. And if you both used the card, it may be unclear who should pay for what.

If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce, your lawyers and the judge will act as mediators. Even if you were never married, you and your ex still need to agree. In the worst situation, you must make your monthly payments on schedule to avoid damaging your credit.

There is a chance that you might file a claim against your ex in small claims court if you have proof of the money they charged you. While you're working out the facts, close the account to prevent any more charges. Always keep up with monthly payments of at least the required minimum.

Verify Everything Is Still the Same

Your ex should have your name removed from any loans you co-signed if you promised they would be paid in full. Getting your name off a co-signed loan is a hassle, especially if the other borrower is uncooperative. Credit scores might be affected by old accounts that still show your identity as the account holder. If your ex isn't making payments, you will need to if you care about your credit score.

Adding in a vehicle loan or mortgage makes matters more complicated. Who will use the home, and who will use the car? And if your name isn't on loan, you have no legal remedy. It is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney in these more complicated legal matters.

Transfer Your Residence

Don't forget to update your creditors and other organizations with your new contact information once you move. This way, you won't miss any financial correspondence, including checks, statements, and cards. Your previous mail can be forwarded to your new address if you want.

Ask For A New Account Number

Your ex-spouse might have the necessary paperwork with your account numbers. If you're worried that someone could use your personal information to run up bills in your name, you should request new account numbers from your creditors.

Protect Your Credit by Placing a Fraud Alert

Exes still bitter about the breakup may try registering new accounts in your name if they have learned and remembered your SSN. With a fraud warning in place, companies will know they need to take extra precautions when extending credit in your name. It's important to remember that fraud warnings have a one-year lifespan that can be extended.

Put a Freeze on Your Credit Report

When compared to a fraud notice, a security freeze is more stringent. Once a freeze is placed on your credit report, no business can access it to decide on a credit-related application.

Fewer scams would be attempted if nobody else could use your personal information to establish accounts. On the other hand, payday loans do not necessitate a credit check. In such cases, neither a fraud notice nor a security freeze would be adequate.

Find the creditor's contact details if your ex has created an account in your name and report it as fraudulent. A police report of identity theft or a signed, notarized statement from you claiming that you did not create the account may be required.