AMEX Business Account - Now they say I am personally responsible

Hi,

I started a business back in 2005 and applied for a AMEX GOLD Business under my Corporation. When I applied, I do not recall that I signed an agreement that made me personally liable for the debt should something happen. I applied for the card online using my Corporate name and TIN (tax id # of corporation).

In 2007, I closed the business paid as much of the debt off from the liquidation, but did not file corp bankruptcy because i could not afford it. The only outstanding debt the corporation had was the AMEX bill for about $12K. Recently i have been harrassed by a debt collector saying that i am responsible for the debt personally. I have even written multiple letters to AMEX indicating that this account was opened under the corporation. They never responded. I called them and they told me it was still considered derogatory on my personal credit. Now it shows as a charge off on my credit report and i can't even take a loan for a new car, much less get any significant credit because of this. I figured that i can buy time and let it go for the 5 or 7 years before it drops off my report, but they keep updating the date on the report.

i am ready to go and settle this debt, but don't feel i am obligated to do so because the whole reason i incorporated was to avoid any potential personal liablity against damages or debt. I have held clear of the "piercing the corporate veil" by having not charged personal charges to the card - only purchasing items that were legitimate for the business and conducting the business. It was unfortunate that i had to close the business and had no intentions of leaving my creditors high and dry - but that is business and it happens to a lot of companies trying to make a run at it.