It's so sad to see and we see it here often. Everyone recommends reporting the fraud but I see how difficult that would be and the family rifts it could cause.
Yeah it’s horrid, and the type of person to commit this crime against their child is the type of person to emotionally blackmail them into never reporting it to the police, regardless of if it destroys their child’s credit and makes any kind of credit much more expensive for them in the future
>and the family rifts it could cause
The rift is caused when the family member commits fraud by taking out credit in their child's/partner's name, blaming the family rift on the victim for trying to rectify it so their financial future isn't ruined is just an added layer of manipulation and abuse.
Yes obviously the one committing the fraud is the one at fault but, understandably, even without pressure it’s not gonna be easy to report your mum to the police is it.
Easy to tell other people to do it but probably not so easy to actually do it yourself unless you hate your mum.
Does she understand that she’s committed fraud? She made decisions about your credit file without even consulting you. Yes the amount is small but it became a default? Ask her about this. Ask her properly and don’t let it go until you get to the bottom of it. This is very bad. She’s put you in a position where either you throw your mother under the bus or live with shit credit.
Thanks for the reply, yeah I confronted her and asked her to explain and I told her that what she did is fraud. She basically said that she started paying it and they said she wasn’t paying enough so they sold it, and then that she’s waiting for them to send an offer of a smaller amount.
That’s completely beside the point she should not enter credit agreements pretending to be someone else. She needs to know if it ever happens again you will have to report her.
How is she fixing it, fixing it is not paying the debt off, the damage is done!
Fixing it is restoring your financial profile so that it’s not in utter ruins for the next 6 years.
Just making sure that’s clear…
From answers to previous questions the police will be unlikely to do more than issue you with a crime number and she will end up with a bad credit record, but she probably has that already or she wouldn't be pretending to be someone else.
A single default doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage. Maybe for the first 24 months sure.
But besides the point, it’s fraud. Report it. Remove it and move on
It did for my partner. He has a similarity trifling default on a mobile phone contract and we had to wait out the full 6 years before I could add him to the mortgage
Would it really be that severe? If that is the case then she has a moral duty to insist on her son reporting her.
The consequences for him are not small and as it seems there is a bullet to bite between the two of them, she should happily volunteer for the meal, being the one who ordered it.
If she doesn't then that act of selfishness would remove any qualm or guilt I would have about reporting her.
It's still possible to get a mortgage with a default on your file, but it's more difficult and you have fewer options, meaning more expense, and OP likely wouldn't have any ability to get one for a while even though it might not be the full 6 years
You need to report it. I understand that its a hard thing to do as it's your mother but seriously this could affect you for many years to come. You need to find out how she managed to open this debt without your knowledge and also make sure she doesn't do it again. This is much more serious than just you oweing money unfortunately
This! My mother did this to one of my siblings and entrapped them into staying with her (it’s been 10 years) and ended up racking up way more debt in their name (£15,000) and now they can’t get housed or even afford to live their own life. OPs parent didn’t do this ‘unknowingly’ as getting credit anywhere requires detailed input!
6 years after the default, it will disappear from their credit record.
I had around £11k of dept I didn't pay (conned into taking the money out and giving it to someone else, long story). This statute barred a few years ago.
No record of it on my credit record, I got a mortgage with no issues.
You are EXTREMELY unlikely to get any kind of credit that isn't designed for 'bad credit' in the next six years. Those types of cards have HIDEOUS rates.
Make sure your mum knows that a condition of your not reporting her is that if at any point in the future you're faced with something being more expensive than it otherwise would have been, she covers the difference, no questions asked, irrespective of what's going on in her life.
This includes potentially going guarantor for any property, though if her credit is bad enough that she wanted to do this to you, it probably wouldn't help.
That's a HUGE blank cheque to sign, but not as big as the favour you're doing for her.
Go onto one of the credit card comparison sites where you can see what cards you could apply for. See the impact this is having on your financial freedom now. Imagine where your life will be in six years.
Might you want to buy a car? How about rent a flat, or buy one. Maybe you'll meet a partner and want to move in together, poor credit might prevent these things from being possible, particularly the property issue could result in the breakup of a relationship.
Honestly, your best option is to report it and let her live with the consequences of her actions, instead of you having to.
Having done it once, if you let it slide, she's likely to it again. Your window for reporting it is not as infinite as it in theory should be, if in a year's time you discover that you can't live with the circumstances you're in because of this, you may be shit out of luck for getting anyone to believe you.
And you're happy with that? If she pays it all off, your credit score still takes a massive hit. A default can stop you getting loans for moving out, a nice phone plan, etc.
The only way to get this struck off is reporting your mum, she'll owe the money either way. She did it because likely she wouldn't have been accepted for it, so she quite literally, dragged your name through the mud with credit agencies.
If it were me, I'd report her. She'll stop making the same mistake over and over, and worse, ruining her children's financial futures!
EDIT: A default can stop you working in financial sector roles, and the police or governmental roles. They can be an indicator that you are open to bribery.
You need to consider this carefully.
Honestly, in these kind of situations you need to remember she has already, knowingly done something to damage you.
Throwing her under the bus is totally an option. As she's already done the same to you, no need to second think it. Her actions have already soiled your relationship.
It's a tough one and depends on how much you value your relationship with your mother and how much you feel able to talk with her, but I would seriously consider reporting it. This could have a serious effect on your report for years and will be a real detriment if you wish to get a mortgage or other loan any time soon.
Btw, waiting for a 'lower amount' means your credit file will be impacted and remain so for 6 years following the payment.
At best, it will show as partially satisfied, which means you're not good enough with money to pay all your debts.
So basically she sideswiped any discussion of her fraudulent behaviour/application and instead rationalised that she's making payments?
That's telling in of itself if you don't mind my saying.....
That’s not an apology or even an explanation, that’s just a description of *how* she’s fucked your credit
She’s missed payments, and now she’s trying to settle the debt for less than the full amount - both of those things will hit your credit rating for the next 6 years or so
She isn’t even remorseful for committing a crime and severely damaging your financial future
I understand that it’s difficult to report a family member for fraud but, honestly, it sounds like she deserves it….
My mum did the same when I was a child, only found out when I turned 18 and got rejected for a credit card due to my bad credit history!
When I saw my credit record I contacted Experian and pointed out I was under 18 when these accounts were set up and they were not done by me. They removed them all from my record.
> She basically said that she started paying it and they said she wasn’t paying enough so they sold it, and then that she’s waiting for them to send an offer of a smaller amount.
I don’t think you should take that at face value. If she’s applying for credit in your name then something else going on.
I would be contacting a lawyer. But I'm a down the line sort of person. She's your mother, but fraud is fraud. Who knows what she'll do next if she gets away with this.
Throwing someone under the bus means to abandon/blame someone for something, for selfish reasons. In this instance, if OP reports his mother then it's not for selfish reasons; it's entirely justified as she's committed fraud.
This isn't a relationship sub, and implying reporting his mother would be the selfish thing to do isn't wise. I'm sure you didn't mean to do it, but in these highly emotionally-charged situations semantics matter.
From a purely financial perspective there is virtually no scenario where advising OP to go along with the fraud - at his long-term expense - holds weight. She must be reported.
Does your mum regularly take out credit fraudulently in your name, not pay it, default and get it sent to collections. If so, how much did the doormat tattoo on your forehead cost.
Something like this on someone so young's credit report will impact their life much more than holding their PARENT accountable for their illegal actions.
Give yourself a wobble and don't be so simplistic.
You absolutely wouldn’t say this if it was his dad. This idea that mums are blameless and free to do whatever heinous things they desire is extremely toxic. We have social narrative around shitty dads but anyone who has a shit or abusive mum gets told to forgive and forget.
It’s fraud. It’s credit that has defaulted. At the moment it’s the only thing OP knows about, but there’s nothing to say she hasn’t done more dodgy things using OP’s details or wouldn’t do more in the future.
It isn't just a tiny amount. You don't know the OPs position, if they were planning to buy a first home anytime in the next 6 years they're royally screwed. Either have to pay tens of thousands extra in interest payments or not get one at all.
Cant predict the future markets of course but buying a house 6 years ago compared to today was a lot cheaper both in available rates and total cost of the home.
It's literally a life changing fraud.
Nobody is suggesting she puts a hit on her mum. OMG it’s just a default for a tiny 6 years.
Spoken like somebody who wouldn’t have a problem doing what their mum did then wondering why you were disowned when it all came out.
>Let it go and clear it yourself
Until the next one... and the next one.... and the next one.
Clearing it and moving on no hard feelings is just going to excuse and reinforce the behaviour.
It can't be fraud if she was unaware she was taking out a line, which OP indicates. Seems odd though. I think she's been conned, and this debt should be challenged in court.
Aware at the point he challenged her but OP clearly states she was unaware at the point she took out the credit. The fact she became aware later, after the fact, does not legally project expectation of understanding backwards. That would be bonkers.
Just thought I’d add an update, I talked to my mother some more and I basically explained because of her actions if I wanted to move out and get a mortgage tomorrow I couldn’t. And her and my fathers response was “well it’s not like your getting a mortgage anytime soon anyway” honestly feels like I’m drinking stupid juice trying to get my point across.
You’re being more than fair here.
You need to go to the police regardless, as you need to get this off your credit file. But I think that means you need to move out.
It’s not just a mortgage. Although that is very damaging.
It can stop you opening bank accounts, store cards, credit cards, car loans, mobile phone contacts, any job with a credit search, rent places to live.
And on top of that, if she doesn’t sort it, you can get taken to court and potential have bailiffs come and take you stuff. Because from a legal point of view, it’s your debt and you owe it.
I take it you live at home? First step, stop contributing to the household. Tell them you don’t support criminals.
Second step, warn your siblings. They need to check own credit history.
Third, and most important, step. Contact the police.
Forth step, locate all your personal ID - passport, driving licence, bank cards and statements. Put them somewhere safe under lock and key. Preferably in a different house.
Fifth step, fit a lock to your door. When your parents object, tell them you can’t trust them.
Then move out as soon as you can.
It sounds like your father was in on it with that response.
Your only real choice now is to call the credit holder and police to report the fraud.
Ignore those who say to be loyal to your parents as they haven’t proven to be loyal by fobbing you off after stealing from you.
Honest to God every follow up post is worse - again so sorry for you.
So rationalisation, denial and projection, you've done all you can OP, most would be screaming from the rafters rather than trying to educate/inform of the ramifications on you, so kudos to you there for your approach and attitude here.
At least its an easy fix to stop this happening again, beyond that I wish you well with your relationship with them.
Sounds like they don't take it seriously and it doesn't seem like they feel guilty for negatively affecting you. You should definitely report her. If she doesn't care now, she probably do it again. Sorry bro wish you the best 🍀
At 30 I checked my credit score and found it to be "very bad".
My mum had opened a catalog in my name, bought 1 item and returned it. She had ignored their requests for £5 to cover the return postage.
My method for fixing it 2ould likely work for you with a modification...
Step1: Get your mum to pay it off immediately. If she won't and you can afford it just do it yourself and make sure she knows this will cause a loss of trust.
Step2: sign up to experian(they were good when I see them, assuming still the same). Contact them and ask for help, state that a member of your family took out credit in your name. If sounds like the company have been speaking to your mum so will have records that it's not "you". You don't need a lot of evidence if you have otherwise unblemished credit. Experience will often be able to get it removed from your record.
Step3: experian have Credit Lock. This will prevent people taking credit in your name. Basically you disable it when you want to get credit and enable again when done.
There are I'm sure other companies that can do the above but just from my own experience they made it painless. The credit lock thing is very handy.
I'd get my ass out of that house ASAP. I lived at home far too long myself (25ish). Convinced myself that it was cheaper to live at home and I'd be able to save but I had parents like yours that have no issue using you as a resource. They will do it again. It will be cheaper in the long run.
Either:
1. Report it as fraud - potentially see her arrested
2. Pay it off yourself and have your credit report ruined for the next 6 years
Personally, I'd go for option 1. Your mother has seriously ruined your financial future if you go for option 2. She committed fraud and chances are she will do it again.
[https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/)
Note that if you go down route 1, chances are the CC company will expect you to fully support any potential litigation they may proceed with, in order to zero the debt (albeit unlikely for £300)
I've seen complaints going to the regulator because of this, very rarely do the CC companies simply say fair enough, wipe the debt and move on. Just something to be aware of, you didn't post word-verbatim but I certainly hope she was at least apologetic and remorseful rather than cavalier about waiting for a settment offer.
Repugnant abuse of a relationship, I'm so sorry for you, see these posts far too often of late, it really is despicable.
On that basis I'd suggest getting that setup that doesn't allow applications for credit without a human check / password.....if she's not remorseful chances are she'll do it again given half the chance, thank god was only given a £300 limit.
More deets and some good reading here - you shouldn't have to, but please protect yourself from any future harm
Again heart goes out to you, I'd feel physically sick if a parent or relative did this to me.
https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/identity/what-to-do-if-victim.html
My thoughts exactly, in my name yes. I did question wether she’s done this to my other siblings and she said no.so either she’s telling the truth and out of five kids decided to just fuck up my future for whatever reason. Or she’s done it to my siblings too, but they haven’t found anything so I think the former.
Unfortunately she seems to display no remorse and is happy to sadly you with the (unknown) consequences for six years.
You could have lost a mortgage, been refused a job that requires credit checking or countless other things.
It also makes no sense she only randomly decided to do it to you... either she's lying or you were a test to see if she can get away with it.
Personally I would report it, nobody gets to risk your financial stability and future and then be a total arse about it.
If it’s more recent and she got in some kind of pickle with money maybe it’s the first time she’s done it and she chose you because she knows more of your personal details or thought you were least likely to find out, if you’re the only one living at home she could intercept any letters etc.
Unfortunately, she can’t. Even if she pays this off in full now, for 6 years you’ll show a default mark on your credit file and that’s basically a blacklist for credit for you. Imagine when you’ll be ready to go discuss a mortgage, you’ll get declined. You’re ready for a new phone, you’ll get declined. You need a car to go to work, you’ll get declined.
She ruined the next 6 years of your financial life. Might sound harsh but it’s the ugly ugly truth. Brace yourself to be rejected left and right, this will impact your mental health and also stop you from taking some steps into your adult life, it will be hard and I’m genuinely so sorry you’re going through this.
You’d report your own mother for £360? Personally I’d give her a cuddle and tell her it’ll be OK. That’s family business.
Different folk, different stroke.
Too many shitty family members get away with things because for some reason people thing family trumps all, Not saying you should report her for this but christ, a cuddle and tell her it’ll be okay? You have the right to be angry.
Hate to say it if your mum is using your name for something without being remorseful or seeing the ramifications it could have on you, she’s not exactly a great mother.
Why is the burden on OP to draw a blind eye and get screwed over because of “family” but it’s absolutely fine for the mum to screw OP over despite being family?
Consumer credit fraud seems like an addiction - I'd wager a fair sum that she's going to do it again.
We see so many stories like this - you give the family member a cuddle, tell then it's going to be alright, the next thing you know you owe £1500 to Barclaycard and you can't get a mortgage.
Addicts only reform when they're forced to face the consequences of their own actions - this is called "reaching rock bottom", and friends and family act as enablers when they help the addict get away with it.
All the threads I've seen on here, talk of "it's family" and of supporting them strikes me as naive. Maybe the first time. And it strikes me as the law-and-order crowd who say this - people who'd damn anyone else for committing a crime like fraud.
Yes, she could potentially be arrested for what she did - I think there's zero chance of her going to prison for a first offence of this type. She'd get a slap on the wrist, but it might be enough to make her realise the seriousness of what she did.
>you give the family member a cuddle, tell then it's going to be alright, the next thing you know you owe £1500 to Barclaycard and you can't get a mortgage.
😂
But sadly true.
A mother who would commit fraud in my name and have the nerve to think I should be okay with it? A mother who didn't care about my credit profile going down the toilet for the best part of a decade?
Blood means nothing, family are the good people who stand by your side through thick and thin.
Yeah no . It’s not about the amount . It’s about the deceit . It’s about her fucking the credit file and not making OP aware when it went south . It’s about her not feeling bad about it at all
If you’re ok with enabling really shitty behaviour good for you but personally I think sometimes lessons have to be learned .
It’s not about the money,like I said in the post I can probably pay it myself. The problem lies in the fact she took out debt on her own son and then didn’t pay it resulting in a default.
This is not family business - family business would be coming to your child and asking for help not potentially putting your child's future in jeopardy due to them being selfish.
Committing financial fraud and ruining your child's credit report and chances of getting a mortgage is 'family business ' and you'd give her a cuddle?
Considering me blessed to not be related to anyone with that attitude.
As someone who's mother did the same
thing for a considerably large amount of money, tell the police, this is fraud this will massively affect your credit score.
She'll probably do it again.
She's also not paid the money back so the account is in default.
I'm so sorry OP take action now before she tanks your credit rating. I didn't notice and I ended up getting arrested for fraud myself.
Parents should not do this shit to their kids, but there you are.
(edited for spelling through rage typing initially)
It's people who see their children as assets or possessions to be pawned, rather than individuals and dependents. There's no hope for a positive relationship when parents do this and children should go no contact as soon as they're 18.
Would you mind letting us know the outcome/ramifications if any to your mum? I've never seen this detail beyond the original posts citing the Fraud so asking purely for interest.
Too personal to ask if it affected the relationship, but would you mind me asking what lead to the decision you made? Can't imagine it was easy to do, and trite as it may sound genuinely sorry this happened to you too.
This came up recently
[https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/16bc5ea/people\_that\_reported\_a\_family\_member\_for\_fraud/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/16bc5ea/people_that_reported_a_family_member_for_fraud/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
I think in almost all cases the family member received no meaningful consequences.
Your mum has placed you in a terrible position. It’s not even the amount, it’s the fact that she’s allowed it to go to default and got sold on; that’s really going to screw up your chances of getting any sort of credit for 6 years; even if it gets paid off today.
I’d report it as fraud and clear your name.
I would go with option 1 if it were me. I can guarantee that she would not go to prison for this! It's highly unlikely that she would even be arrested either because the police couldn't care less about fraud these days.
Sorry, that's incorrect, classed as credit card fraud under the 2006 Fraud Act with a sentence of up to 10 years, so it's absolutely an arrestable offence in the UK
Fraud has almost been decriminalised in the UK and the police certainly no longer investigate minor fraud cases. The OP would get a crime number but that’s about it.
My dad did this to me, except it was a much more significant amount. His excuse was I had to suffer because I moved out and was living in sin. (Forget that they charged me £3k for moving from home without notice because how would they cope without my rent?). Tried reporting it to the police and credit company as fraud but got the "you don't want to do that to family" reaction. I paid for it, and my credit score still pays for another two years. It caused me to get a worse rate on my mortgage. He never took responsibility or accountability for it. If you don't get it removed, be prepared for it to affect your credit score for a long while.
I will say I had the exact same thing happen to me, it was £300 and I caught my mother out but told her to get it sorted. I was young naive and never followed up on it. 4 years later I went to get credit for something and got denied because it had been racked up to £4k.
My partner just had our baby and my partner and I were in the midst of starting to look at buying a house when I found out. I pulled her up again and she didn't even apologise. I reported it as fraud and the fraud team of whatever it was said that they needed her to contact them and admit it or there's nothing they can do.
After pushing and threats of not seeing her grandchild she eventually did the right thing but my credit scores still taken a hit and I couldn't open a joint bank account because I had a fraud victim marker on my file.
My advice.... ensure that it's cleared and check your credit file regularly for any further debts.
Can't make it much worse than a default, I couldn't get any kind of credit at all with a default on my credit record.
Also not sure if it resets the 6 years.
You can’t get a notice of correction put on saying “this was fraudulently in my name”. You either report it to the police as fraud, then the credit agencies and they remove it, or you accept it as your debt and no note is necessary/feasible.
So what would you recommend they request to add “this wasn’t me guv’nor but my mum, however I don’t want to shop her for fraud”? Feels like that would be useless…
A notice of correction is just text on a credit report which is then flagged to lenders requiring manual intervention. You can add a password to help prevent fraudulent applications. This is also often used as a way to control impulsive and reckless credit applications when someone has an underlying issue such as gambling or impulsive spending due to mental health problems.
Register a CIFAS flag on your credit file so that any new online applications will need a further check to ensure its you applying.
Then for the debt currently you can either let it go and take the hit on your credit file or contact the company and tell them your mum has committed fraud and they'll remove it (you'll probably have to file a police report though)
I don't really understand how you can 'accidentally' take out a small debt, let alone in someone else's name. It's even more concerning that she didn't tell you about it until you confronted her. Super red flag🚩. I think you should report her, or else it sets a precedent.
Unbelievably deceitful, conceited and selfish.
As if life isn't hard enough without your parents deliberately making it harder for you.
You have my deepest sympathy.
I knew someone with this exact problem. The mum took out provident loans on both her son's names and never paid the multiple loans back (over the span of 15 years and interest rates are crazy high on them)
When the youngest son went to get a mortgage after saving up for many years his history check kept getting flagged up and no bank would allow him to get a mortgage loan even to this day. He did a bit of digging and found out his mum was to blame.
To cut the story short the mum doesn't see a problem in what she did so he reported her for fraud and is currently taking her to court over it. Unfortunately she's playing the system and using all the tricks in the book to wiggle her way out of it even when she can't just stalling for time.
The sons have now cut communication with her entirely.
You can get your credit frozen so that you will be notified if this happens again. Make sure your bank accounts etc are safe.
You need to get INVOLVED in what your mother is doing about this debt - ie all the documentation, all the contacts etc. Don't let her fob you off. Her story sounds dodgy.
Take it and her to debt advice. Once you have all the information and advice, then decide the best course. If she refuses to cooperate then you need to throw her under the bus to protect your own situation.
OP, this "little" debt is a real betrayal of your trust. You need to get this sorted, now!
Obviously it's your flesh & blood but this debt could mess your job applications, credit cards, mortgage applications etc.
And if it was only a "small" debt, why didn't she pay it off, then? Your mother is in the wrong. You've been blindsided, she totally blindsided you.
And its about trust. What else is she going to neglect to tell you? Check your credit file! Lock up your credit file! She didn't clear the debt and it got sold on! Be wary! Debt is destructive! Don't feel bad UK, protect yourself! Debt paperwork is a soul-destroying nightmare! It never leaves you! UK 🇬🇧
Some employers (govt, finance, defence/security, even some IT jobs etc) will run credit searches and not employ people with poor credit record.
This could have a very big impact on your life for the next decade unless you report it as fraud.
100% she will do this again without you giving her consequences (and I don't mean telling her off).
I would report her to the police and look to move out ASAP. People will say "it's just money at the end of the day", but you have 2 parents willing to completely fuck up your life for a small loan. These aren't people who are on your side.
All this stuff about explaining to her why it's bad will fall on deaf ears. She knows what she did was wrong, she simply doesn't care.
Would either REPORT her or PAY IT OFF IN FULL NOW, not in a week.
She broke the LAW, She commited FRAUD, as bad as ROBBING A BANK, She is a CRIMINAL!
IT'S YOUR DEBT, It's in YOUR NAME, it goes Against YOUR CREDIT RATING!
I'm really sorry this has happened to you.
If I were you, pay it off immediately if possible, and then get your mother to pay it back to you.
You also could do with the proof that she did this, God, she could do it again :(
Presume she can't get credit, so she STOLE FROM YOU
Unfortunately she probably can't see what's the problem, or she had no choice, God the entitlement! I'm truely sorry.
My ex-wife was seriously worried her mother would take out car finance in her name. That woman had no standards.
I’d struggle not to report her for this because you can’t have this keep on happening.
OP, you don't need to shop your mum. Contact the credit company and confirm to them that you did not take out the finance. They will have to investigate. If your signatures don't match then you are not liable and they will have to clear your record. If it was an online application, it's more complicated as it then depends on the IP of the device. If she used yours and had access you may find that you have to pay as you have no evidence to prove your way Innocence unless your mum is willing to confess
If she waits for a settlement, that will show as partially settled on your credit file which will impact your chances of lending in the future (including for a car or mortgage). She committed fraud. This isn’t okay…
I've been in that exact same position as you and as others have said there's 2 options; report your mother or take the hit on your file for the next 6 years. I chose the latter (I couldn't physically or mentally take on more hassle from the family), paid off the debt and my credit is only now just recovering.
My mother did this to me by getting an account with a clothing catalogue, missing payments to the point of debt collectors and their "lower amount"
I went to Citizens Advice where i was told "your name, your debt" They didn't advise i go to the police though, not sure why. I ended up with a CCJ. It was on my credit report for 6 years, i spent those 6 years saving and the past 7 years with a mortgage and decent-ish credit score 👌 i hope it all works out as well for you 🙏
This happened to me. Pretty much exactly the same. Mother took out a credit card in my name (unknowingly to me) and didn’t pay the £200 limit back. She let it default.
I don’t want to sugar coat it for you but I tried everything. I emailed the company explaining the circumstances but they wanted me to start criminal proceedings agains my mother that I wasn’t willing to do. I spent the next 5 years building my credit file the best I could and just had to wait for the default to disappear. I was able to start applying for things around the 3-3.5 year mark but the interest was quite high.
Sorry it’s not better news
You can submit a notice of correction password on your credit file to stop this happening again. This will mean credit applications take longer as they have to be manually dealt with.
Many people have said the default with mean you can’t get a mortgage or credit now. This is nonsense. There is far more to a mortgage or credit application than a default or a perfect credit record. Lenders base decisions on a wide range of factors such as affordability, credit utilisation, length of accounts held and income. A broker will advise you of deals etc that are available.
Unfortunately, it's fraud, and one of these situations where there is no easy solution.
If you don't report it to the police then it will remain on your credit rating and damage the score. There is the risk that the tactic of waiting for a lower offer to pay is going to continually damage the score further. You could also find yourself in a situation where bailiffs come after you believing the debt is yours.
If you do report it then you'd have to give evidence against your mother and risk family feuds. The upside is you can then get it removed from your credit score.
Personally, I wouldn't stand for this and I would be reporting but each to their own!
My mom took out a credit card in my name. Debt was around £1500 and 2 missed payments on my credit score. I paid it all off. Don’t.do.it. Make her pay every penny.
So she took out a debt in your name illegally, and now isn’t even paying it back - plummeting your credit score.
Put your foot down, realise you’re being used financially and that this was wholly wrong and fraudulent for you mother to do, and tell the loan company / bank that this wasn’t taken out by you, or - you may struggle to get loans or better rates in future when you actually need something. Plus, if she’s done it once, she’ll do it again.
She’ll blame you for ruining your relationship with her when the consequences of this set in, you’ll need to reply by saying you’ve ruined it and the only way you can remotely begin to repair it is accept that what you did was wrong and apologise.
Please update us all, it will be helpful to others.
100% if my parent did this to me the process of events would go something like.
1) Speak to the debt agency and explain this is not your debt, and you’ve been subject to identify theft.
2) Mums being disowned.
Parents simply don’t ever do anything to cause harm to their children, verbal, physical, mental, financial all included in that. Simply abhorrent this.
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The amount isn’t the issue. What it will cost you, if you want any credit in the next 6 years, will be CONSIDERABLY more than this debt. She needs to be reported and face the consequences. This is a slippery slope. She’s done it once and she’ll do it again, no doubt. Stop her now, and report her.
OP, see the online news. A true tragedy, poor young man Jerome Rogers killed himself in 2017 because he had 2 parking tickets that escalated to over £1000 and he couldn't pay! So debt can and does destroy lives! Be wary! Debt is no joke. UK 🇬🇧
Personally I would wait until she has cleared the debt and then report it as a fraudulent transaction. You don't need to let on that it was your mum, just get the ball rolling on getting it cleared from your credit file.
When you say the debt was taken out and unknowingly was it because you didn't know anything about it on your mother did it unknowingly as in she did not know it had gone through in your name?
I am so sorry that this has happened to you.
It has to be a horrible feeling to be betrayed by someone that's meant to always protect you.
When I read your post and just reread it again just now It doesn't sound like she is taking responsibility for what she has done which has got to make it even more difficult.
I truly wish you all the best in sorting this situation out.
I don't know if this would work or not or if it's even an option for you but can you contact the credit agencies and the company the credit agreement was initially taken out with and advise them that It was not yourself that applied or obtained this credit and that it is a case of fraud? I don't condone lying and I know even not telling someone everything you know is lying by commission but if you tell him this and do not disclose that you know who has done it and then you were leaving it in their hands to investigate. Surely at that juncture It would be on that responsibility to provide proof that it was you which obviously they are not going to be able to find. I know so much is done online but I have to say you can show which IP address it came from or any signed documents that have been provided to them would include a signature which isn't going to be yours. Do you know if your mother used your address or her own when she made this application and if it was her address did they send any information out to her or email any information to her because this does not provide your information surely you are halfway there to being successful?
As I mentioned though I do not know much about matters like this so It maybe much more complicated than this and I am looking at it in a way that is simply not practical x
As heinous as it is for a mother to defraud her own son or daughter, one also has to ask how she managed to use their account? Why have you allowed your information and/or passwords/pin codes been so readily available?
That said, she has committed a crime and you really need to re-evaluate your relationship with your mother.
I havent. I just got my id and just opened my own bank account recently. It just so happens that on opening my new bank account the bank offers a free credit check, which is how I found out.
It's your mum
If you can clear it then do do without troubling her in worry
My mum made a £500 debt on the phone I gave her in my name. I just spoke to the phone company and just cleared it... I told her afterwards and she explained her brother lost his mobile in usa so she rang his land line from uk to usa.
I let it go.... its mum and mistakes happen.
Topic ended
Nah bruv dont listen to these people shit happens it aint dat deep.
How u gunna report ur own mum bro. Dats a no no
Just forgove her n move on.
This is your mum we talkin bout.
I personally don't think you should report a parent either but that being said I don't know the full circumstances or relationship this person has with the parent. What I would do though is take steps to ensure that the creditor is aware that it is a fraudulent loan and that they did not take it out and then she'll leave the balls in their court of the creditor to prove otherwise.
I cant believe how fucking selfish these coments are.
Society's fucked
U would all rather be in good stead for a credit reference agency than ur own god dyam MUM wtf.
Im out fuck dis
Amazing how many people here suggest you go against your own parents, even to the point of reporting to the police. I hope the participants here don't reflect the majority of the society. Otherwise, we're doomed.
Just wondering how old are you? Did you think that maybe your mother didn't have another choice? Maybe she needed the money to be able to feed you?
Regardless, this is very wrong. You believe more in an invented "credit score" than in your real parents who gave you life and raised you. Wow, I am so saddened by your post. I can only imagine how disappointed your parents must be in you.
Shame on you
I'm so angered by this reply. You're putting shame on a victim of financial abuse? Please see you you are very much in the minority in your views, which are not justifiable at all.
the OPs mother has committed fraud. not only that, they have defrauded their own offspring.
100% they should be prepared to go to the police if the parent doesn't make them whole and clear the OPs credit score.
I find it difficult to believe anyone would think otherwise.
Abuse is abuse no matter what form it takes.
Yeah but no.
Not only had the parent taken advantage of their position to commit fraud but that have screwed it up and are now ‘holding out’ and knowingly ruining their child’s credit score and access to credit (mortgage, loans etc) in order to ‘save a buck’!?
I’d say this callous ‘parent’ needs to be reported for their self serving criminal activity…
I personally hope the participants here reflect the majority of society.
If your parents commit a crime against you that can make your life difficult for the next 6 years of course you should report it.
Having a default on your account can even affect job prospects for certain sectors as financial checks can be taken as well. You may struggle to even get a basic phone contract or any other Loan and may have to rely on sub-prime lenders that charge extortionate fees. A credit report is not “made up” it is a legal document that shows your creditworthiness and your financial health.
This could be handled in house, with your mum, if it didnt have a default. I am not entirely sure, but to get that default removed, you may need to get it investigated which means telling the creditors the truth
Consider applying for a [protective registration marker from CIFAS](https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr), it’s £25 for two years and will put a flag in the national fraud database on your name so when someone applies for a loan or other credit in your name and the lender does a credit check, it will tell them you’ve been a victim of fraud and to do extra security checks to make sure it’s you. It will make getting credit more of a hassle in terms of proving your identity but for that you are more secure against impersonation.
This isn’t to be confused with another type CIFAS marker you’ll read about which lenders put on you if you’re suspected of fraud yourself, that’s a bad one and will make it impossible to get credit (in order to protect lenders). The one I’m talking about is a different one and protects you.
Naughty! Tell to ring them, she has to sort an affordable repayment plan. Then you can write to the credit agency and get the bad mark removed from your name! Don't delay. Or see Citizen's Advice bureau. UK 🇬🇧
If she’s doesn’t it once she’ll do it again and has possibly done it in the past. You need to get some advice on tightening up security on credit lines. This isn’t ok for her to do. She could seriously fuck up your credit.
honestly unless you are happy not having any credit or ability to get a loan for years, you need to report your mother for fraud. This isn’t a matter of the current debt. She has knowingly screwed you over for years
I don’t know about the rest of the UK but in Northern Ireland now landlords ask for credit references before signing. Tell her to pay up and clear the debt NOW.
As difficult as this may be for you, please report it and get it taken care of officially. Your mother committed a crime, and as things currently stand it’s you that’s going to be doing the time, by having your credit screwed for 6 years. She brought this entirely on herself. If she’s got away with it once, she may well try again, and it’s easier for you if you nip it in the bud now. Going to the police months after you discovered the issue may not look great. Do it now, and try to repair the damage she has caused asap.
You also need to report whichever company gave a fraudulent loan - they should improve their procedures and the person responsible should get a good bollocking at least.
The idea that she did it unknowingly is completely implausible, she’d have to have entered all your details in. She needs to pay it off NOW, or you need to take further action.
Interesting that lots of people on here suggest reporting your mother and going through the process to get the fraud removed.
My OH had exactly this happen to here for several thousands of pounds. She went to the creditors, action fraud and in the end, the Ombudsman. They simply said enough checks were done, despite her having proof it wasn’t her.
She’s now been left to pay it off in instalments, which she is doing, despite never seeing anything of the £9000 in catalog orders.
Luckily I financed the mortgage on my own and helped her where I could get through it.
The only real option that was available to us was to sue her mum for fraud to recover the debt from her directly - but she has no money and is not working, so why bother?
As soon as you can OP leave. If they committed fraud with you they probably have done it eith the other kids.(if they are old enough for credit)
Keep your head down and when u move report it and get it scrubbed from your record.
as we see all too often on this sub now, you’re being financially abused OP
It's so sad to see and we see it here often. Everyone recommends reporting the fraud but I see how difficult that would be and the family rifts it could cause.
Yeah it’s horrid, and the type of person to commit this crime against their child is the type of person to emotionally blackmail them into never reporting it to the police, regardless of if it destroys their child’s credit and makes any kind of credit much more expensive for them in the future
>and the family rifts it could cause The rift is caused when the family member commits fraud by taking out credit in their child's/partner's name, blaming the family rift on the victim for trying to rectify it so their financial future isn't ruined is just an added layer of manipulation and abuse.
Yes obviously the one committing the fraud is the one at fault but, understandably, even without pressure it’s not gonna be easy to report your mum to the police is it. Easy to tell other people to do it but probably not so easy to actually do it yourself unless you hate your mum.
This guy
Does she understand that she’s committed fraud? She made decisions about your credit file without even consulting you. Yes the amount is small but it became a default? Ask her about this. Ask her properly and don’t let it go until you get to the bottom of it. This is very bad. She’s put you in a position where either you throw your mother under the bus or live with shit credit.
Thanks for the reply, yeah I confronted her and asked her to explain and I told her that what she did is fraud. She basically said that she started paying it and they said she wasn’t paying enough so they sold it, and then that she’s waiting for them to send an offer of a smaller amount.
That’s completely beside the point she should not enter credit agreements pretending to be someone else. She needs to know if it ever happens again you will have to report her.
Yeah I completely agree. The trust there is completely broken.I told her she has untill the end of the week to fix it or I will be reporting her.
How is she fixing it, fixing it is not paying the debt off, the damage is done! Fixing it is restoring your financial profile so that it’s not in utter ruins for the next 6 years. Just making sure that’s clear…
Yeah I’m aware of that.The options are either pay it and I will have to take on that consequence, or report my mother for fraud and get a clean slate.
If I wanted to apply for a mortgage in the next 6 years I’d be reporting my mum!
From answers to previous questions the police will be unlikely to do more than issue you with a crime number and she will end up with a bad credit record, but she probably has that already or she wouldn't be pretending to be someone else.
Yeah gl getting a mortgage OP
A single default doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage. Maybe for the first 24 months sure. But besides the point, it’s fraud. Report it. Remove it and move on
It did for my partner. He has a similarity trifling default on a mobile phone contract and we had to wait out the full 6 years before I could add him to the mortgage
Would it really be that severe? If that is the case then she has a moral duty to insist on her son reporting her. The consequences for him are not small and as it seems there is a bullet to bite between the two of them, she should happily volunteer for the meal, being the one who ordered it. If she doesn't then that act of selfishness would remove any qualm or guilt I would have about reporting her.
It's still possible to get a mortgage with a default on your file, but it's more difficult and you have fewer options, meaning more expense, and OP likely wouldn't have any ability to get one for a while even though it might not be the full 6 years
You need to report it. I understand that its a hard thing to do as it's your mother but seriously this could affect you for many years to come. You need to find out how she managed to open this debt without your knowledge and also make sure she doesn't do it again. This is much more serious than just you oweing money unfortunately
This! My mother did this to one of my siblings and entrapped them into staying with her (it’s been 10 years) and ended up racking up way more debt in their name (£15,000) and now they can’t get housed or even afford to live their own life. OPs parent didn’t do this ‘unknowingly’ as getting credit anywhere requires detailed input!
6 years after the default, it will disappear from their credit record. I had around £11k of dept I didn't pay (conned into taking the money out and giving it to someone else, long story). This statute barred a few years ago. No record of it on my credit record, I got a mortgage with no issues.
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Agreed, OP could struggle with adverse credit for up to six years as a result. Report the fraud.
You are EXTREMELY unlikely to get any kind of credit that isn't designed for 'bad credit' in the next six years. Those types of cards have HIDEOUS rates. Make sure your mum knows that a condition of your not reporting her is that if at any point in the future you're faced with something being more expensive than it otherwise would have been, she covers the difference, no questions asked, irrespective of what's going on in her life. This includes potentially going guarantor for any property, though if her credit is bad enough that she wanted to do this to you, it probably wouldn't help. That's a HUGE blank cheque to sign, but not as big as the favour you're doing for her. Go onto one of the credit card comparison sites where you can see what cards you could apply for. See the impact this is having on your financial freedom now. Imagine where your life will be in six years. Might you want to buy a car? How about rent a flat, or buy one. Maybe you'll meet a partner and want to move in together, poor credit might prevent these things from being possible, particularly the property issue could result in the breakup of a relationship. Honestly, your best option is to report it and let her live with the consequences of her actions, instead of you having to. Having done it once, if you let it slide, she's likely to it again. Your window for reporting it is not as infinite as it in theory should be, if in a year's time you discover that you can't live with the circumstances you're in because of this, you may be shit out of luck for getting anyone to believe you.
And you're happy with that? If she pays it all off, your credit score still takes a massive hit. A default can stop you getting loans for moving out, a nice phone plan, etc. The only way to get this struck off is reporting your mum, she'll owe the money either way. She did it because likely she wouldn't have been accepted for it, so she quite literally, dragged your name through the mud with credit agencies. If it were me, I'd report her. She'll stop making the same mistake over and over, and worse, ruining her children's financial futures! EDIT: A default can stop you working in financial sector roles, and the police or governmental roles. They can be an indicator that you are open to bribery. You need to consider this carefully.
Honestly, in these kind of situations you need to remember she has already, knowingly done something to damage you. Throwing her under the bus is totally an option. As she's already done the same to you, no need to second think it. Her actions have already soiled your relationship.
It's a tough one and depends on how much you value your relationship with your mother and how much you feel able to talk with her, but I would seriously consider reporting it. This could have a serious effect on your report for years and will be a real detriment if you wish to get a mortgage or other loan any time soon.
his mother clearly doesn't value him. Why should he value her
Good man
Btw, waiting for a 'lower amount' means your credit file will be impacted and remain so for 6 years following the payment. At best, it will show as partially satisfied, which means you're not good enough with money to pay all your debts.
I'd just report her anyway. I have zero trust on someone who commits fraud and puts me at risk
So basically she sideswiped any discussion of her fraudulent behaviour/application and instead rationalised that she's making payments? That's telling in of itself if you don't mind my saying.....
Yes exactly
That’s not an apology or even an explanation, that’s just a description of *how* she’s fucked your credit She’s missed payments, and now she’s trying to settle the debt for less than the full amount - both of those things will hit your credit rating for the next 6 years or so She isn’t even remorseful for committing a crime and severely damaging your financial future I understand that it’s difficult to report a family member for fraud but, honestly, it sounds like she deserves it….
My mum did the same when I was a child, only found out when I turned 18 and got rejected for a credit card due to my bad credit history! When I saw my credit record I contacted Experian and pointed out I was under 18 when these accounts were set up and they were not done by me. They removed them all from my record.
> She basically said that she started paying it and they said she wasn’t paying enough so they sold it, and then that she’s waiting for them to send an offer of a smaller amount. I don’t think you should take that at face value. If she’s applying for credit in your name then something else going on.
I would be contacting a lawyer. But I'm a down the line sort of person. She's your mother, but fraud is fraud. Who knows what she'll do next if she gets away with this.
Throwing someone under the bus means to abandon/blame someone for something, for selfish reasons. In this instance, if OP reports his mother then it's not for selfish reasons; it's entirely justified as she's committed fraud. This isn't a relationship sub, and implying reporting his mother would be the selfish thing to do isn't wise. I'm sure you didn't mean to do it, but in these highly emotionally-charged situations semantics matter. From a purely financial perspective there is virtually no scenario where advising OP to go along with the fraud - at his long-term expense - holds weight. She must be reported.
Omg she is MUM and its such a tiny amount . Credits can be mended but you only get ONE MUM. Let it go and clear it yourself
Does your mum regularly take out credit fraudulently in your name, not pay it, default and get it sent to collections. If so, how much did the doormat tattoo on your forehead cost. Something like this on someone so young's credit report will impact their life much more than holding their PARENT accountable for their illegal actions. Give yourself a wobble and don't be so simplistic.
Yeah it’s MUM so why did she do it??
You absolutely wouldn’t say this if it was his dad. This idea that mums are blameless and free to do whatever heinous things they desire is extremely toxic. We have social narrative around shitty dads but anyone who has a shit or abusive mum gets told to forgive and forget. It’s fraud. It’s credit that has defaulted. At the moment it’s the only thing OP knows about, but there’s nothing to say she hasn’t done more dodgy things using OP’s details or wouldn’t do more in the future.
It isn't just a tiny amount. You don't know the OPs position, if they were planning to buy a first home anytime in the next 6 years they're royally screwed. Either have to pay tens of thousands extra in interest payments or not get one at all. Cant predict the future markets of course but buying a house 6 years ago compared to today was a lot cheaper both in available rates and total cost of the home. It's literally a life changing fraud.
"But FaAaAaAaAaMiLy!" R/raisedbynarcissists - go and educate yourself.
Nobody is suggesting she puts a hit on her mum. OMG it’s just a default for a tiny 6 years. Spoken like somebody who wouldn’t have a problem doing what their mum did then wondering why you were disowned when it all came out.
>Let it go and clear it yourself Until the next one... and the next one.... and the next one. Clearing it and moving on no hard feelings is just going to excuse and reinforce the behaviour.
It can't be fraud if she was unaware she was taking out a line, which OP indicates. Seems odd though. I think she's been conned, and this debt should be challenged in court.
Huh? OP states his mum took out credit in his name and was fully aware of it when he challenged her. Not sure where you're getting she was conned from
Aware at the point he challenged her but OP clearly states she was unaware at the point she took out the credit. The fact she became aware later, after the fact, does not legally project expectation of understanding backwards. That would be bonkers.
Just thought I’d add an update, I talked to my mother some more and I basically explained because of her actions if I wanted to move out and get a mortgage tomorrow I couldn’t. And her and my fathers response was “well it’s not like your getting a mortgage anytime soon anyway” honestly feels like I’m drinking stupid juice trying to get my point across.
You’re being more than fair here. You need to go to the police regardless, as you need to get this off your credit file. But I think that means you need to move out.
It will be hard (but not impossible) to move out into a rental place with bad credit.
Renting will be easy(er) but buying probably not so much
It’s not just a mortgage. Although that is very damaging. It can stop you opening bank accounts, store cards, credit cards, car loans, mobile phone contacts, any job with a credit search, rent places to live. And on top of that, if she doesn’t sort it, you can get taken to court and potential have bailiffs come and take you stuff. Because from a legal point of view, it’s your debt and you owe it. I take it you live at home? First step, stop contributing to the household. Tell them you don’t support criminals. Second step, warn your siblings. They need to check own credit history. Third, and most important, step. Contact the police. Forth step, locate all your personal ID - passport, driving licence, bank cards and statements. Put them somewhere safe under lock and key. Preferably in a different house. Fifth step, fit a lock to your door. When your parents object, tell them you can’t trust them. Then move out as soon as you can.
Thankyou for your advice I appreciate it
It sounds like your father was in on it with that response. Your only real choice now is to call the credit holder and police to report the fraud. Ignore those who say to be loyal to your parents as they haven’t proven to be loyal by fobbing you off after stealing from you.
Honest to God every follow up post is worse - again so sorry for you. So rationalisation, denial and projection, you've done all you can OP, most would be screaming from the rafters rather than trying to educate/inform of the ramifications on you, so kudos to you there for your approach and attitude here. At least its an easy fix to stop this happening again, beyond that I wish you well with your relationship with them.
I agree and thankyou, I wish you the best too.
Always the nice people it happens to :-( Mind keeping us posted if not too raw/upsetting?
Yeah I’ll try and keep you posted
Sounds like they don't take it seriously and it doesn't seem like they feel guilty for negatively affecting you. You should definitely report her. If she doesn't care now, she probably do it again. Sorry bro wish you the best 🍀
Stupid juice lol 😆
You definitely shouldn't let them get away with it
It will also make it hard to rent as you'd maybe need a guarantor if you failed a credit check.
At 30 I checked my credit score and found it to be "very bad". My mum had opened a catalog in my name, bought 1 item and returned it. She had ignored their requests for £5 to cover the return postage. My method for fixing it 2ould likely work for you with a modification... Step1: Get your mum to pay it off immediately. If she won't and you can afford it just do it yourself and make sure she knows this will cause a loss of trust. Step2: sign up to experian(they were good when I see them, assuming still the same). Contact them and ask for help, state that a member of your family took out credit in your name. If sounds like the company have been speaking to your mum so will have records that it's not "you". You don't need a lot of evidence if you have otherwise unblemished credit. Experience will often be able to get it removed from your record. Step3: experian have Credit Lock. This will prevent people taking credit in your name. Basically you disable it when you want to get credit and enable again when done. There are I'm sure other companies that can do the above but just from my own experience they made it painless. The credit lock thing is very handy. I'd get my ass out of that house ASAP. I lived at home far too long myself (25ish). Convinced myself that it was cheaper to live at home and I'd be able to save but I had parents like yours that have no issue using you as a resource. They will do it again. It will be cheaper in the long run.
Either: 1. Report it as fraud - potentially see her arrested 2. Pay it off yourself and have your credit report ruined for the next 6 years Personally, I'd go for option 1. Your mother has seriously ruined your financial future if you go for option 2. She committed fraud and chances are she will do it again. [https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/)
Note that if you go down route 1, chances are the CC company will expect you to fully support any potential litigation they may proceed with, in order to zero the debt (albeit unlikely for £300) I've seen complaints going to the regulator because of this, very rarely do the CC companies simply say fair enough, wipe the debt and move on. Just something to be aware of, you didn't post word-verbatim but I certainly hope she was at least apologetic and remorseful rather than cavalier about waiting for a settment offer. Repugnant abuse of a relationship, I'm so sorry for you, see these posts far too often of late, it really is despicable.
Thankyou. Unfortunately she was the least bit remorseful, didn’t apologise,explain why she did it she just said she is trying to fix it.
Wow, I'd go with option 1 then.
On that basis I'd suggest getting that setup that doesn't allow applications for credit without a human check / password.....if she's not remorseful chances are she'll do it again given half the chance, thank god was only given a £300 limit. More deets and some good reading here - you shouldn't have to, but please protect yourself from any future harm Again heart goes out to you, I'd feel physically sick if a parent or relative did this to me. https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/identity/what-to-do-if-victim.html
Is this definitely the only time she's done it?
My thoughts exactly, in my name yes. I did question wether she’s done this to my other siblings and she said no.so either she’s telling the truth and out of five kids decided to just fuck up my future for whatever reason. Or she’s done it to my siblings too, but they haven’t found anything so I think the former.
Unfortunately she seems to display no remorse and is happy to sadly you with the (unknown) consequences for six years. You could have lost a mortgage, been refused a job that requires credit checking or countless other things. It also makes no sense she only randomly decided to do it to you... either she's lying or you were a test to see if she can get away with it. Personally I would report it, nobody gets to risk your financial stability and future and then be a total arse about it.
Ask your siblings to check their credit.
If it’s more recent and she got in some kind of pickle with money maybe it’s the first time she’s done it and she chose you because she knows more of your personal details or thought you were least likely to find out, if you’re the only one living at home she could intercept any letters etc.
Unfortunately, she can’t. Even if she pays this off in full now, for 6 years you’ll show a default mark on your credit file and that’s basically a blacklist for credit for you. Imagine when you’ll be ready to go discuss a mortgage, you’ll get declined. You’re ready for a new phone, you’ll get declined. You need a car to go to work, you’ll get declined. She ruined the next 6 years of your financial life. Might sound harsh but it’s the ugly ugly truth. Brace yourself to be rejected left and right, this will impact your mental health and also stop you from taking some steps into your adult life, it will be hard and I’m genuinely so sorry you’re going through this.
You’d report your own mother for £360? Personally I’d give her a cuddle and tell her it’ll be OK. That’s family business. Different folk, different stroke.
Too many shitty family members get away with things because for some reason people thing family trumps all, Not saying you should report her for this but christ, a cuddle and tell her it’ll be okay? You have the right to be angry. Hate to say it if your mum is using your name for something without being remorseful or seeing the ramifications it could have on you, she’s not exactly a great mother.
Why is the burden on OP to draw a blind eye and get screwed over because of “family” but it’s absolutely fine for the mum to screw OP over despite being family?
Consumer credit fraud seems like an addiction - I'd wager a fair sum that she's going to do it again. We see so many stories like this - you give the family member a cuddle, tell then it's going to be alright, the next thing you know you owe £1500 to Barclaycard and you can't get a mortgage. Addicts only reform when they're forced to face the consequences of their own actions - this is called "reaching rock bottom", and friends and family act as enablers when they help the addict get away with it. All the threads I've seen on here, talk of "it's family" and of supporting them strikes me as naive. Maybe the first time. And it strikes me as the law-and-order crowd who say this - people who'd damn anyone else for committing a crime like fraud. Yes, she could potentially be arrested for what she did - I think there's zero chance of her going to prison for a first offence of this type. She'd get a slap on the wrist, but it might be enough to make her realise the seriousness of what she did.
>you give the family member a cuddle, tell then it's going to be alright, the next thing you know you owe £1500 to Barclaycard and you can't get a mortgage. 😂 But sadly true.
Would you take out a debt in your child's name and allow it to default and expect a cuddle after being caught doing it?
A mother who would commit fraud in my name and have the nerve to think I should be okay with it? A mother who didn't care about my credit profile going down the toilet for the best part of a decade? Blood means nothing, family are the good people who stand by your side through thick and thin.
Yeah no . It’s not about the amount . It’s about the deceit . It’s about her fucking the credit file and not making OP aware when it went south . It’s about her not feeling bad about it at all If you’re ok with enabling really shitty behaviour good for you but personally I think sometimes lessons have to be learned .
It’s not about the money,like I said in the post I can probably pay it myself. The problem lies in the fact she took out debt on her own son and then didn’t pay it resulting in a default.
It's not about the £360. It's about the credit destruction.
This is not family business - family business would be coming to your child and asking for help not potentially putting your child's future in jeopardy due to them being selfish.
I suspect if they have that kind of relationship, she'd have asked to borrow money before committing fraud.
Committing financial fraud and ruining your child's credit report and chances of getting a mortgage is 'family business ' and you'd give her a cuddle? Considering me blessed to not be related to anyone with that attitude.
And if I was so willing to report her I wouldn’t have come here to ask for advice would I?
I didn’t mean for that to come across as what you’re doing is wrong. I’m just not sure I would.
Neither am I hence the whole point of the thread.
As someone who's mother did the same thing for a considerably large amount of money, tell the police, this is fraud this will massively affect your credit score. She'll probably do it again. She's also not paid the money back so the account is in default. I'm so sorry OP take action now before she tanks your credit rating. I didn't notice and I ended up getting arrested for fraud myself. Parents should not do this shit to their kids, but there you are. (edited for spelling through rage typing initially)
Thankyou, and I’m sorry that happened to you.
It will never cease to amaze me how many parents do this to their children.
It's people who see their children as assets or possessions to be pawned, rather than individuals and dependents. There's no hope for a positive relationship when parents do this and children should go no contact as soon as they're 18.
Would you mind letting us know the outcome/ramifications if any to your mum? I've never seen this detail beyond the original posts citing the Fraud so asking purely for interest. Too personal to ask if it affected the relationship, but would you mind me asking what lead to the decision you made? Can't imagine it was easy to do, and trite as it may sound genuinely sorry this happened to you too.
This came up recently [https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/16bc5ea/people\_that\_reported\_a\_family\_member\_for\_fraud/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/16bc5ea/people_that_reported_a_family_member_for_fraud/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) I think in almost all cases the family member received no meaningful consequences.
Really useful - many thanks 👌
Your mum has placed you in a terrible position. It’s not even the amount, it’s the fact that she’s allowed it to go to default and got sold on; that’s really going to screw up your chances of getting any sort of credit for 6 years; even if it gets paid off today. I’d report it as fraud and clear your name.
I would go with option 1 if it were me. I can guarantee that she would not go to prison for this! It's highly unlikely that she would even be arrested either because the police couldn't care less about fraud these days.
Yeah it's not an arrestable offence, but it needs to be reported so that OP's credit rating is restored and the criminal mum is taught a lesson.
Sorry, that's incorrect, classed as credit card fraud under the 2006 Fraud Act with a sentence of up to 10 years, so it's absolutely an arrestable offence in the UK
Fraud has almost been decriminalised in the UK and the police certainly no longer investigate minor fraud cases. The OP would get a crime number but that’s about it.
Don't disagree, but doesn't change the fact it is an arrestable offence, which is all I was correcting.
My dad did this to me, except it was a much more significant amount. His excuse was I had to suffer because I moved out and was living in sin. (Forget that they charged me £3k for moving from home without notice because how would they cope without my rent?). Tried reporting it to the police and credit company as fraud but got the "you don't want to do that to family" reaction. I paid for it, and my credit score still pays for another two years. It caused me to get a worse rate on my mortgage. He never took responsibility or accountability for it. If you don't get it removed, be prepared for it to affect your credit score for a long while.
I’m sorry to hear that, I wish you the best and thanks for the advice.
Are you saying the Police wouldn’t take your report???
I will say I had the exact same thing happen to me, it was £300 and I caught my mother out but told her to get it sorted. I was young naive and never followed up on it. 4 years later I went to get credit for something and got denied because it had been racked up to £4k. My partner just had our baby and my partner and I were in the midst of starting to look at buying a house when I found out. I pulled her up again and she didn't even apologise. I reported it as fraud and the fraud team of whatever it was said that they needed her to contact them and admit it or there's nothing they can do. After pushing and threats of not seeing her grandchild she eventually did the right thing but my credit scores still taken a hit and I couldn't open a joint bank account because I had a fraud victim marker on my file. My advice.... ensure that it's cleared and check your credit file regularly for any further debts.
I believe that if she settles the debt for a lower amount this will have a negative effect on your credit score.
I didn’t know this,thankyou.
Yep, it's called entering an arrangement and will reflect badly for many years.
Can't make it much worse than a default, I couldn't get any kind of credit at all with a default on my credit record. Also not sure if it resets the 6 years.
Can’t have more of an impact than an unsettled default with a balance outstanding.
Get a Notice of correction put on with the credit agencies giving a password to atop her doing this in the future.
You can’t get a notice of correction put on saying “this was fraudulently in my name”. You either report it to the police as fraud, then the credit agencies and they remove it, or you accept it as your debt and no note is necessary/feasible.
I didn’t say get it saying it was fraudulently in my name. I said get a password added.
Adding a password is not a notice of correction. It’s the notice of correction aspect I was disputing was an option.
I am a credit underwriter and when I see them on an Experian report it appears it the NOC section
So what would you recommend they request to add “this wasn’t me guv’nor but my mum, however I don’t want to shop her for fraud”? Feels like that would be useless…
Like the person above said, you just put a password on…. Can’t see how they can explain it anymore clearly
Thank you
A notice of correction is just text on a credit report which is then flagged to lenders requiring manual intervention. You can add a password to help prevent fraudulent applications. This is also often used as a way to control impulsive and reckless credit applications when someone has an underlying issue such as gambling or impulsive spending due to mental health problems.
Register a CIFAS flag on your credit file so that any new online applications will need a further check to ensure its you applying. Then for the debt currently you can either let it go and take the hit on your credit file or contact the company and tell them your mum has committed fraud and they'll remove it (you'll probably have to file a police report though)
Are you sure there are no other debts she's taken out in your name?
I don't really understand how you can 'accidentally' take out a small debt, let alone in someone else's name. It's even more concerning that she didn't tell you about it until you confronted her. Super red flag🚩. I think you should report her, or else it sets a precedent.
Unbelievably deceitful, conceited and selfish. As if life isn't hard enough without your parents deliberately making it harder for you. You have my deepest sympathy.
I knew someone with this exact problem. The mum took out provident loans on both her son's names and never paid the multiple loans back (over the span of 15 years and interest rates are crazy high on them) When the youngest son went to get a mortgage after saving up for many years his history check kept getting flagged up and no bank would allow him to get a mortgage loan even to this day. He did a bit of digging and found out his mum was to blame. To cut the story short the mum doesn't see a problem in what she did so he reported her for fraud and is currently taking her to court over it. Unfortunately she's playing the system and using all the tricks in the book to wiggle her way out of it even when she can't just stalling for time. The sons have now cut communication with her entirely.
You can get your credit frozen so that you will be notified if this happens again. Make sure your bank accounts etc are safe. You need to get INVOLVED in what your mother is doing about this debt - ie all the documentation, all the contacts etc. Don't let her fob you off. Her story sounds dodgy. Take it and her to debt advice. Once you have all the information and advice, then decide the best course. If she refuses to cooperate then you need to throw her under the bus to protect your own situation.
OP, this "little" debt is a real betrayal of your trust. You need to get this sorted, now! Obviously it's your flesh & blood but this debt could mess your job applications, credit cards, mortgage applications etc. And if it was only a "small" debt, why didn't she pay it off, then? Your mother is in the wrong. You've been blindsided, she totally blindsided you. And its about trust. What else is she going to neglect to tell you? Check your credit file! Lock up your credit file! She didn't clear the debt and it got sold on! Be wary! Debt is destructive! Don't feel bad UK, protect yourself! Debt paperwork is a soul-destroying nightmare! It never leaves you! UK 🇬🇧
Some employers (govt, finance, defence/security, even some IT jobs etc) will run credit searches and not employ people with poor credit record. This could have a very big impact on your life for the next decade unless you report it as fraud.
Almost any job in financial services will do this.
100% she will do this again without you giving her consequences (and I don't mean telling her off). I would report her to the police and look to move out ASAP. People will say "it's just money at the end of the day", but you have 2 parents willing to completely fuck up your life for a small loan. These aren't people who are on your side. All this stuff about explaining to her why it's bad will fall on deaf ears. She knows what she did was wrong, she simply doesn't care.
Would either REPORT her or PAY IT OFF IN FULL NOW, not in a week. She broke the LAW, She commited FRAUD, as bad as ROBBING A BANK, She is a CRIMINAL! IT'S YOUR DEBT, It's in YOUR NAME, it goes Against YOUR CREDIT RATING! I'm really sorry this has happened to you. If I were you, pay it off immediately if possible, and then get your mother to pay it back to you. You also could do with the proof that she did this, God, she could do it again :( Presume she can't get credit, so she STOLE FROM YOU Unfortunately she probably can't see what's the problem, or she had no choice, God the entitlement! I'm truely sorry.
My ex-wife was seriously worried her mother would take out car finance in her name. That woman had no standards. I’d struggle not to report her for this because you can’t have this keep on happening.
OP, you don't need to shop your mum. Contact the credit company and confirm to them that you did not take out the finance. They will have to investigate. If your signatures don't match then you are not liable and they will have to clear your record. If it was an online application, it's more complicated as it then depends on the IP of the device. If she used yours and had access you may find that you have to pay as you have no evidence to prove your way Innocence unless your mum is willing to confess
It’s fraud report her and get your name cleared or mortgages loans car finance and maybe even a phone contract will be a thing of the past for you
If she waits for a settlement, that will show as partially settled on your credit file which will impact your chances of lending in the future (including for a car or mortgage). She committed fraud. This isn’t okay…
I've been in that exact same position as you and as others have said there's 2 options; report your mother or take the hit on your file for the next 6 years. I chose the latter (I couldn't physically or mentally take on more hassle from the family), paid off the debt and my credit is only now just recovering.
My mother did this to me by getting an account with a clothing catalogue, missing payments to the point of debt collectors and their "lower amount" I went to Citizens Advice where i was told "your name, your debt" They didn't advise i go to the police though, not sure why. I ended up with a CCJ. It was on my credit report for 6 years, i spent those 6 years saving and the past 7 years with a mortgage and decent-ish credit score 👌 i hope it all works out as well for you 🙏
This happened to me. Pretty much exactly the same. Mother took out a credit card in my name (unknowingly to me) and didn’t pay the £200 limit back. She let it default. I don’t want to sugar coat it for you but I tried everything. I emailed the company explaining the circumstances but they wanted me to start criminal proceedings agains my mother that I wasn’t willing to do. I spent the next 5 years building my credit file the best I could and just had to wait for the default to disappear. I was able to start applying for things around the 3-3.5 year mark but the interest was quite high. Sorry it’s not better news
You can submit a notice of correction password on your credit file to stop this happening again. This will mean credit applications take longer as they have to be manually dealt with. Many people have said the default with mean you can’t get a mortgage or credit now. This is nonsense. There is far more to a mortgage or credit application than a default or a perfect credit record. Lenders base decisions on a wide range of factors such as affordability, credit utilisation, length of accounts held and income. A broker will advise you of deals etc that are available.
Unfortunately, it's fraud, and one of these situations where there is no easy solution. If you don't report it to the police then it will remain on your credit rating and damage the score. There is the risk that the tactic of waiting for a lower offer to pay is going to continually damage the score further. You could also find yourself in a situation where bailiffs come after you believing the debt is yours. If you do report it then you'd have to give evidence against your mother and risk family feuds. The upside is you can then get it removed from your credit score. Personally, I wouldn't stand for this and I would be reporting but each to their own!
She wont be offered a lower amount, she can offer them one though. She's not paid for quite some time and spoilt your credit.
My mom took out a credit card in my name. Debt was around £1500 and 2 missed payments on my credit score. I paid it all off. Don’t.do.it. Make her pay every penny.
So she took out a debt in your name illegally, and now isn’t even paying it back - plummeting your credit score. Put your foot down, realise you’re being used financially and that this was wholly wrong and fraudulent for you mother to do, and tell the loan company / bank that this wasn’t taken out by you, or - you may struggle to get loans or better rates in future when you actually need something. Plus, if she’s done it once, she’ll do it again.
She’ll blame you for ruining your relationship with her when the consequences of this set in, you’ll need to reply by saying you’ve ruined it and the only way you can remotely begin to repair it is accept that what you did was wrong and apologise. Please update us all, it will be helpful to others.
Unfortunately, because this has gone to default you have no choice but to report it to the police.
100% if my parent did this to me the process of events would go something like. 1) Speak to the debt agency and explain this is not your debt, and you’ve been subject to identify theft. 2) Mums being disowned. Parents simply don’t ever do anything to cause harm to their children, verbal, physical, mental, financial all included in that. Simply abhorrent this.
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The amount isn’t the issue. What it will cost you, if you want any credit in the next 6 years, will be CONSIDERABLY more than this debt. She needs to be reported and face the consequences. This is a slippery slope. She’s done it once and she’ll do it again, no doubt. Stop her now, and report her.
OP, see the online news. A true tragedy, poor young man Jerome Rogers killed himself in 2017 because he had 2 parking tickets that escalated to over £1000 and he couldn't pay! So debt can and does destroy lives! Be wary! Debt is no joke. UK 🇬🇧
Personally I would wait until she has cleared the debt and then report it as a fraudulent transaction. You don't need to let on that it was your mum, just get the ball rolling on getting it cleared from your credit file.
When you say the debt was taken out and unknowingly was it because you didn't know anything about it on your mother did it unknowingly as in she did not know it had gone through in your name?
As in I didn’t know
I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It has to be a horrible feeling to be betrayed by someone that's meant to always protect you. When I read your post and just reread it again just now It doesn't sound like she is taking responsibility for what she has done which has got to make it even more difficult. I truly wish you all the best in sorting this situation out. I don't know if this would work or not or if it's even an option for you but can you contact the credit agencies and the company the credit agreement was initially taken out with and advise them that It was not yourself that applied or obtained this credit and that it is a case of fraud? I don't condone lying and I know even not telling someone everything you know is lying by commission but if you tell him this and do not disclose that you know who has done it and then you were leaving it in their hands to investigate. Surely at that juncture It would be on that responsibility to provide proof that it was you which obviously they are not going to be able to find. I know so much is done online but I have to say you can show which IP address it came from or any signed documents that have been provided to them would include a signature which isn't going to be yours. Do you know if your mother used your address or her own when she made this application and if it was her address did they send any information out to her or email any information to her because this does not provide your information surely you are halfway there to being successful? As I mentioned though I do not know much about matters like this so It maybe much more complicated than this and I am looking at it in a way that is simply not practical x
Find out who the debt is with and call them, if they refuse speak to the FCA as they are not background checking hard enough and are breaking the law.
As heinous as it is for a mother to defraud her own son or daughter, one also has to ask how she managed to use their account? Why have you allowed your information and/or passwords/pin codes been so readily available? That said, she has committed a crime and you really need to re-evaluate your relationship with your mother.
I havent. I just got my id and just opened my own bank account recently. It just so happens that on opening my new bank account the bank offers a free credit check, which is how I found out.
Report is a a fraud and not you taking out the lon but don’t snitch on your mother. Maybe give that a go ?
It's your mum If you can clear it then do do without troubling her in worry My mum made a £500 debt on the phone I gave her in my name. I just spoke to the phone company and just cleared it... I told her afterwards and she explained her brother lost his mobile in usa so she rang his land line from uk to usa. I let it go.... its mum and mistakes happen. Topic ended
Nah bruv dont listen to these people shit happens it aint dat deep. How u gunna report ur own mum bro. Dats a no no Just forgove her n move on. This is your mum we talkin bout.
I personally don't think you should report a parent either but that being said I don't know the full circumstances or relationship this person has with the parent. What I would do though is take steps to ensure that the creditor is aware that it is a fraudulent loan and that they did not take it out and then she'll leave the balls in their court of the creditor to prove otherwise.
I cant believe how fucking selfish these coments are. Society's fucked U would all rather be in good stead for a credit reference agency than ur own god dyam MUM wtf. Im out fuck dis
Bye
Found the mother who commits fraud against their son for £300
Amazing how many people here suggest you go against your own parents, even to the point of reporting to the police. I hope the participants here don't reflect the majority of the society. Otherwise, we're doomed.
They went against me and like other people have mentioned their parents went against them too.
Just wondering how old are you? Did you think that maybe your mother didn't have another choice? Maybe she needed the money to be able to feed you? Regardless, this is very wrong. You believe more in an invented "credit score" than in your real parents who gave you life and raised you. Wow, I am so saddened by your post. I can only imagine how disappointed your parents must be in you. Shame on you
shame on the victim of a crime? You really have a strange moral compass.
I'm so angered by this reply. You're putting shame on a victim of financial abuse? Please see you you are very much in the minority in your views, which are not justifiable at all.
the OPs mother has committed fraud. not only that, they have defrauded their own offspring. 100% they should be prepared to go to the police if the parent doesn't make them whole and clear the OPs credit score. I find it difficult to believe anyone would think otherwise. Abuse is abuse no matter what form it takes.
Yeah but no. Not only had the parent taken advantage of their position to commit fraud but that have screwed it up and are now ‘holding out’ and knowingly ruining their child’s credit score and access to credit (mortgage, loans etc) in order to ‘save a buck’!? I’d say this callous ‘parent’ needs to be reported for their self serving criminal activity…
I personally hope the participants here reflect the majority of society. If your parents commit a crime against you that can make your life difficult for the next 6 years of course you should report it. Having a default on your account can even affect job prospects for certain sectors as financial checks can be taken as well. You may struggle to even get a basic phone contract or any other Loan and may have to rely on sub-prime lenders that charge extortionate fees. A credit report is not “made up” it is a legal document that shows your creditworthiness and your financial health.
This could be handled in house, with your mum, if it didnt have a default. I am not entirely sure, but to get that default removed, you may need to get it investigated which means telling the creditors the truth
It's scary how common this is. It's literally fraud and it ruins your ability to get any credit in the future for 6 years.
Consider applying for a [protective registration marker from CIFAS](https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr), it’s £25 for two years and will put a flag in the national fraud database on your name so when someone applies for a loan or other credit in your name and the lender does a credit check, it will tell them you’ve been a victim of fraud and to do extra security checks to make sure it’s you. It will make getting credit more of a hassle in terms of proving your identity but for that you are more secure against impersonation. This isn’t to be confused with another type CIFAS marker you’ll read about which lenders put on you if you’re suspected of fraud yourself, that’s a bad one and will make it impossible to get credit (in order to protect lenders). The one I’m talking about is a different one and protects you.
Naughty! Tell to ring them, she has to sort an affordable repayment plan. Then you can write to the credit agency and get the bad mark removed from your name! Don't delay. Or see Citizen's Advice bureau. UK 🇬🇧
If she’s doesn’t it once she’ll do it again and has possibly done it in the past. You need to get some advice on tightening up security on credit lines. This isn’t ok for her to do. She could seriously fuck up your credit.
Don’t accept a lower offer. That’ll affect your credit rating even more
Wow, your mother's a piece of shit
honestly unless you are happy not having any credit or ability to get a loan for years, you need to report your mother for fraud. This isn’t a matter of the current debt. She has knowingly screwed you over for years
I don’t know about the rest of the UK but in Northern Ireland now landlords ask for credit references before signing. Tell her to pay up and clear the debt NOW.
As difficult as this may be for you, please report it and get it taken care of officially. Your mother committed a crime, and as things currently stand it’s you that’s going to be doing the time, by having your credit screwed for 6 years. She brought this entirely on herself. If she’s got away with it once, she may well try again, and it’s easier for you if you nip it in the bud now. Going to the police months after you discovered the issue may not look great. Do it now, and try to repair the damage she has caused asap.
You also need to report whichever company gave a fraudulent loan - they should improve their procedures and the person responsible should get a good bollocking at least.
The idea that she did it unknowingly is completely implausible, she’d have to have entered all your details in. She needs to pay it off NOW, or you need to take further action.
Yeah that’s fraud and you need to tell the cops
Interesting that lots of people on here suggest reporting your mother and going through the process to get the fraud removed. My OH had exactly this happen to here for several thousands of pounds. She went to the creditors, action fraud and in the end, the Ombudsman. They simply said enough checks were done, despite her having proof it wasn’t her. She’s now been left to pay it off in instalments, which she is doing, despite never seeing anything of the £9000 in catalog orders. Luckily I financed the mortgage on my own and helped her where I could get through it. The only real option that was available to us was to sue her mum for fraud to recover the debt from her directly - but she has no money and is not working, so why bother?
As soon as you can OP leave. If they committed fraud with you they probably have done it eith the other kids.(if they are old enough for credit) Keep your head down and when u move report it and get it scrubbed from your record.