Can minors be responsible for bad credit when it is their parent's fault?

Question

I am a minor...15 years old to be exact , and I am wondering can i be responsible for all the things my mom has done with my credit like putting utilities under my name...borrowing books and paintings and never returning them to the library.....getting credit cards under my name and them maxing them out without paying for them...renting appliances and cars under my name...and not paying it back...getting cell phones under my name..and not paying the bill...I was only like three when all of this happened..I used to stay with her when i was like seven...but ever since then i have been living with my dad ...with no contact from her..and she is still doing this....Please HELP!!!!

Answer 1

Even though you are young, you might want to write to the 3 credit bureaus and have a flag put on your social security number so that no new credit can be opened in your name. If your mother did that to you once, she can still do it if she has all your information. If you put a fraud alert on your accounts they will alert any new credit lines to call you (put that in your letter, that you want a phone call before there is any credit granted). You should also pull your credit reports and dispute any of those old charges so it doesn't impact you in the future. The fact that your were only 3 should be easy to prove and get off your credit reports. Protect your credit information with your life! It is hard if someone like your mom has all your personal info, but you can make it more difficult for her to scam using your info by flagging your accounts. Good luck!

Answer 2

You are a victim of identity theft. You need to file a police report A.S.A.P. and contact all three credit bureaus. What you mother has done is bank fraud plain and simple.

After you have done these two things get in contact with your States Attorney Generals office they will help you.

The only way you are ever going to get this not only cleared up but stopped is to file charges on you mom.

Answer 3

Well if it's your name on the credit card you will be held accountable, however I don't understand how the card companies haven't noticed your a minor. Make sure that when you do turn of age and decide to get a credit card prove that your the age you say you are your best bet is to apply for credit and see if anything reports.

Answer 4

Since you are a minor you will need your dad to help you clear this. No business will talk to a minor. For now try not to freak out - have your dad start with the credit card companies (if you know who they are) Contact your local police and see if they can do anything to help you. If you have physical proof that she is doing this then report her to authorities and get her picked up for identity theft. All the police need is probable cause to arrest her. What she is doing is soooooooo illegal. Send her butt to jail, she doesn't care about you.

Answer 5

yes but you can report her. it is called id fraud. go to www.fcc.gov and see id theft even if a parent does it is a crime. i had a parent do this me. it can ruin your life. it can deny you educational oppty ie loans etc.

also go here. this site is featured on news a lot and by state atty general.s contact the state ag where you are now and ask for help and direction. this is now the no 1 problem facing kids of absent parents.
http://www.privacyrights.org/index.htm
contact all the bills you know of and credit reporting agencies and close out accts asap.

Answer 6

That is fraud, and yes. You now have negative marks on your credit because of your mother. She can get into serious trouble by doing this. You did not authorize any of these transactions.

I would confront her on this, and try to get her to stop putting things in your name. What kind of person wants to give their child a bad start, before they even began? That is horrible.

Answer 7

Do what ever you can to protect your credit This day And age you will need all the good credit you can when you turn 18.

Answer 8

This is sooooo outrageous!! Never mind illegal. This can completely blight your credit future. I suggest you immediatly contact the credit bureaus

Better still visit http://www.cheap-credit-cards.org/ for a do-it-yourself credit repair manual and follow the steps to secure your your financial future.

All the best

Answer 9

while you're making lots money which you would be able to help your self, why are you and your mom being evicted & she would be in a position to't have adequate money to maintain you anymore? Why did no longer you step up and pay the expenses so as which you and your mom can stay the place you're? that could desire to truthfully clean up your predicament of having to flow to Missouri.

Answer 10

Actually, you've had your identity stolen.

Check out these articles:
http://www.bankrate.com/ibd/news/debt/20070103_child_identity_theft_g1.asp?prodtype=pfin

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/vg120.shtml

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/12/21/child_identity_theft_how_to_secure_your_kids_against_the_1_fastest-growing_identity_theft.htm

What she's done is illegal. Chances are she won't be prosecuted, regardless. But you need to start cleaning up the mess or you may risk having problems in the near future (like having a difficult time finding a job, or getting a loan of any sort.)