26-year-old reports father for fraud after seeing her credit score drop significantly, she finds out he put her in $7,000 in debt: “I want to believe it’s just a mix-up, but it’s too suspicious”

I remember the first time I got my credit card. I wanted to build my credit score for my future. I remember feeling like it was such a silly system; why on earth would I use a card that's a bank handout, instead of just using the money I actually have through debit? It's like the banks and businesses are asking to be at risk for debt. Regardless of my opinion on credit cards, they exist and they're absolutely crucial for anyone's future. If you want to buy a house, a car, sign a lease, or anything else, you need good credit. 

The amount of people in debt is astronomical. They never teach you in high school about finances or doing your taxes. Maybe it's something that should be taught from an early age, and maybe less people would be in debt. If you're someone who struggles financially, or you feel you've been swindled, the story below might be of interest to you. 

The protagonist is a 26-year-old woman who has had a credit card since she was 18. She made it a point to keep track of her credit to build a good reputation for her future. All of her hard work has been marred by her father, and you'll find out why by reading below. 

Author image for Briana Viser Briana Viser
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  • 01

    AITAH for reporting my dad for fraud because the bank “mistakenly” made me the owner of his $7000+ debt credit card?

    DEBT CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD 7777 3476 Unit N.. be
    via Bigc Studio / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • 02
    I've (F26) had a credit card since my freshman year of college. The goal was to build credit and learn financial responsibility as I transitioned into adulthood. My parents always emphasized the importance of good credit, and I've taken that seriously. I've never missed a payment or been in significant debt.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 03
    Fast forward to now: I've moved out and started working toward major life milestones like buying a car or home things that require a solid credit score. Recently, I noticed my credit score dropping steadily. After some digging, I realized an issue with a credit card linked to my account, which I
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 04
    thought I was only an authorized user on. The card, supposedly in my father's name, was maxed out and over the limit.
    via u/6ixinchheel
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  • 05
    When I initially brought it up to my parents, they explained they added me as an authorized user on my dad's Discover card to help build my credit—a common practice. At the time, it made sense. But as the months went on and my score kept tanking, I repeatedly asked them to remove me from the card. They claimed they were trying to sort it out, but nothing changed.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 06
    Finally, I took matters into my own hands and contacted Discover Bank directly. To my shock, I was told that I am the primary account holder, and my dad is listed as the authorized user. I've never applied for a Discover card, never signed anything, and never had access to this account. Yet here I am, stuck with $7,000 in debt, late payments, and a ruined credit score.
    via u/6ixinchheel

  • This is a truly heartbreaking story. It's so evil and immature for these parents to exploit their daughter's finances this way, and also to spoil her future. How is she supposed to come back from this? Your debt and credit follow you everywhere. She'd have to change her name if she wants it to go away. 

  • 07
    When I pressed for details, Discover couldn't provide the original application with my signature, but all the contact info (email, phone number, address) was in my dad's name. That's odd because if he were the authorized user, why would he have full control over the account? My
    via u/6ixinchheel
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  • 08
    parents insist it's a mistake, but I don't understand how they didn't notice this discrepancy for years- especially since only the account holder can make certain requests or changes.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 09
    Things came to a head when I confronted my mom. She got defensive and accused me of suggesting they did something malicious. I want to believe this is just a mix-up, but the lack of clear answers is suspicious. I don't understand how the card could've been "upgraded" or "matured"
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 10
    wawa USD
    via ValentynVolkov from Getty Images / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • 11
    without my knowledge, and why I was never notified of such a significant change.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 12
    Now, I'm stuck in a terrible situation. My credit is in shambles because of this debt I never agreed to, and I don't know how to fix it. The only option seems to be reporting it as fraud, but if I do that, it could destroy my relationship with my parents. I'm at a loss.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 13
    AITAH for considering reporting this as fraud? Has anyone dealt with something like this before? I'm desperate for advice on how to navigate this without wrecking my family or my financial future. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
    via u/6ixinchheel
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  • 14
    Update: The account is shown as closed on my credit report which is what my dad told me about a month ago when I asked about it again. My mom now says that they are going to work on paying it off but that's not going to help my score now. I really love my parents and this is
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 15
    the first time something like this has happened because they usually have my best interest at heart. If it is the mistake of Discover, I know their legal money is a lot longer than my parents so would it even be worth it if they were innocent. I appreciate all of your advice and I'm going to think on this for a few days heavily.
    via u/6ixinchheel
  • 16
    . Any-Expression2246 • 13h ago You know how to find out real fast if they did it on purpose? Tell them you've reported it as fraud.
    via u/Any-Expression2246
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  • 17
    Cheezburger Image 10461241600
    via DAPA Images / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 18
    TXCRH67 13h ago They knew exactly what they were doing from day 1, they have left you holding the bag for their use of credit. F them, report the fraud, and also call the police and file a report.
    via u/TXCRH67
  • 19
    Immontes 13h ago Fraud. Report it. NTA.
    via u/Immontes
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  • She seems like a really smart woman, and it's such a shame that her parents have stripped her of the opportunity to build good credit. This is really the type of thing that can tear a family apart forever. How are her parents supposed to forgive her for filing a report, and how is she supposed to rebuild trust after they broke it?

  • 20
    cincyaudiodude ⚫ 12h ago If they didn't do this on purpose, then they should have no problem with you filing a fraud report. ΝΤΑ
    via u/cincyaudiodude
  • 21
    s_ox • 12h ago • Edited 12h ago NTA If they indeed made a mistake, ask them to help fix it by getting a personal loan or reverse mortgage or something similar to pay off that card because they were the ones using it 100%. Document that conversation.
    via u/s_ox
  • 22
    If they do help, then at least your card will be paid off (and you should close it) - and you can rebuild your credit. Not the best scenario but you will at least maintain a good relationship with your parents and be able to fix your credit. If they refuse then report it as fraud.
    via u/s_ox
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  • 23
    FordWarrier ⚫ 12h ago Tell your parents they have 5 minutes to tell you exactly what's going on and how they plan to resolve it immediately or you have no choice but to report the credit card fraud.
    via u/FordWarrier
  • 24
    For whatever their reason, your parents took out a credit card under your name. This was deliberate. Now, you're suffering the consequences of their actions; you're looking at years of bad credit because of them. NTA I would report it.
    via u/FordWarrier

Like what you see? Find more hilarious women's memes and crazy stories on our Instagram @Cheezcake_Humor and more videos on our TikTok @cheezcaked 


 

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