Submitted by Glum-Supermarket9295 t3_yr4gb1 in personalfinance
So when I first turned 18, my older sister came to me and asked me if she could use my SSN to open up a light bill. She was a single mom with two kids at the time and was really struggling, and I felt sorta obligated to help. I really love my niece and nephew and when she told me they couldn't even watch TV I felt so bad. She made me promise not to tell my mom and swore it'd be temporary and that she wouldn't miss a payment because she knows how important credit is. At the time, I didn't really know myself and wasn't too worried because I knew I wasn't getting my own place anytime soon (I was just starting college). She ended up lying and let the bill go over thousands of dollars without me knowing because I was under the impression she was always paying it. Once I found out, I called and had them close the account so she wouldn't make it go higher. Now she's refusing to pay it and I don't know what to do.. I spoke to the company and they sent me identity theft/fraud paperwork to fill out. She says she won't get in trouble and it's not fraud since I told her it was OK. But some people are telling me permission or not, it's a crime. I just wanted to know what I should do? I don't really have adults around me for guidance or advice
** Just wanted to add a thank you to everyone who’s helping me and being so kind. It makes me feel so much better to know there’s people out there who want to help.
And for some extra context, I am in CT