AITA For Filing A Police Report On My Mother?

Imagine picking up the phone to a collection agency demanding $1800 for a cable bill you never signed up for, only to discover your own mother used your identity years ago. This is the harsh reality one young adult faced, their credit tarnished by a betrayal from the person meant to protect them. At just 15, their Social Insurance Number was misused, leaving them in a financial mess years later.

Now, confronted with their mother’s tearful excuses and pleas, they stand at a crossroads: file a police report to clear their name or let the debt linger, risking their financial future. The Reddit post lays bare the sting of manipulation and the weight of a decision no one should have to make, especially when family is involved.

‘AITA for filing a police report on my mother?’

This heartbreaking scenario reveals the devastating impact of familial identity theft, where trust and finances collide. The mother’s actions, using her child’s SIN for a cable bill, constitute a serious breach, leaving her child to face collectors years later. Financial expert Suze Orman stresses, “Your credit score is your financial fingerprint; protect it fiercely” . Here, the mother’s betrayal jeopardizes that protection, forcing a tough choice.

The mother’s manipulative response—gaslighting and guilt-tripping—complicates the decision to file a police report. This tactic often stems from shame or fear of consequences, but it unfairly shifts blame onto the victim. Identity theft by a parent is not uncommon; a 2018 FTC report noted over 30,000 cases of familial identity theft annually . The mother’s claim that jail time would harm her younger child adds emotional pressure, yet it doesn’t erase the financial harm done.

Legally, the individual has a strong case, as minors cannot enter contracts, rendering the debt voidable. However, clearing it requires a fraud report, which may lead to fines or, less likely, jail time for the mother, especially if the amount exceeds $999. The emotional cost—potential family estrangement—clashes with the practical need to restore credit for future loans or housing.

To resolve this, the individual should place fraud alerts on their credit reports via Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and dispute the debt as fraudulent, citing their minor status at the time. Consulting a lawyer, as suggested on Reddit, can clarify options without relying on collectors’ advice. Rebuilding credit with a secured card and maintaining boundaries with the mother can secure their financial future while navigating family ties.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Redditors overwhelmingly supported the individual, condemning the mother’s identity theft as a selfish act that jeopardizes their financial stability. Many emphasized that protecting one’s credit is critical, urging the individual to file the police report and dispute the debt, as it could affect loans, housing, or jobs.

Suggestions included checking credit reports for other fraudulent accounts and using fraud alerts to prevent further misuse. While some acknowledged the mother’s potential consequences, like fines, the consensus was clear: the individual’s right to a clean financial slate outweighs her manipulative pleas.

This story underscores the painful reality of familial betrayal and the fight to reclaim one’s financial identity. The individual faces a tough choice, balancing their future against family ties strained by deceit. Have you or someone you know dealt with a similar betrayal? How would you handle the conflict between protecting your future and family loyalty?