For many retirees, financial security is the result of decades of hard work and careful planning. But that security is increasingly vulnerable—not just to market shifts or medical costs, but to family. A growing number of adult children are secretly borrowing against their parents’ credit, often without consent. Whether it’s opening credit cards, taking out loans, or using home equity, this form of financial abuse can go unnoticed for years. The emotional fallout is just as damaging as the financial loss.
Why It Happens
Adult children may justify borrowing as a temporary fix—covering bills, paying off debt, or funding emergencies. In some cases, they believe they’ll pay it back before anyone notices. Others feel entitled to their parents’ resources, especially if they’ve provided care or support. But regardless of intent, using someone’s credit without permission is fraud. Seniors may not discover the deception until their credit score drops, collection calls begin, or they’re denied financing.
That said, there are some things you can do to stop this from happening to you. First and foremost, review shared access to your accounts. In some instances, a parent might give a child access to online banking, credit cards, or even the power of attorney. While these arrangements can be helpful, they also create opportunities for misuse. Some adult children use stored credentials to apply for loans or credit cards in their parents’ name. Others add themselves as authorized users and rack up charges. Because the accounts are technically active, banks may not flag the activity as suspicious.
There are also some warning signs you can watch for to prevent your child from taking advantage. Here’s what to look out for.
- Be alert to unexplained charges, new accounts you didn’t open, or sudden drops in credit score.
- Look out for mail from unfamiliar lenders, calls from debt collectors, or changes in account access.
- If a child becomes defensive when asked about finances or insists on handling all paperwork.
- Transparency and regular review of financial statements are key to catching problems early.
If you think that a loved one has been borrowing against your credit without your permission, there are some things you can do. But it’s important to take action ASAP.
How to Confront the Issue
Addressing financial abuse within the family is emotionally complex. Start with a calm, direct conversation. Ask about specific transactions and request explanations. If the child admits to borrowing, discuss repayment and boundaries. If they deny it, but evidence suggests otherwise, consider involving a neutral third party—like a financial advisor or elder law attorney.
In severe cases, legal action may be necessary to protect assets and credit. It’s important to note that if you want to recover any of the money lost or get the charges removed from your credit report, you will have to press charges.
Steps to Protect Your Credit
If you’re afraid of what the activity has done to your credit, there are some steps you can take to protect your score.
- Seniors should monitor their credit regularly using free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert with the major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Limit shared access to accounts and avoid storing passwords in shared devices.
- Use alerts and two-factor authentication to track account activity in real time.
Sometimes, a power of attorney is necessary. If so, choose someone trustworthy and review the document with a lawyer. Taking these steps can go a long way in protecting your credit.
When to Involve Authorities
As mentioned above, it may be necessary to press charges against your child. This is a difficult thing to face, but it is needed in some cases.
If unauthorized borrowing has occurred, report it to the financial institution immediately. You may need to file a police report or contact Adult Protective Services, especially if the abuse is ongoing. Identity theft protection services can help restore credit and prevent future fraud. While involving authorities can strain family relationships, protecting your financial future must come first.
Prevention Is the Best Defense
The best way to stop adult children from borrowing against your credit is to prevent the opportunity. Clear communication, strong safeguards, and regular oversight can make all the difference. Financial abuse is often a symptom of deeper issues—stress, entitlement, or lack of boundaries. Addressing those root causes can protect your finances and preserve family relationships.
If you haven’t checked your credit report this year, do it today—it’s your first line of defense.
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