Take these steps to repair your credit after ID theft by parent

By Erica Sandberg

Opening Credits

Erica Sandberg is a prominent personal finance authority and author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families." Ask a question. 'Opening Credits' stories

Dear Opening Credits,
I'm 19 and about to go to college and have been trying to educate myself about getting good credit. So I pulled my free credit reports and found out I already have miserable credit. I spoke to my mom, and she got all squirrely. I called my dad -- they're recently divorced -- and he basically said mom had opened the accounts after the divorce when things were tough financially. So, great, my mom stole my identity. Obviously, I don't want to call the cops on her, but what do I do? Any help would be appreciated. -- Tina

Dear Tina,
I really hate to hear a story like this. It breaks my heart. Sadly, I've heard it many times before, so if company gives you some solace, please take it. Your mother used dreadfully bad judgment and what she did was absolutely wrong. However, my guess is that she probably didn't steal your identity, take out cards in your name and wreck your credit maliciously. More likely, it was because she was desperate and in some kind of pressing financial position during the divorce. Mind that I am no way excusing her actions -- I'm just letting you know that, in my experience, when parents do things like this, it's usually because they just aren't thinking right at the time.

Thankfully, you can recover from the crime -- yes, what she did is illegal whether or not you press charges -- and the damage it has caused.

Your first step is to get the outstanding debts paid. You did not charge on the fraudulently opened credit cards, your mom did, and she's the one who should cough up the money. I would like you to talk to her. So far she hasn't been mature enough to approach you and explain what happened, even now that she knows that you know the truth. She's probably profoundly ashamed of herself. No matter, a discussion about how she can make financial amends is in order. Paying these accounts yourself should not be your responsibility. If she doesn't have the means to pay, ask your father to step in and help out.

Trust has been badly broken, so if you don't think she'll make good on the debt, then contact the credit card companies and explain to them exactly what happened. They've heard this story before, believe me. Tell them that you want to handle this problem outside of the court system and ask how they can help. Make sure the accounts are closed, too, and if they aren't, close them.

If the debt has migrated over to a collection agency, however, talking won't do a lot of good. Collectors typically don't accept installment payments, so once you have the cash -- perhaps from your mom or dad -- pay the cards off in full. As time passes, the delinquencies and charge-offs will have less and less impact on your credit history and score. After seven years, all evidence of the problem will come off your report.

Soon you will be busy with college life, but perhaps you'll be working a bit, too. If so, see if you can get a credit card in your name, so you can counter the ugly past with a beautiful present and future. Charge small amounts, pay on time and keep debt at zero. Do so, and you just may graduate with excellent credit despite the rough beginning. In the meantime, if you're worried about student loans and grants, fret not -- credit scores are not eligibility factors for federally guaranteed loans. Finally, I hope you can salvage your relationship with your mom.

Good luck.

See related: 10 tips for dealing with debt collection, collectors, Key federal laws that protect credit cardholders, 10 things you must know about credit scores and reports, Add a 100-word statement to your credit report

Erica Sandberg's articles and insight are featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Pregnancy, Babytalk, Redbook, Bank Investment Consultant, Prosper.com, MSNMoney.com, and Smartmoney.com. An active television and radio commentator, Erica is the credit and money management expert for San Francisco’s KRON-TV, a frequent guest on Forbes Video Network, Fox Business News, Businessweek-TV, and all Bay Area networks. Prior to launching her own reporting and consulting business, she was affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of San Francisco where she counseled individuals, conducted educational workshops, and led the media relations department. Erica is a member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and on the advisory committee for Project Money.

Send your question to Erica.

Published: July 21, 2010

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