fraud

When a family member fakes a serious illness to gain money or sympathy, the fallout can be devastating. Now that the deception has been uncovered, the natural next thought is: What can be done? This is a step-by-step guide that explores legal, financial, and emotional actions victims—or their family members—can take in the aftermath of such a betrayal.

Discovering that your parent took your settlement check can feel like a deep betrayal. While she may claim it was justified, legally, parenting doesn’t entitle her to that money. You may have legal recourse, but it starts with knowing your rights and taking a structured approach to justice.

Your cousin, who always talked big about money and investments, offered to handle your $50,000 settlement. He said he’d invest it for you—help you grow it, make your future secure. You believed him. After all, he’s family. But now he’s ghosting you. No texts, no calls, and no sign of your money. So…what now? Can you sue?

It usually starts with something small—maybe a letter from a credit card company you don’t recognize, or a sudden drop in your credit score that makes no sense. Then, after a bit of digging, it hits you: someone close to you, someone you trust, opened a credit card in your name. And now your credit’s trashed, your finances are in chaos, and you’re left asking what to do next.

Losing money is hard—but it’s especially painful when a family member is responsible. If a loved one forges a check in your name and takes your funds, you have legal rights and multiple options to recover your losses.

If your ex-partner used your car as collateral without your knowledge and can't—or won’t —pay, you could be dealing with a serious case of fraud. Here’s how to respond swiftly and legally.