My brother is charging stuff on Dad’s credit card.
By Carol O'Dell, Caring.com contributing editor
Last updated:
November 17, 2010
dailyreader
said...
over 1 year ago
Can a relative, wife, son, daughter, use another relatives credit card without them knowing it, and cause the credit card company to take that relatives home? Can another relative be held responsible for charges incurred on a family members credit card, other than their own?
An anonymous caregiver
said...
over 1 year ago
All of the comments are correct. Do something right now to stop this or your dad will end up like my mom. Her daughter took everything from her, house, credit cards and cash!
CA-Claire
said...
over 1 year ago
I echo the answers given. It's just too easy to use a credit card and take advantage of someone. Before I started using my parents' gas card, I spoke with my siblings (all too far away to care for Mom/Dad). The assented to the use as a way to partially pay me back for the caretaking I need to do - runs about $350/month.
It would be easy to use it more and take advantage, but I want to be very careful and keep from abusing the privilege.
newby1961
said...
over 1 year ago
I would think there would be a way to contact the credit card company and get some idea from them how you could put a safety on the card so he can't just use it. Maybe there is a way to have to have two signatures to use the card? I don't know but its worth checking out. Good luck
gala62
said...
over 1 year ago
I would add that it might be worthwhile to determine if your father even needs a credit card any longer. This happened in my family.
My mother and uncle both share caretaking duties for my grandmother (although Grandma lives in a very nice old folks home), they drive her around, help with bills, etc. My uncle began using grandma's card to buy some things for himself. Being the favorite, he could talk my very frugal grandmother into anything and I truly think he MEANT to pay it back...only the money was never there ("I should have enough next month").
Finally my mother (who has POA) had enough, took the card and had it canceled. He was very upset but my mom was honest with him about Grandma's financial situation and surprisingly their relationship is better now than it has been in years. Men need clear, direct communication without a lot of emotion.


