Neighbor will call cops on me for "credit card fraud & identity theft"

[longtimelurker]

---

@WNA888 wrote:

---

My conclusion is that the neighbor/father is just a crazy, ignorant, and bigoted nutcase, who used his religion as a weapon to inflict pain and suffering on his child, and just spewing out stuff like he knows the law or something.  If anything, he's the one that's committing tax fraud by trying to claim the child, in addition to physically assulting a child, and worst of all, losing a great kid with a bright future.  /SMH

---

Right, but to my mind, that just makes him more dangerous!  Could he convince a buddy in the police to investigate, groundless or not?  I just can't say enough talk to a lawyer.  YOu will get better answers than reading websites or talking to the IRS (who are not bound by their own statements).   As one example, yes, they don't do a credit check on AUs, but in most cases the credit report is updated with a new account, which can impact the score.  Does that matter?  Probably not, but can some colorable action be made by a skillful lawyer?  Hopefully not, but only professionals can give the needed info.

[amakol]

OP, the world is not a fair place. Things don't happen based on what is right or intentions - otherwise we wouldn't have a saying that no good deed goes unpunished. Like Blanche DuBois you are putting too much faith in the kindness (and fairness) of strangers. You sound like a nice guy, but remember that this guy you're dealing with is not and can come at you with full force to make your life miserable for a little bit even if you end up winning (best case) and especially if things don't go your way (worst case).

If I can tell you anything, it's that it is much better to take too many steps to protect yourself and not need them than to be caught unprepared. This will not end nearly as well as it could if that ends up being the case. Be proactive and secure yourself. It would be a big mistake to wait.

As for the rest, of which I don't know enough, good luck.

[09Lexie]

Again, this is not the forum to address these issues.  You are asking for legal advice and no one on this forum can or will give you the definitive answers you seek.

it has been suggested to contact an attorney, if not to get your ducks in a row but so that legally you can be the child's guardian. For example, if the child was injured and taken to the hospital you cannot discuss, give consent or permission for his care. You cannot travel across state lines, you cannot give consent to even let them go on a school trip.

It boggles the mind that you are calling and asking the IRS and googling identity theft when a visit to a pro-bono attorney will quell the anxiety you must be going through.  Whether or not you will get a knock on the door, there are certain things you should know as an adult that you cannot do- you are not the legal guardian, parent or foster parent.

Take the advice that has been offered and seek legal counsel. 

[Gunnar419]

OP, even though I agree with others that you need to talk with a lawyer -- PRONTO -- I also want to thank you for doing such a kind and decent thing for this boy. He's lucky he had you to turn to when he got kicked out and even luckier you've been willing to make such a big, long-term commitment to him.

I hope this works out well for both you and him.

[enharu]

---

@09Lexie wrote:

Again, this is not the forum to address these issues.  You are asking for legal advice and no one on this forum can or will give you the definitive answers you seek.

it has been suggested to contact an attorney, if not to get your ducks in a row but so that legally you can be the child's guardian. For example, if the child was injured and taken to the hospital you cannot discuss, give consent or permission for his care. You cannot travel across state lines, you cannot give consent to even let them go on a school trip.

It boggles the mind that you are calling and asking the IRS and googling identity theft when a visit to a pro-bono attorney will quell the anxiety you must be going through.  Whether or not you will get a knock on the door, there are certain things you should know as an adult that you cannot do- you are not the legal guardian, parent or foster parent.

Take the advice that has been offered and seek legal counsel. 

---

+1. Lexie pretty much sums everything up nicely.

[MJ-san]

OP- please take the advice offered here and talk to a lawyer... both for your own protection and for the protection of the minor.

Also, there are MANY resources for at-risk GLBT youth (and their allies) in Texas - what city are you in? I am certain that between Human Rights Campaign or Gay/Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (national groups) or a local chapter of one of the groups (Out Youth in Dallas and Auston, Hatch Youth in Houston, Youth First Texas in Dallas, etc.) a good legal advocate who knows how to navigate this area can be found. 

Most kids who get kicked out in this kind of scenario end up on the streets and eventually become part of a very sad statistic. You are a hero for helping, now get some help to make sure you don't become a victim yourself.

Karma comes around, and I hope you get a serious bonus for what you've done.

(I know this isn't a credit issue per se, but I hope you do get some assistance!)

[SuperShad]

I agree that you should seek legal counsel.  However IMHO I doubt there's anything he can do about you adding the boy as an authorized user.  As long as you own and are responsible for the credit card account you can add whoever you want to.

[SunriseEarth]

---

@09Lexie wrote:

Again, this is not the forum to address these issues.  You are asking for legal advice and no one on this forum can or will give you the definitive answers you seek.

it has been suggested to contact an attorney, if not to get your ducks in a row but so that legally you can be the child's guardian. For example, if the child was injured and taken to the hospital you cannot discuss, give consent or permission for his care. You cannot travel across state lines, you cannot give consent to even let them go on a school trip.

It boggles the mind that you are calling and asking the IRS and googling identity theft when a visit to a pro-bono attorney will quell the anxiety you must be going through.  Whether or not you will get a knock on the door, there are certain things you should know as an adult that you cannot do- you are not the legal guardian, parent or foster parent.

Take the advice that has been offered and seek legal counsel. 

---

+1.   I would certianly seek legal assistance.  You may want to get in contact with Lambda Legal for legal references.