Honestly, I hated when we balanced the checkbook! It could possibly take hours to do because I was off by as little as a penny. Or perhaps I didn't have the right answer to a receipt purchase. (It was usually followed by intense scrutiny and accusations that I was cheating.) Here are forms of financial abuse and below is the video for this post. You can find more videos on my FB page (Click here) Hope when there was none
Ruin Credit- not paying bills or opening accts without approval fraudulently
Overdrawing bank accounts
Files for bankruptcy without your knowledge
Giving an allowance and every cent is tracked
You have to turn over any money you have
Bumming money off you- slowly gives you a sob story
Refuse to work or stop working
Refuse/Inconsistent to pay support/alimony or lies about income so they pay lower support
Deny they are the biological parent
Don't supply health insurance if ordered or promised to do so
Stop paying housing so you are evicted
Stop paying on utilities so they are turned off
Steal your welfare checks/card
Someone is taking interest in your finances- say they have an investment opportunity
Steal money from you or family
Never seem to have money of their own
They misuse funds- frivolously, you are always behind in bills
They destroy property you own or that you own together
Taking a life insurance policy for you
Force you to have access to your finances, Will, business, or Power of Attorney
You are not allowed to have a loan, bank account, car, house or job or make it impossible to access
Demand their name is on your account
Keep a paper trail of these things- have a private ledger
Try to get you fired from your job, may harass you at your job, make you late or miss work
If you are going back to school they may also harass you, make you late, miss school
Smear campaign at your workplace or school
Limit your hours that you work
Not help with childcare
Demand access to your accounts/passwords
Doesn't consult you in private or business decisions
Forces you to go into a career or start a business you are not interested in
Forces you to make fraudulent medical/tax claims or documents for business/personal
Reports “You” for fraud
Refuses to finalize your divorce
May take out a protective order or tie you up in court fraudulently in retaliation
Refuse to give you funds for necessities- food, money, medication, bills, transportation
What can you do? Leave, file a police report, keep a paper trail, contact an attorney to find out if you are liable for fraud. Contact credit reporting companies about possible fraud, ask for an alert to be put on for large purchases. They will decline any big-ticket items and you will need to call and verify that you are purchasing.
Change your password/pins- To something affirming- I am loved, I am a survivor, No more
Squirrel money away!
Open a bank account
Make copies of important papers, loans, bills, check stubs, documentation of payments under the table
Contact your employer about what is going on- Your focus may be off and it may be noticed
This is a lot to process! But, learning how you can begin to protect yourself is so empowering! You are not alone! If you need to talk with someone or resources I am happy to help. I'm not an attorney or counselor but I am someone that understands. I've been where you are!
Stay safe!
BIG HUGS!
Mel
Here is a link to the Financial Abuse video
