Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi. I am a full-time carer to my 25 year old autistic daughter. My daughter made friends with a girl, who turns out wasn't a friend at all. She got my daughter to open shopping accounts and order items. She told my daughter she would give her the money to pay for these things, so my daughter believed her cause that's what she said she would do. This girl has maxed out numerous accounts which are in my daughters name and hasn't paid for a thing. I don't even know where she has gone but I am getting countless debt collectors letters, solicitors letters and even had them turn up at my house. I am trying to explain to them what happened and that my daughter doesn't have to capacity to understand that the girl was lying and she doesn't have any of the items purchased. Has anyone else been in this situation or similar and can offer any advice before I get bailiffs turning up and removing things from my house. Thank you
This is matter for the police, who I'd suggest you call as soon as possible. It looks like a textbook example of what is known as "mate crime" - a form of disability hate crime, which in this case includes financial abuse. Experts advise informing both the police and your local adult safeguarding team.
Some resources that may help:
Easy read guide to mate crime - and advice on what to do:https://arcuk.org.uk/safetynet/files/2012/08/Friend-or-Fake-Booklet.pdf
Mencap guide:https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/wellbeing/bullying/mate-and-hate-crime
Citizens Advice guide:https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/hate-crime/get-help-if-youve-experienced-a-hate-crime-or-hate-incident/
An example of a local adult safeguarding service (obviously find your local one):https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/adult-social-care/adult-safeguarding