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
Dear NAS94078,
We are sorry to hear that this has happened to your daughter.
You may want to report this to the police. Autistic people are more likely to be victims and witnesses of crime than offenders. Our guidance offers information on how to make the Criminal Justice System experience better for autistic people and their families. It includes more information on what to do if your child is witness or a victim of a crime: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/criminal-justice/criminal-justice/autistic-adults
Kind Regards,
Rosie Mod