Financial Abuse

If the abuser has accumulated debt in your name that has not been paid on a timely basis, this will likely affect your credit negatively. However, depending on the factors in your specific situation, it may be possible to challenge some of the debt or to take steps to improve your credit score to try to undo some of the damage. You may want to reach out to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a nonprofit organization for more information and other ideas, tips, and strategies. Be wary of ever paying for credit counseling or repair since those can often be fraudulent. Going with a non-profit credit counseling organization is generally recommended by advocates in the field. Note: WomensLaw is not affiliated with this organization and cannot vouch for their services.

Keep in mind that you will most likely be held responsible for the debt on any accounts that you co-signed. If this describes your situation, please read more under the Getting your money back and other help section.

If the abuser has used your identity to commit fraud, the abuser may have committed identity theft. Please read If someone opened up accounts in my name without my permission, is this identity theft?