When The Family Feuds
Losing money under any circumstance is tough, but losing money on account of a dishonest family member is truly heartbreaking. If you find yourself in a situation like this, where a family member has forged a check in your name and stolen your funds, there are several paths of actions you can take to recoup your loss.
Here’s a breakdown of your rights, lawful options, and how to protect yourself.
Check Forgery Is Unlawful, Even Within A Family
It may be your daughter, but the law doesn’t excuse forgery based on family ties. Forging someone’s signature on a financial instrument like a check constitutes fraud, an offense that can lead to prosecution regardless of personal relationships.
Intent To Repay Doesn’t Erase The Offense
Even if your daughter promises to “pay you back,” that doesn’t undo the forgery. Intent to reimburse might be used as a mitigating factor during sentencing—but it does not make the act any more permissible in the court of law.
You Can Absolutely Press Charges—But It’s Complicated
Yes, you can press charges. However, pursuing charges against a family member is emotionally difficult. Law enforcement will treat this as a case of theft, which could lead to stained records, court hearings, and potential time in the slammer for your daughter.
You’ll Need To File A Report
To get things started, you need to file a police report. When you go in to do so, make sure you bring all documentation and evidence you have regarding the offense. This could include bank statements, the forged checks, and even messages between you and your daughter.
Banks Require An Affidavit
Before getting the bank to take action on your behalf, you'll need to submit an Affidavit of Check Fraud. This claim will confirm that you didn't authorize the transactions made by your daughter. Check with your bank to confirm the process, but in most cases you may need to get the document notarized. You also need to submit this claim as soon as possible.
Time Is Of The Essence: Notify Your Bank Immediately
Contact your bank the moment you detect the missing funds. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your funds. Most banks are federally required to resolve these types of disputes within 10–20 business days.
Your Bank Might Reimburse You—But Conditions Apply
Banks usually reimburse victims of check forgery, especially if it’s proven the signature was forged. But if you waited too long to report or showed negligence (like leaving signed checks unsecured), your reimbursement may be denied.
Close Or Freeze Your Account
If your checkbook or account number has been compromised (in this case, by your daughter), close your checking account or place a hold on it. Reopen a new account and update any automatic payments or deposits.
Ask Your Bank for Details On How The Check Was Cashed
Get all available information about the forged check: where it was cashed, what ID was presented, and if a bank employee verified the transaction. These details may clarify whether the bank followed proper protocol—or if liability lies with them.
Even Washed Checks Can Be Forged
Perpetrators (or in this case, dishonest family members) often use chemical solvents to “wash” checks—removing ink while leaving the paper intact. They then fill in new details. If you notice blank or partially erased checks, take action immediately.
Your Daughter May Have Opened the Door to Identity Theft
If she accessed your account number and personal details, she may have exposed you to broader identity theft risks. This includes the potential misuse of your Social Security number, online accounts, or other financial tools.
Freeze Your Credit to Protect Against Further Damage
A credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. It’s free, easy to set up, and doesn’t impact your credit score.
Tyler Lahti, Wikimedia Commons
Report The Incident To The FTC
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. An FTC Identity Theft Report gives you additional protection and may support your case when dealing with the bank or law enforcement.
United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Wikimedia Commons
Check Your Credit Report For Other Red Flags
Situations like this rarely stop at one forged check. Download your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and look for suspicious accounts or inquiries. Address anything you don’t recognize immediately.
Contact Check Verification Companies
Third-party companies like TeleCheck and Certegy track fraudulent check activity. Ask your bank who they use, and contact them directly to stop more checks from being accepted in your name.
Talk to a Lawyer Before Confronting Your Daughter Legally
If you’re thinking about pressing charges, consult a lawyer. They can help you understand the process, your rights, and the possible outcomes—including whether civil recovery is possible without filing charges.
You Can Sue Your Daughter For The Stolen Money
Considering your family ties, you may decide not to press charges. If so, you can still file a civil suit. In that case, she will still be held accountable to the law while still shielding her from any more sever consequences.
Understand The Emotional Impact
Beyond the legalities, familial theft is emotionally devastating. You may feel torn between protecting your finances and protecting your relationship. Therapy and mediation can be helpful tools in working through this crisis.
Your Daughter’s Financial Desperation Isn’t A Defense
Wedding or not, your daughter's intentions do not justify her actions, specifically in the court of law. Considering her intentions weren't malicious, courts might show her some leniency. However, they will still hold her accountable to repay her debt.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Future Precaution: Secure Your Checks and Bank Info
Take the time to ensure you are protecting your information as much as possible. Keep tabs on your checkbook, putting it somewhere secure when it is not on your person. Don't leave checks in unsecured mailboxes. And when writing a check, use a gel pen, as they are less likely to be washed out than a ballpoint pen.
Identity Theft Protection Is Worth Considering
A service like Aura can monitor your credit, bank accounts, and even the Dark Web for signs of fraudulent activity. This added layer of defense can alert you early and help mitigate damage before it worsens.
If She’s Willing to Repay, Get It in Writing
If you prefer not to press charges or file a civil suit, still take precautions to secure yourself. If your daughter agrees to pay you back, contact a lawyer to help you create a repayment agreement. The terms, due dates, and any consequences for defaulting should all be laid out.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Justice—However You Define It
Whether you go to the authorities, take her to court, or settle privately, your trust has been violated. You didn’t ask to be put in this position—but you have every right to protect yourself and seek justice on your own terms.
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