Can Son run up overdraft / credit card bills against my house ?

concerned10

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but our 17yr old son is asking for his birth certificate and passport and has recently stolen money from us.

Could he open a bank account with these and then run up an overdraft which would incur daily charges and then the bank would come to us to pay it, as he lives at my address ?

what would happen, i am very worried about this as he sent the police to my house telling us we had to give him his paperwork or they would arrest us.

Desperate for answer,
Thanks

Mips

He can but bailiffs cant take goods that dont belong to him, and any bad debt will be against his own name and not the house.

RadoJo

What did the police say they would arrest you for if you didn't give him the paperwork?

dzug1

He shouldn't be able to open a bank account that will give him an overdraft - not until he is 18.

I would have thought he is entitled to have his passport/birth certificate whatever.

The bank cannot come after you for his debts unless you guarantee them - though there could be a problem if he fraudlently uses your name.

TFD_2

concerned10 wrote: »

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but our 17yr old son is asking for his birth certificate and passport and has recently stolen money from us.

Could he open a bank account with these and then run up an overdraft which would incur daily charges and then the bank would come to us to pay it, as he lives at my address ?

what would happen, i am very worried about this as he sent the police to my house telling us we had to give him his paperwork or they would arrest us.

Desperate for answer,
Thanks

No he can't get an overdraft as he's under 18, and no the bank can't get you to pay it as it's not your debt.

preable

What would the police arrest you for? He is not legally an adult untill 18 so you can keep his stuff untill then if he lives under your roof?

concerned10

Thanks for the quick replies !

it was my wife who police spoke to - theft of his documents something like that.
from what dippychick said it doesnt look to bad so i feel a bit better thanks
i wouldnt garantee any debts but he might try to forge something.

what would happen though when opens a current account and he goes overdrawn and then starts getting charged daily ?
how long would it be before the bailifs come to get his belongings ?
when could he get a credit card ? is it 18 ? does he need proof of a job ?

[Deleted User]

when could he get a credit card ? is it 18 ? does he need proof of a job ?

At 18 he's allowed to apply for credit cards and overdrafts - it doesn't mean he'll get them though, they may not accept his application. Given his age, he'll not have a credit history (as he'll not have had credit before), is he on the electoral register?, is he working? studying? - lenders are being more cautious who they lend to. But none of his debt, if he manages to run it up, will be connected to you.

Fang_3

You cannot keep his documents. What on earth made you think that you could? Until he's 18, he can't go overdrawn. Does he live with you?

Fang_3

preable wrote: »

What would the police arrest you for? He is not legally an adult untill 18 so you can keep his stuff untill then if he lives under your roof?

On what planet?

Barneysmom

When or if he opens an account could you contact the bank and let them know you will not be signing any kind of guarantee for any loans or credit. Put it in wirting.