Family or Familiar fraud occurs when someone uses the identity and/or financial accounts of their relative, partner, or friend or acquaintance, typically without that person's consent. This type of fraud leverages the access and personal trust the fraudster has due to their proximity to the victim, which makes it easier for them to bypass security controls. This type of fraud is also often harder to detect. It also sometimes occurs in conjunction with other crimes like elder abuse.
Use case/ examples of family or familiar fraud
Account opening fraud: Opening a credit card or a loan in the name of a spouse without their permission, or in the name of a parent or child.
Bank account fraud: Accessing a parent or sibling's bank account to transfer funds.
Credit card fraud: Using a parent's credit card information to make online purchases without permission.
