“Okay,” I said softly, pretending to agree.
They relaxed immediately as if the matter was settled. I finished dinner without arguing and left soon after, keeping my expression neutral.
Back at my apartment, I could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. I checked my credit report out of habit and saw an account I had never opened. It showed a loan for eighty four thousand dollars under my name.
The address linked to the account was my parents’ house.
The next morning, I called the lending company immediately. The representative told me the identity verification had already passed. She suggested I file a police report and freeze my credit.
I followed her instructions even though my mind felt overwhelmed. After that, I contacted the background check company handling my new job.
They told me everything would be reviewed within forty eight hours. I realized my job could disappear because of something I did not do.
I called my mother but she did not answer. My father finally picked up and denied knowing anything about the loan. His voice became defensive and he ended the call quickly.