Foster Mom Drained My $17K College Fund—Here’s How I’m Fighting Back

“My foster parent stole my college funding, then swore it never existed.” 😟
— u/Inevitable_Emu8817, 24F

My foster parent stole my college funding, then swore it never existed

I lived with my foster mother (60F) for 11 years—never adopted, always “temporary.” In 2018 I started college, only to pause my studies two years later. The first red flag? She banned me from opening my own bank account, insisting every scholarship, grant, and FAFSA disbursement flow into her Navy Federal account. 📑

She filled out everything—FAFSA forms, school logins, even email addresses—under her name. I could peek at my student portal, but any time I asked for passwords she’d “forget” them. When I pressed for updates at the bank, the answer was always the same: “Sorry, nothing came in.” 🤔

Fast-forward to 2020: I moved out with just $300 in my pocket. After wrestling with BankMobile to reclaim my login, the truth surfaced—$17,692 in scholarships and grants had been rerouted straight to her account. Meanwhile, she’d already been paid by the county to care for me and even swiped my EBT card for groceries. 🥲

Shocked and broke, I filed a police report (it took three stations to find the right one), emailed my former social worker and lawyer, and now wait for an investigator. The good news? College is tuition-free for former foster youth in my state, so at least I have no loans hanging over me. 🎓

Top Reddit Repliesu/TreeCommercial44: “I grew up in foster care—sadly, some foster parents exploit the kids.”u/Inevitable_Emu8817: “She started taking lavish trips right after my scholarships hit… makes sense now.” 😒u/Rey-Mysterio-Jr: “Remember, many foster parents do have good intentions. Don’t paint them all with one brush.”u/Ladydi-bds: “Seek a lawyer ASAP—you deserve every cent back.”u/VeveMaRe: “Under FERPA, she lost access once you turned 18. Also check for loans in your name!”

My advice to others? 📢 Guard your logins, open your own account the minute you turn 18, and never hesitate to demand transparency—no matter who’s “in charge.” If someone steals your future, fight back and keep receipts. Good luck, and don’t give up! 💪

Sources: Reddit
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