Its a form of legal robbery. If they need money tell them to get a straightforward loan, they'll be much better off. A mortgage has to be paid back and the trouble is house values change and that means over time they go UP. The interest will go up with it and so will the debt. They or their heirs will be paying far in excess of the original value of the loan. Dont do it.

Banks are in the business of making money. They are not charities. Its the pound of flesh thing.