Getting permission to use the card, but cardholder illegal immigrant

[afzaluddin]

My problem, is that a person had given me his credit card and PIN number, to use for shopping. I had used the card for �15 and �20 and �120 transactions. However i did not know the cardholder was an illegal immigrant whose visa had expired. The cardholder is not going to come forward and tell the police that he gave permission, nor that i doubt the police would be able to contact him, as he does not live at the card's address. The fact that i used small amounts would that affect my case and legal stance, i know that i have broken the law and have been caught on CCTV using the card. Also if the cardholder is not found will the police assume that it stolen!!? Would i also recieve a custodial sentence or get community service. NEED HELP ASAP

[Ethel]

Why do you think it's going to be traced back to you?

Have you been contacted by anyone?

[afzaluddin]

when i went into a store, they asked me for the post code, for the warranty of a digital camera, i thought the post code was being asked for the card details, i then walked out of the store with the card, and the store assistant said that i was being suspicous and trying to be someone else, which they contacted the police and arrested me, who then interviewed me. i told the police that the cardholder is a friend and that he gave me the details to shop for him. they said that they are going to look into the card transaction and match them with CCTV, for which i am sure that they will see me purchasing item. i am on bail and have to go back to the police station next month.

[Ethel]

Did you ever intend paying the credit card bill, or was you trying to defraud the credit card company?

How did your illegal immigrant friend ever get a credit card?

[afzaluddin]

i was going purchasing on behalf of the cardholder, who said that he wanted to buy a few items. Also the illegal immigrant work visa had expired, which made him illegal. However he did have legal work status which is why he had an bank account and card. Could u please maybe give your suggestions please rather than ask all the questions. Ethel sorry dont mean to be rude.

[littlechub]

Hmmm...sounds a tad strange to me, on a few counts, one of which being that if the card was completely legal, the statements would have been sent to and paid by your 'friend'. In which case, of course the police would be able to find out where he lives (although I'm confused as to why YOU wouldn't have told the police where he lives?).
I think there's more to this story than you're telling us - hence, I think, the questions from others.

[Ethel]

I find it hard to believe somebody on a limited work visa would get a credit card.

What would stop them running up thousands of pounds of debt and going home?

[EverClean]

As the Prophet says the Police will make the assumption that you have stolen or cloned this card and you will be charged with fraud and potentially theft.

The card company will push for full charges/compensation.

Please seek professional legal advice.

[afzaluddin]

dont have any previous convictions. If i told the police, that the cardholder is an illegal immigrant, would it help my case in terms of that i did not steal the credit card, instead was buying stuff for the cardholder, who told me to buy stuff for him. I was buying on behalf of the cardholder, and he said that he was going to pay for the bill. Also the person does not live at where the card is registered, so the cardholder may not be found.
Also if the items that i had purchased with the card was returned, will the card company still seek for compensation?

[Markandshez]

Just be honest. Tell the police what you know. If they decide to prosecute you, deal with it. If they don't, be thankful

You have broken the law. Accept responsibility, accept your punishment and move on.

[afzaluddin]

hi, would like to thank everyone for their answers, even to none of it was helpful. The outcome was that my friend's whose work permit has expired did not need to go the police, instead he told the bank that the DID give the card to me, and so therefore the police and the will not press charges, seein as the credit card bill would get paid and that no one has lost out in this case. I know every1 was doubting that i had done some criminal activity and just now am soo glad that its over.
Thanks