Fraud

[naomi24]

Having split from his partner, a friend’s son has since discovered that she ordered several thousand pounds worth of clothing and other items using his bank cards. As far as I can ascertain having entered into credit agreements with on-line companies, she has now presented him with a number of final demands for payment and the companies involved have told him that since he was living at the address when the orders were placed he is responsible for payment.

It’s impossible for him to prove to his bank that he didn’t place the orders, but he didn’t, so what’s the solution? Must he just grit his teeth and bear it?

[emmie]

what a cow, surely he can get his stuff back, or doesn't he know what charity shop.....

[barry1010]

I understand now. She ordered goods from different companies with his credit card. The final demands aren't from the credit card company (as I thought) but from the suppliers of the goods.
Is that right?

[naomi24]

barry, yes, that's right. She's entered into credit agreements, in his name and with his cards, with various retail companies and they are now demanding payment.

[naomi24]

She's spiteful, emmie.

[emmie]

she must be to do all that, i would be talking to the police and see what they can do as Danny suggested. This is fraud as you so rightly put.

[Old_Geezer]

If you give others information on your card such that they can use them, isn't that your responsibility as far as the banks are concerned ? The legality of actually using them without permission is a different issue, so maybe get a solicitor to plan what next regarding any accusation of theft (or whatever it's called legally).

[Barmaid]

First thing he needs to do is check his credit report with someone like Experian. That should at least tell him all the credit accounts in his name.

Second is collect all the info together insofar as possible. ie item, date of order/delivery etc. What email address did these companies have? Normally they require an email or at least a phone number. Does he have any text messages or phone messages from her?

He then needs to report this to the police. Yes he can see a solicitor but ultimately it is the police he needs to involve. This could constitute a number of potential charges - depending on what happened and when etc. Without the police involvement the companies will continue to pursue him. He needs to be firm with the police since if he did not give her permission to use his card (there is a difference between explicit permission and hiding your cards) this IS a crime.

[naomi24]

Very many thanks, Barmaid. I'll pass that information on.

[Bobbisox1]

My husband knows where my cards are and I, his
But I’ve never ever used his card and he’s never used mine , then again, IPSec don’t leave them lying around, if said cards were in this mans wallet then surely he’s must have given her them to use but I’ve they were ‘lying around’ he was inviting theft, does she have a bad credit rating that she never had her own cards? Very tricky situation this is for him, I hope he doesn’t have to pay

[Bobbisox1]

Dunno what ISPec is .....

‘I, especially ‘

[emmie]

Barmaid has given very sound advice, let us hope he gets this resolved.

[teacake44]

As barmaid says, this is a crime, he has not given his permission to use the card for these purchases. If it had been a joint card ( both names) then he would have to pay. The problem is proving the crime.

[soxmis_sid]

I find it very sad that everyone is talking about his cards/her cards /my cards. We have joint bank accounts /cards. Why do married couples need separate personal accounts and cards?

[dannyk13]

soxmis //Why do married couples need separate personal accounts and cards?//
They have split up.

[naomi24]

soxmis_sid, they're not married.

[emmie]

i suppose that is one saving grace..

[bhg481]

I don't think you can have a joint credit card. You can have additional card holders on a credit card but one person has to be responsible for the debt.

[ummmm]

My OH's card details are saved on my computer so I could easily shop to my hearts content from his bank account. And I do.

[Peter Pedant]

// I don't think you can have a joint credit card. .......
responsible for the debt.//

there are some pretty terrible answers around
not Barmaid who is wonderful as ever

as far as I am concerned you can have joint credit cards and the creditor can go after any of the holder for the whole of the debt - ("jointly and severally liable.") - judge judy is full of it

I havenever heard of anyone being successful in saying "o that is mine - that one isnt - yes that one is" and the creditor saying - "great well I will go after someone else for the rest of the debt then"
no indeedy

[Peter Pedant]

sorry didnt read the question
single acct
yes fraud deffo