Unauthorised use of credit card

Liadie

Hi, don't know if you can help me, it's a strange one.
I found charges on my bank account that I had not authorised. Upon investigations, I found that my minor son had used my credit card to access adult sites. I want to know what my rights are, and if I can get my money back.
I have contacted the site that charged my card. They told me that as he is a minor he is my responsibilty but my argument is that I am the account holder and did not authorise the charges and the fact that he is a minor and can't legally become a member of these sites.
The membership has been cancelled, so I believe that I am entitled to a refund as they have received money for a membership that was closed within a week.
The total charge is $44.27 AUD.
Please help. Thanks.

Hintza

Your son is your responsibility and you have left your card unattended I think you should just take it on the chin. £30 is a cheap lesson.

Why should the company suffer for your lack of supervision?

(I don't want to be judgemental we all have children who do similar things at one time or another)

Just thank your lucky stars it wasn't $4,427!!:eek:

arcon5

This damn blame culture does my head in :wall:

chalkie99

Liadie wrote: »

it's a strange one.

No, it's not a strange one.

Your son has used your credit card dishonestly.

Thank your lucky stars it is such a small amount, clip him around the ear, deduct the cost from his pocket money and log into the website and make sure he hasn't signed up for a recurring subscription.

Then keep your credit card safe in future.

visidigi

talk about clutching at straws...

the 'minor' is your responsiblity
the 'minor' clearly has too many rights on the PC they use
the 'minor' clearly had access to your wallet/credit card

You might claim that they can't charge you as you did not authorise the card but they have a simple answer to that point - you have a responsiblity to provide due care and attention to your wallet and cards to ensure thye cannot be misused.

If you handed your wallet to a stranger who was under age and they spent all your money you couldn't plead ignorance and the banks/credit card company certainly wouldn't entertain covering the loss.

I think you just need to withhold pocket money till the minor has repair the debt.

squeaky

You might also wander over to the techy board and check up on how to set up parental controls - not to mention making sure that he hasn't saved all your card details somewhere! And change your log-in password etc.

Might be a good idea to change your card too.

soolin

squeaky wrote: »

You might also wander over to the techy board and check up on how to set up parental controls - not to mention making sure that he hasn't saved all your card details somewhere! And change your log-in password etc.

Might be a good idea to change your card too.

I think this is a good idea, even if it seems awful that you have to protect yourself against your child it may save a few heartaches in future.

DCFC79

The card is your responsibility so where ever you kept it obviously wasnt too good. Take it on the chin and pay up, be thankful it wasn't $442.70 or $4,427. Maybe try hiding your card in a place thats out of reach for him.

DVardysShadow

I agree with the others.

But if you are going to press the point about the transaction being unauthorised and get your money refunded - which I think you could do, the price will be that you must declare it a crime, and be prepared to declare everything you know to the police - which will put your son into the criminal system.

whatmichaelsays

DVardysShadow wrote: »

I agree with the others.

But if you are going to press the point about the transaction being unauthorised and get your money refunded - which I think you could do, the price will be that you must declare it a crime, and be prepared to declare everything you know to the police - which will put your son into the criminal system.

This is a point worth making. The bank could cover you if you declare this as "fraudulent use" but they will expect you to report the matter to the police.

pitkin2020

I would also cancel the credit card just in case your son has subscribed to other sites or has the card details written down for further use at a later date!!

As others have said your son is your responsibility, if you want to report the matter as fraud then you are within your rights to do so. Personally I would deal with it in house and make my son do enough chores to cover the £30 cost !!!