Fraudulent Transaction

AdamB72

Hello,

I have an opus card that I cleared the balance on 18 months ago and I haven't used it since but I needed to use it last week and it was rejected.
So I decided to log on and have a look at my account, I noticed that there was a transaction for national express in Feb and subsequent late payment charges.
I moved house 6 months ago and completely forgot to update my detail with them so I guess any letters would have been sent to my old address.
I was told by Opus that they would open a fraudulent transaction case but that I am still responsible for maintaining the dept until the case is resolved.
I dont see why I should have to clear a dept that was not created by me.
Should I clear the dept and then get it refunded or just leave it unpaid until the case is resolved where they will clear the dept?
I dont really want to pay Opus anything as money is tight right now.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Adam.

grumbler

'dept' is short for 'department'

Paul_01

grumbler wrote: »

'dept' is short for 'department'

I think that was just a typo? Was meant to say 'debt'.

AdamB72

Sorry my bad, yes it was a typo. I do mean debt.

chattychappy

AdamB72 wrote: »

I was told by Opus that they would open a fraudulent transaction case but that I am still responsible for maintaining the dept until the case is resolved.
I dont see why I should have to clear a dept that was not created by me.

They are wrong. Since you have disputed the transaction, it is for the CC to prove that the transaction was yours (or that you were fraudulent or in some circumstances grossly negligent). They cannot require you to make payments, charge interest or report you to the CRAs in the meantime.

Assuming a positive outcome, they must restore the account to where it would have been had the fraud not happened. However it is possible they could still hold you liable for the interest given your delay in reporting the matter.

If there is a negative outcome, then they can certainly apply and chase for the interest as well as other charges.

AdamB72 wrote: »

Should I clear the dept and then get it refunded or just leave it unpaid until the case is resolved where they will clear the dept?

Paying shouldn't prejudice your position - ie you should get it back. For small amounts I'd probably do this in order to avoid the hassle of getting CRA reports corrected. But you're beyond that I suppose and as you say, you're tight for money.

Good luck!