Is this fraud?

ShinyKnight

Hi,
New to these forums, so not sure where to post.
A friend of mine wants me to get a credit card so that I can pay them back quicker and have the debt in my name. But, I've never had, nor want a credit card!
They did a search and started an application to see if I would qualify for one.
They used my name, address, date of birth on the application.
I'm rather upset about it and would like to know if this is fraud or a chargeable offence?
I'm happy to pay them back, but cannot afford the full amount.
Thank you in advance

TheEffect

ShinyKnight wrote: »

Hi,
New to these forums, so not sure where to post.
A friend of mine wants me to get a credit card so that I can pay them back quicker and have the debt in my name. But, I've never had, nor want a credit card!
They did a search and started an application to see if I would qualify for one.
They used my name, address, date of birth on the application.
I'm rather upset about it and would like to know if this is fraud or a chargeable offence?
I'm happy to pay them back, but cannot afford the full amount.
Thank you in advance

Yes, it is fraud, and they are not your 'friend'.

Anthorn

Debateable: At first sight it looks to me like identity theft. But they haven't stolen anything. As far as I can see from the OP they didn't finish the application and therefore probably did not sign an agreement in your name.

It probably is fraud but would need to be arbitrated in a court of law.

Robisere

At the very least, it's Identity Theft, if you did not give permission. And/or an offence against the Data Protection Act.

Write (yes write) to them, expressing your gratitude for the loan. Set out your intention to pay them back the money in the instalments that you can afford, at the dates you decide. State that you are hurt by their action in using your identity in this manner. Keep a copy of the letter, preferably printed.

They can only accept or reject your intention. If they phone in anger, ask them to read and consider the letter again and hang up.

iammumtoone

Are you passed the date you agreed to give them the money back they lent you?

They obviously need/want their money back so are trying to get you to do this. Did you tell them you couldn't get a credit card so they through they would check if you were telling the truth :eek:

It still doesn't make it right what they did. I suggest the best thing is to pay them back now and end the friendship.

Never borrow money from friends, it rarely ends well.

ShinyKnight

Thank you all for your comments. Much appreciated...

Anthorn wrote: »

As far as I can see from the OP they didn't finish the application and therefore probably did not sign an agreement in your name.

It probably is fraud but would need to be arbitrated in a court of law.

No, they never completed the application. They said it was just to see if I 'could' get a credit card.

iammumtoone wrote: »

Are you passed the date you agreed to give them the money back they lent you?

They obviously need/want their money back so are trying to get you to do this. Did you tell them you couldn't get a credit card so they through they would check if you were telling the truth :eek:

It still doesn't make it right what they did. I suggest the best thing is to pay them back now and end the friendship.

Never borrow money from friends, it rarely ends well.

No agreement on a timescale was mentioned.


They helped me out to move house because I was being evicted due to rent arrears.

Biggles

You need to start paying back in instalments in a controlled - and, if possible, agreed - fashion.

You absolutely don't want a credit card; it would then be out of your control and would cost you much more.

Forget your friend's stupidity re the card application. And, probably, forget your friend after you've paid off the loan.....

CLAPTON

what exactly did they do?
what doucumentation and/or proof do you have about the matter?
why aren't you paying them the money you owe them?

d70cw6

never pay them back.
win win.

saver861

ShinyKnight wrote: »

They helped me out to move house because I was being evicted due to rent arrears.

It sounds like you would do well to try and get your financial matters in order.

You would have difficulty getting a credit card if you have had a bad payment history. If not, getting a credit card might well get you a bad history double quick.

redpete

TheEffect wrote: »

Yes, it is fraud, and they are not your 'friend'.

We weren't told the full story.

Now we know that this person has loaned the OP an amount of money to get them out of a difficult situation, that money is not being paid back as quickly as the lender expected. Seems things started out 'friendly' enough.