Is this fraud?

bris

Two sides to every story, perhaps the friend will make a post now, "help lent a friend in need money now they wont pay me back"

midnight_express

People seem to be forgetting that it was the friend who did the OP a massive favour. No good deed goes unpunished. I'd save if anyone is a scammer it is the OP.

Candyapple

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

Did they do this in front of you? Or was it something they told you they had done?

Sounds like they did a 'soft search' using an eligibility checker, similar to the MSE one here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/

No it's not a chargeable offence. It could be constituted as ID fraud but you'd have next to no chance proving it especially as a 'hard search' wasn't done.

If you are having problems repaying your friend to the point where they've resorted to this, why not sit down with them like an adult and discuss a proper payment plan so you both know where you stand.

ShinyKnight

CLAPTON wrote: »

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?

They told me that they went to this website...

Won't let me add a website link... It's the Money Supermarket Credit Card Smart Search

Filled in the details (not getting everything correct), and saw what credit card companies were likely to lend me credit.


No written proof. It's just what they have told me.


I am paying them back. The minimum amount asked by there credit card company (They used their credit card to help me out).

Candyapple wrote: »

Did they do this in front of you? Or was it something they told you they had done?

Sounds like they did a 'soft search' using an eligibility checker, similar to the MSE one here:
[ Website ]
No it's not a chargeable offence. It could be constituted as ID fraud but you'd have next to no chance proving it especially as a 'hard search' wasn't done.

If you are having problems repaying your friend to the point where they've resorted to this, why not sit down with them like an adult and discuss a proper payment plan so you both know where you stand.

They did it away from me, without my knowledge.


Yes, same sort of link.


They are not my friend anymore.

missbiggles1

ShinyKnight wrote: »

They told me that they went to this website...

Won't let me add a website link... It's the Money Supermarket Credit Card Smart Search

Filled in the details (not getting everything correct), and saw what credit card companies were likely to lend me credit.


No written proof. It's just what they have told me.


I am paying them back. The minimum amount asked by there credit card company (They used their credit card to help me out).




They did it away from me, without my knowledge.


Yes, same sort of link.


They are not my friend anymore.

They may not be your friend but you are still in their debt (and will be for a very long time if you're only paying the minimum payment on their credit card!).

Mojisola

ShinyKnight wrote: »

I am paying them back. The minimum amount asked by there credit card company (They used their credit card to help me out).

They are not my friend anymore.

So interest is being added each month?

I don't suppose they think of you as a friend, either. If someone steps in to help you out when you really need it, you should be making repaying the debt an absolute priority.

societys_child

Not so Shiny really, are you.

They didn't go through with the application and obviously never intended to.
It's not fraud and it's not id theft.

Thousands of "applicants" for car insurance (judging by these forums) do dummy quotes everyday, trying to find the cheapest way of insuring their vehicle. Are they all committing fraud?

So your friend is paying interest on the cash they lent you, you're taking your time repaying the loan, and yet it's them that are in the wrong and not your friend any-more?
Unbelievable!

saver861

ShinyKnight wrote: »

I am paying them back. The minimum amount asked by there credit card company (They used their credit card to help me out).

I'm not sure you have a full understanding of how these things work. If you are paying just the minimum the credit card company is asking then most of what you are paying is interest and the initial loan is only being reduced by a very small amount in comparison.

I'll be honest and say I would be very unlikely to use a credit card to help out a friend - in fact I would not do it.

ShinyKnight wrote: »

They are not my friend anymore.

It seems they went out of their way to help. However, there are many reasons why the friendship would breakdown and that's your business. The debt is still owed though.

Anthorn

ShinyKnight wrote: »

No agreement on a timescale was mentioned.


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

As there was no agreement on repayment at the time of the loan, in my view you can take your time paying it back. Further, did they make it clear that the money was a loan which has to be repaid? If not the money was a gift.

redpete

Anthorn wrote: »

As there was no agreement on repayment at the time of the loan, in my view you can take your time paying it back. Further, did they make it clear that the money was a loan which has to be repaid? If not the money was a gift.

Terrible way to treat a friend who helped in a crisis.