Resolved Question

Need help - credit card fraud?

a guy at work has used his work credit card to purchase personal items and can not provide receipts for other items purchased!! the company would like to press charges.. how would we go about this and who would we contact? will the police be interested?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

There is no deceit involved here on the part of the employee. Therefore there is no fraud.

What I understand from the information you have provided is that a worker (an employee?) used a work credit card for purchasing "personal" items and receipts can't be provided for "other" items purchased.

PERSONAL ITEMS
If the company's policy is not to permit the use of the card for buying products for personal use (e.g. home shopping), then the worker has breached the company's policy which is potentially a breach of the terms and conditions of employment but you need to look at the terms and conditions of employment.

In these circumstances, disciplinary proceedings may be started against the employee (pursuant to what is laid down in the company's terms and conditions of employment). These proceedings may result in a written warning, or if considered an act of gross misconduct, could lead to termination of employment. But there can be no "instant" dismissal because the worker is entitled to a fair hearing and for the company to comply with law as regards wrongful and unfair dismissal.

Action can be taken to recover monies used on the corporate card. The employee may make lawful and reasonable deduction from the worker's salary.

In terms of criminal proceedings, there is no deceit by the employee (the employer KNOWS the transactions going on the account) and the employee does no deceit if he can show he reasonably believed he could make the purchases. However there is potentially theft (dishonest appropriation of company money by making the personal purchases on the card). The police may want to be involved if there is proof of the employee's dishonesty.

RECEIPTS
On the subject of receipts, the company should use discretion over this. Sometimes receipts aren't available or illegible even if they are available. It may be worrying for the worker not to have receipts but failure not to provide receipt isn't grounds for instant dismissal or involving the police or suggesting fraud. It's just another item to add to the disciplinary agenda if such action was taken.

57% 8 Votes

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Other Answers (6)

• Just like to warn you that it is not necessarily that straightforward! It would very much depend under what terms he was issued a credit card by the company.
  
  Some companies do allow their employees to use a card for personal purchases, was it obviously stated to him that this was not acceptable?
  
  Did the company state to him that receipts must be provided for all company purchases in order to be re-imbursable/claimable?
  
  Did the employee sign an agreement/receive a copy of the policy as to how the card must be used?
  
  Presumably in order to reconcile the credit card statement the employee would have had to fill out an expenses claim, and this would have to have been authorised by his line manager? If this has not been done then surely his line manager (and the accounts dept) also share a certain responsibility for allowing this to happen.
  
  I am assuming that as the company wishes to press charges all of the above have been checked and that the company can verify that they had instructed the employee in the appropriate use of their company card.
  
  If they have taken all reasonable precautions and the employee has knowingly abused the use of his company credit card, then the company should ask the employee to pay back any sums of money that he cannot verify with a receipt (if this is company policy) whether or not it was company/private use; and at the very least issue a written warning as to future conduct.
  
  If it is itemized as an offence under the company's Gross Misconduct policy - then it is a sackable offence.
  
  However, it would be very wise to speak to an employer/employee specialist legal advisor as to how to proceed, thus avoiding the chance that the employee can turn the case around into unfair/constructive dismissal and sue them!
  
  It does happen!

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• You need to contact the bank first. They will be able to tell you where the purchases were made. You then need to contact the shops/suppliers in question to obtain the relevant receipts. Finally, go to the police.

  0% 0 Votes
• Yes the police would be interested, because it's fraud.

  0% 0 Votes
• Speak to the police. They will investigate and then decide if there is a case for prosecution.

  43% 6 Votes
• Talk to bank officials first. They'll have advice on how to proceed.

  0% 0 Votes
• Contact the shop keeper for receipts

  0% 0 Votes

Resolved Question

Has anyone heard of 1st credit limited?

i received a letter today from 1st credit limited today this exactly what it says:

Dear sir/madam

1st credit limited is attempting to contact the above named regarding a personal matter

your address has been supplied as a possible address for our subject who was previously resident at -

(my previous address)

please contact our offices immediately on telephone number 0843 320 0050 and quote the above 1st credit reference number at which time further information can be provided.

if you are not the individual we are attempting to contact or have information that may assist please call us at your earliest convenience, on telephone number 0843 320 0040, in order that we may correct our records.

if no response is recieved within 10 days of issue we will assume that you are the individual we wish to contact and will of course ensure that all relevent correspondance is sent to you.


yours faithfully


1st credit ltd


okay now i tried both of those numbers, the first number cuts to voicemail ofter 3 rings with a woman with and american accent speaking and the other one just rings out,

does anyone have any information that can supply me with???

thank you :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

These people are cretins who will use any number of underhanded tactics to get others to pay debts which they do not owe or which are time expired. Do not acknowledge them! Put their crappy letters straight in the bin.

75% 6 Votes

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Other Answers (5)

• They are debt collectors, they buy old debts from banks and credit card companies that are over 7 years old and now closed but when they buy them they obviously want to get the debt paid to them, for those that do have these debts if you call them or write to them it reopens the old debts and then can be pursued for payment - ignore it and do not contact them or return the envelope as not known at this address. Credit card companies do not use addresses they use date of birth and NI numbers

  0% 0 Votes
• Wired Up and Fairfax are spot on. 1st Credit are bottom feeding parasites that break the law to gain money from you. Burn the letter, but never, never, contact any debt collecting agency via the telephone. If you must contact them, then write. And don't sign it, it is not beyond these robbers to forge signatures.
  
  Listen to the link and to all this Chaps others. They are informative and hilarious. All good advice on how to deal with debt collectors.

  Source(s):

  0% 0 Votes
• Just return the letter not known at this address. I have had this problem and concluded that it was nothing to do with me. Any debt is with the named person and not the address.

  0% 0 Votes
• This is a debt recovery company that has previously been looked at by the Office of Fair Trading. I strongly advise you to contact the OFT without delay! See their website, www.oft.gov.uk
  Good Luck.

  13% 1 Vote
• dont reply to them dont phone them, just rip the letter up and throw it in the bin. Its a scam being operated by a semi legal debt collection agency. They try to tell you the debt goes to the address not the person. They're trying to panic you into paying a bill that isn't yours, so just ignore it and any other communications from them. If you get a letter claiming they have a payment to make to you and they need a bank account number then you know its a scam. Heres what i found out about them
  
  http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/2009/20…
  
  Like i said semi-legal, they claim to be legal but use illegal means to get money through miss-information

  13% 1 Vote

Resolved Question

Safety deposity boxes?

dear members,

i have some valuable stuff includes passport, important documents, juwelary and some other.
i wonder where i can safely deposit those. my friends advised me try in banks.
i have checked in the banks in and around my area but they have this facility but dont have availability and all the places are fully booked.

can anyone advise me where can i store my valuables?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Then keep trying banks - other branches - until you find one available.

100% 1 Vote

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Other Answers (2)

• What about a locked fireproof safe in your home - small safe, tucked away somewhere private, bolted to the floor if you are concerned about theft.

  0% 0 Votes
• BARCLAYS DO IT

  0% 0 Votes

Resolved Question

Got a edf voucher to spend online how do I get further than terms & conditions?

Tried the web site now I am stuck

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Is there a little box somewhere to tick to confirm you accept the terms and conditions?

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Other Answers (0)

No other answers.

Resolved Question

Visa card trouble...?

two days before Christmas i broke my bank card. so went straight to the bank to order a new one. it came through the post within a four days or Christmas's passing.

my question is, that the card i broke i topped my mobile up with it. and now that i have a new card do i put the new card onto my phone or use the old card details??

as the bank is the same its just the card number that's changed and the security number, ive topped up since this happening with the old card and it still works, but would i get in trouble with doing this or not??

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Uk answer: You would not get "into trouble" for doing this, as the transaction is genuine, however the bank would probably prefer you update the details and indeed might prevent future transactions being processed with the old card details. Depending on the bank and type of card, "broken" cards can sometimes be issued with replacements without cancelling the original card details - as the cardholder's details haven't been compromised.

Hope this helps you.

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Other Answers (3)

• I'm surprised the old card still works. Not sure what you mean when you say you've "broken" it.
  You should only use the new card.
• you need to inform your phone company of changes as this will help you in cases of fraud or credits to your account
• Huh?? I'm confuse w/ the question/

Resolved Question

Mr Money credit card. Uk only please?

Has anyone heard of Mr Money Credit card company?
I received letter from them saying i could have credit card from them.

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

"Mr Money" is NOT a credit card company (you cannot have a credit card "from" them) and they do not provide loans.

"Mr Money" is essentially an agent that makes money by you giving your details to them, and them offering your details to credit card companies and loan providerrs in the UK.

You can find credit card companies and companies offering loans yourself without the need for such agents. They take your details and spend too much time selling your details to companies. You end up with more spam. It is not advisable to have any contact with "Mr Money". You should only apply directly to the regulated UK credit card companies, banks, and companies offering loans. These are regulated by the Financial Services Authority so they are the ONLY authorised persons for the purposes of providing credit. However you will find that it is difficult to obtain credit at the present time.

100% 9 Votes

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Other Answers (2)

• Uk answer: Mr.Money (mrmoneyuk.com) charge upfront administration fees for finding loans. They are not the easiest to find on Google due to there being a 'Mr Money' column in The Telegraph and lots of other people online calling themselves 'Mr Money' but if you search for their full domain name (i.e. Google mrmoneyuk.com) you will find complaint after complaint about people paying admin fees of around £58.50 and then seeing nothing from them again.
  
  If they are proposing to provide you with a credit card in return for an admin fee, my advice would be to give them a wide berth. Perhaps try Vanquis - http://redo.me.uk/vanquis who offer a starter credit-card that can help build your credit rating, and of course, don't charge any fee for making an application.

  Source(s):

  0% 0 Votes
• google them

  0% 0 Votes

Resolved Question

I have just spoken to a debt collection company and they won't accept my payment?

I'm currently on benefit after being made redundant and after I have paid my bills and the shortfall in my rent I will be £40 overdrawn every month (and that's without buying any food).
I have had a letter from a debt agency regarding some money I owe and have offered them £2 per month as a token payment (the debt is £2000 but it's only until I find work). They have stated the lowest they will accept is £30 and that unless I pay that they will take me to court. They said it's because I pay £70 per month for Sky, phone and Internet but they are all contracts and I cannot decrease those payments.
What am I supposed to do? She refused to give me their bank details so I can't send a token payment.

Additional Details

I know the payments for Sky etc are expensive but I was working when I got all that so it didn't matter.
I'm in the middle of contracts so I can't cut the payments at the moment.

2 weeks ago

I have spoken to Sky and BT and they will not decrease the payments as it's in the contract period!
If I pay less on those I'll end up in more debt so there is nothing I can do about those payments!

2 weeks ago

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

If they will not accept payment then do not pay them. If they summons you to the county court for non payment you will be sent a means form by the court. Fill this in and return it to the court. I do hope that the Debt Collectors refusal of your offer was in the form of a letter and that you have kept it. (If not then you should write to them by recorded delivery to confirm your offer. Keep a copy of your letter as proof of your offer). Take it to the court and show it to the judge. Given your financial situation the offer you have made is reasonable. (The court would not expect you to renege on other legally binding contracts which you entered into before you were made redundant). If the Debt Collectors take you to court after refusing to accept a reasonable offer then they will pay the courts costs and will have to accept the offer whether they like it or not.

67% 8 Votes

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Other Answers (10)

• Im totally in agreement with the others. CAB is there for situations like this. I am just about to start a Debt Relief Order, and i feel like a weight has been lifted. I cant wait to answer my fone and door without being scared that its a debt agency.
  Good Luck with ur current situation, and with the quest of finding a new job.
  :-)

  0% 0 Votes
• OK HERE GOES A BALIEFF IS OBLIGED UNDER COURT TO ACT RESPONSIBLE AND ACCEPT PAYMENT THAT PEOPLE CAN RESONABLY AFFORD SO SEND THEM A LETTER STATING I HAVE OFFERED A [PAYMENT WHICH U ARE NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT HOWEVER I REQUIRE YOU TO SEE ME FOR THE SUM OFF £2000 HOWEVER THE SUM OF £2 A MONTH IS STILL OPEN FOR YOU TO ACCEPT I WORK FOR C A B

  0% 0 Votes
• here in the U.S. if a business, bill collector, collection agency refuses payment then the debt is totally cleared off.
  
  /jabril

  0% 0 Votes
• Go bankrupt, and they will have to settle for far less, plus you can then cancel sky and sell PC . Also just have basic free TV , no premiums ,,

  0% 0 Votes
• Citizens Advice Bureau should be your first port of call.
  
  And £70 per month on Sky, phone & broadband? You need to cut that for a start!

  8% 1 Vote
• The golden rule when dealing with debt collectors, is never to ring them! They will say things to you on the phone that they would never put in writing in a million years. Plus, the person you spoke to is working on commission. She doesn't care if you have no money for food. Always, always write to them from now on.
  
  Another bluff is to threaten to take you to court. They never do because they are on a sticky wicket from the start and the courts throw out 99% of their claims. In fact, going to court could work in your favour. If the court said you have to pay £2 a month, that is what they have to accept.
  
  I would contact the original creditor and offer them the payment. If it is a bank, they will have written the money off to balance their books. Ignore the debt collectors. Write to them asking them to provide you with the original credit agreement signed by yourself. Ask them to prove that they are authorised to collect this debt. You will surprised at how many aren't and more than one debt collector will try to collect the same debt!
  
  Follow the links for further advice. If they ring you, ask them who they are and what they want. If they ask for you by name, keep control of the conversation by asking who they are and what they want. Do not answer questions for security. You don't know who they are and they can't prove who they are over the phone. If they get stroppy and start threatening you, put the phone down, but don't hang up and walk away.
  
  You will have to reduce your Sky package though if you want to be taken seriously about gaining control of your debts.

  Source(s):

  8% 1 Vote
• You are going to have to default on something .... personally I would start by ringing Sky and telling them you can't afford to pay anymore .. tell them they will have to switch you to a cheaper package or you will simply just stop paying them anything ..
  
  Sky might suggest you are 'tied in' but you DON'T owe them £2000 .. and when they try to stick you with the costs for the rest of the Contract, it's highly unlikely they will take it to Court = and if they do, the Court is unlikely to be very sympathetic since they want money for FUTURE services which I bet they will not be supplying ('cos i bet they cut you off as soon as you stop paying)..)
  
  When if comes to the mobile phone, plainly you will have to switch to a 'pay as you go' ...
  
  For Internet there are still some low cost 'dial up' options (you don't have to keep paying for Broadband = and you can use your local library or (if you have a laptop) check out your local area for a few free 'WiFi' hotspot)
  
  Next I would suggest there are plenty other things you are paying well over the odds for .. start by looking at your Standing Orders and Direct debits .. you should try to cancel everything (except Council Tax and Utilities).... and talking of Utilities, have you checked for a cheaper deal on combined Gas/Electricity recently ?
  
  I suggest a visit to MoneySavingExpert .. (before your Internet is cut off :-) )
  
  
  And the Debt Collectors ??? well they lie all the time .. so take a tip from them .. call them up again and ask them for details on how to pay off the full amount by Bank Transfer .. and then send them the £2 ...

  Source(s):

  0% 0 Votes
• Don't worry about those "debt Collectors", they are not legally registered and cannot enter your property.
  Once they have taken the first of your payment, it is exactly like if they had officially accepted your offer. As long as you pay or even tell them you are willing to pay, there is not a damn thing they can do and it will never go to tribunal.
  If they insist, tell them you will have them sued for harassment. They will back off pretty quick.
  
  
  
  My source ? experience of the same problem.
  But I also promised that I will hurt anyone coming to my door, he he he !

  17% 2 Votes
• I never pay debt collectors - EVER - I don't care what country you live in.
  If I owe a debt I pay the person I owe it to and only that person!
  Send the person you actually owe the money what you offered to the debt collector with an explanation that when you get employment that they will receive more. As long as you are paying something they won't take you to court, and if they do the court will at least see that you are trying to pay something.

  0% 0 Votes
• Yes, I agree with the other posters - Citizens Advice is your first port of call for sure.
  
  I would also suggest that you speak to Sky, your phone company and internet etc and see what they can do in terms of your payments. £70 a month on such things when you are out of work and struggling seems ridiculous to me - as they certainly aren't life's necessities.
  
  If I were the debt collection company you offered me £2 instead of the £30 a month I wanted, claiming you can't afford more, but can spend £70 on Sky etc, I wouldn't be very impressed that's for sure !

  0% 0 Votes