Legitimacy of credit agreement

[Chie]

I have a storecard that I applied for years ago when I was 17. I lied on the application form and told the company I was 21. They agreed to give me a storecard with a limit of over �3000, which I still have. A friend recently told me that because the onnus was on the company to carry out proper checks on me, it's their fault for giving me the card and by law I can request they close the account and I don't have to pay the outstanding balance. Is this true?

[Ethel]

Yes. Probably. And you could be prosecuted for fraud, having deliberately lied and fraudulently gained credit.

It would certainly affect your credit ratings.

[Loosehead]

No, utter, rubbish. Why do you imagine that stealing �3000 is legal just because they failed to uncover your fraudulent application? Try some joined up thinking and you would realise how ludicrous your friend's hypothesis is! I would think that if you did try to welsh on paying they would pursue a prosecution for fraud.

[Chie]

Loosehead says: I would think...

I don't want your personal opinions or what you 'think'. Facts, please. Thank you.

[amonty1144]

You would be guilty of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception, it is likely you will be prosecuted for that and also for 'using a false instrument, everytime you've used the card and signed or entered your pin for the transaction.
It is unlikley they will wipe off the debt as they will show that they have taken reasonable steps to verify your identitiy. As you are quite clear this was deliberate and not a mistake.
Pay up or be prosecuted.
This is fact not opinion.

[amonty1144]

Oh, I forgot if you signed the card, that is also a separate offence of making a false instrument and another charge

[Loosehead]

Well here's a fact: You have to be monumentally dim to think committing fraud is a licence to steal. The only difficulty I'm having is trying to decide out of you and your friend who's got the edge in that respect.

[bednobs]

flipping hell. How does ANYBODY know exactly whjat a company would decide to do about a twonk like you? as loosehead said He would think the would press a prosecution for fraud (as would be their right) but whether they would actually do it or not, who knows? (Hence he would think they would)
why dont you give it a go and find out!

[Markandshez]

FACT: You are a criminal waiting to be caught

FACT: You will get caught eventually as you get older and the system starts to cross reference your other applications for credit.

NOT FACT: They may or may not decide to prosecute you.

FACT: Your friend is a fool

Advice: Pay the bill, close your account and keep your mouth shut

[PrinceRainie]

Is it not 5 years in the clink these days for convicion for fraud????

[Chie]

Oh well.