Accused of catalogue fraud

[Myrtle]

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this query, but here goes.

 

A few hours ago I had a visit from a rather serious looking policeman. My first, which made me nervous before he even opened his mouth.

 

Apparently, at the property I previously rented, Next Directory are claiming that I have committed catalogue fraud by taking out a catalogue and ordering goods in someone else's name. I can only assume that the reason they believe it was me was because I lived there at this time.

 

I gave the policeman dates for when I lived there. Confirmed I'd not had a catalogue or received any goods. However, I stated that it's possible letters would have been sent to my address in other people's names, as I did get lots of letters for previous tenants at that address.

 

What happens now? Am I going to get arrested for fraud? I'm concerned, as I don't know how I could possibly disprove receipt of goods, as I was the only one living there at the time! If I get a criminal record, I could lose my job!

 

Is it worth me finding out how much is owed, and paying it off so that it goes away?! Or would that make it worse?

[silverfox1961]

Hi and welcome to CAG

 

DO NOT PAY A PENNY!

 

So long as you can prove the dates you left your previous property and signed for your new property, this should be easy to sort out. If you don't have your tenancy agreement to hand, contact the landlord (this is assuming you are still renting).

[Myrtle]

Thanks for your rapid reply silverfox. The Policeman said it sounds like it occurred during the time I lived there. That being the case, then obviously they'll assume I've done it, and my confirming dates will just make it look even more likely to be me.

[watchinginvestigation2010]

Possibility a neighbour near by is involved to collect goods.

 

Would need to be someone nearby to keep watch for courier and interecept and know that you would be out etc........

 

sorry not cloning as not in your name, but using your adress.

[Myrtle]

Hi watchinginvestigation. It's possible, as I did get a lot of deliveries at home as part of my work, and large boxes were often taken into my back yard and left in my unlocked shed.

 

Could they track it down to a computer, and find out who did it in that way?

[watchinginvestigation2010]

Have they hinted at how large a scale of fraud this is?

[watchinginvestigation2010]

Thats the thing about couriers they are happy to leave in cuboards, and even bins in some cases. I read a case of an ebay item being delivered and seller checked up to find it had been left in bin, how they knew Ive no idea, but anyhow they only just managed to inform the buyer before bin collection as no note was posted through the door......

 

So if they left items in wherever and you havnt actually signed for them, as stressfull as it is, you just have to insist your innocence and its up to them to do the chasing for proof.

 

Same as the other way around I tried to prosecute someone for something and despite my statement they didnt take it to court, they said they needed more proof. So on the scale of things catalogue company said you did and as long as you didnt its up to them. Just add to the police there are many possibilities which dont necessarily need to involve you. I mean for all you know could be courier fraud as another guess.

[Myrtle]

No, but he said goods were delivered and never paid for. My sister has a Next catalogue, and said that there's a limit of £200 on initial orders until people make payments - so I'm guessing we're talking about that amount.

 

That's why I was wondering if it was easier just to pay it so I don't have to worry anymore. But then I guess, if it's being investigated by the police, they might see this as an admission of guilt.

[watchinginvestigation2010]

Lets hope the goods were ordered over the phone and hope a recording is on file or if by computer they could trace the computer via internet company. Either way hope you get sorted.

[watchinginvestigation2010]

No, but he said goods were delivered and never paid for. My sister has a Next catalogue, and said that there's a limit of £200 on initial orders until people make payments - so I'm guessing we're talking about that amount.

 

That's why I was wondering if it was easier just to pay it so I don't have to worry anymore. But then I guess, if it's being investigated by the police, they might see this as an admission of guilt.

 

 

No dont pay, as much as you want to end the worry, if you pay it would be seen as admission.

 

If truly innocent stick to your response to police and say you would like it relayed to catalogue company that you are not happy at their unfounded allegations. If you pay the police might take it further still and you would have a stain against your name. See how you go.

 

ps. Should say I have no legal training, but hope common sence sees the day with the police for you.

 

Others who add later to your thread might have more advice re how to deal with police legally in such matter