h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

On my credit card since October. Much of it to a chatroom/games thing, which was my son. A lot to paypal, who did contact me to say my account was blocked as there had been suspicious activity, but I haven't been able to get them to sort it out because I can't log in, or even email them to get them to cancel the account without them asking for my card details to 'verify it's me'. Well, they can stuff that. There's lots of paypal stuff still going through (despite the block), so not sure what that is about and I was too shocked to go through it bit by bit.

Not sure if that was him, or if he's shared my card number, or put it in something that's stolen it.

Either way, he'll be moving out as soon as his dad gets back from visiting his sister in the new year, as this was his 'third' offence - or rather, the third time he'd been caught. I followed him out to the kitchen to dicover him acting guiltily and found him trying to hide my purse. I looked in it, no money (as expected!) then saw my credit card lying half under a loaf of bread.

Cue, statement check, which admittedly I should have been doing monthly anyway, but I check my bank account everything. As I'd put a telly on it recently I didn't notice anything as my payments obv weren't affected, but how strange that Egg used to stop me putting my train season ticket on there because it was an 'unusual transaction', but allowed two months of the completely opposite type of behaviour from my usual - ie not really using the card much at all, and then only for larger amounts. Not these small little amounts.

I'm really quite cross. Laptop and mobile confiscated.

And at the same time really upset at the thought of him moving out. And worrying how will I pay the mortgage as I am sure his dad will stop paing maintenance and will want the benefits transferred to him so he can try to get a place to live. Because I really am doing this. The little fr is going.

The little sod I hope you're able to sort it out; I'm assuming your money is long gone though

Paypal are notoriously difficult to deal with so you have my sympathies there. To change my Paypal account to my married name they wanted me to send in a copy of my marriage certificate by 'secure fax' - apparently email isn't as secure (riiiight). However, I was free top open another account in my married name

Oh no. I can't think what to say.

Mol

Egg should repay it as it's fraud. I rarely use my credit card, and never for anything under £100, so it's obvious the spending pattern is completely different.

I didn't tell them I found J with it, that's up to them to work out and prosecute him or not.

He doesn't know it yet, but he will now be coming out to work with me while he's not at school and sleeping at my mum's house. Presents his dad dropped off overnight are being returned this morning and his laptop and phone have been confiscated. I've also found out he's been coming off his new laptop and leaving it downstairs when he goes to bed, only to go straight back on the old one! That's going to his dad's as well.

I've obviously forgotten how devious teenagers can be.

Just keep me strong as he's going to be upset and of course I don't want my baby boy to be upset and unhappy. That he doesn't care if I am seems to completely pass me by. Who'd be a mum?

Just seems I gave birth to my thieving brother.

Stay resolute. Maybe you can teach J the lesson your own parents didn't manage to teach your brother. In which case you are helping him hugely.

But I'm sure it won't feel like it.

Mol

He's been with me all day long, working, and reacting to my every command, but I cracked and he's staying here tonight. No pressies though! They are not in the house in case I gave in.

So far J's had £30 for xmas, which will be going towards beginning to pay off this large debt. It won't do much for him, as he won't see it as his own money as he never got hold of it.

I offered him his laptop back today, for a very short period, but he wouldn't agree to the terms so I took it away again.

He'll have to ask for it now. If he doesn't, well, anyone want a 3 week old laptop? Going

Egg wanted me to contact paypal, and I've been trying for weeks but can't get through their automated systems, so I've spoken to Egg again and they're going to get in touch through 'official channels'.

My paypal account may be gone for good, but I'm hoping I can start up a new one.