Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Using 'Wrong' Credit Card Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2007-05-18 8:05 AM

User image

Expert
1169
10001002525
Sherman Oaks, CA
Subject: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
People at my company have corporate credit cards that are to be used for business purposes only.

One person made a few obvious personal purchases. When confronted, he said he used the corporate card by mistake (one was for jewelry of about $800).

Every time I pay for something, I know exactly what card I am using. And I would especially know if I was using a corporate card.

Could this possibly be an honest mistake?

Thanks


2007-05-18 8:07 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Expert
764
5001001002525
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
It might be an honest mistake if the cards look similar. I've almost grabbed my government credit card a few times, so I stopped carrying it with me except when I travel. (It helps that my card gets turned off when I'm not authorized to use it, though.)
2007-05-18 8:25 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

I've taken the step of putting my corporate card in a separate compartment of my wallet from my other cards. It looks nearly identical to my personal card, and, while I've never used it for personal purchases, I have pulled it out and come close to doing so.

Absent of other evidence I'd have to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

2007-05-18 8:35 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Elite
4344
2000200010010010025
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

I think it is pretty likely that it is an honest mistake.   My company takes a different approach.  I am personally responsible for paying the balance on the card.  I am reimbursed for company expenses based on my expense report.  The company has access to the credit card records to verify amounts of charges in lieu of most receipts.  I am permitted to use the card for personal expenses.  I am obligated to follow the credit card company's payment policy and maintain the account in good standing or I could lose the privilege of having a company card and even lose my job.   This policy is a pretty sane approach to de-escalating the issue of "honest/dishonest mistake" to "it doesn't matter".  However, some people object to the company interferring with personal credit card finances.  One legitimate down side, in credit disputes over charges on the card, the employee is left holding the bag.  The company assumes no risk.

TW

2007-05-18 8:36 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Master
2571
20005002525
Tiger's Den
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

People at my co use their corporate cards all the time. Not a big deal because they pay for it when they turn in their expense reports!

2007-05-18 8:44 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Champion
6742
5000100050010010025
The Green Between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
Case-by-case. Is the person generally honest? Past history of similar "mistakes"? Any other red-flag character issues?


2007-05-18 8:47 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

It can be an honest mistake, especially if the cards are similar looking. I had a friend/coworker who accidentally used her corporate card at the local sex shop. (Totally NOT kidding.)

Fortunately we had to pay the bills on the cards and then turn in expense reports to be reimbursed - I figure whoever had to review the copies of the bills that came into accounting looked at it and thought "please let this employee pay this bill like they're supposed to so I don't have to ask about this..."

My friend was mortified when she realized what she'd done. 

2007-05-18 8:54 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Master
1967
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
Just be happy that your company issues corporate cards. My employer insists that we finance all of our travel and then get reimbursed. Last year over $50k in travel expenses - Even with reimbursement it is a strain on the household budget.

- One of my pet peeves. -

Edited by MUL98 2007-05-18 8:55 AM
2007-05-18 8:56 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Veteran
214
100100
ohio
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
I have used the corporate card instead of the personal many times. I have to hide the corporate card in my wallet so I don’t accidentally use it. Although, since I own the corporation it’s not that big a deal but it drives my Accountent nuts to sort thought the corp. vs personal stuff. Oh well aren’t all account a little off anyway?
2007-05-18 8:57 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Elite
3519
20001000500
San Jose, CA
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

GolfMark - 2007-05-18 6:05 AM People at my company have corporate credit cards that are to be used for business purposes only. One person made a few obvious personal purchases. When confronted, he said he used the corporate card by mistake (one was for jewelry of about $800). Every time I pay for something, I know exactly what card I am using. And I would especially know if I was using a corporate card. Could this possibly be an honest mistake? Thanks

It could be an honest mistake.  A few years back, I had a corporate card, and had used it for some work purchases, I then went to buy a christmas present on line, and thought I was entering in my credit card number, but out of force of habit, I entered in the corporate card.  Whoops...I think a big difference in my case is, I had to turn in reciepts of all my purchases and then the company cut me a check to pay off the card.  So it wasn't like I was going to submit a reciept for my partner's xmas present.  I just had to pay that charge myself.  No one really cared when I told them what happened. 

2007-05-18 9:03 AM
in reply to: #806065

User image

Master
2808
2000500100100100
, Minnesota
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
If he pays off the $800, does it really matter if it was a mistake or deliberate?

Gut feeling is it's an honest mistake. Some folks are more careful than others.



2007-05-18 9:08 AM
in reply to: #806065

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-05-18 9:14 AM
in reply to: #806187

Expert
1169
10001002525
Sherman Oaks, CA
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
leapdog - 2007-05-18 7:03 AM

If he pays off the $800, does it really matter if it was a mistake or deliberate?

Gut feeling is it's an honest mistake. Some folks are more careful than others.



If it was deliberate, then it is much more serious.

I didn't explain all the details initially, because I was curious to know if that was the problem. More facts -- he split the purchase of the $800 jewelry on to two credit cards. One was personal, the other was the corporate card.

I guess you can say that he thought he was putting it on to two personal cards.

Issue is one of trust. I don't have the bandwidth to look at every single charge and ask if it was personal or business (especially dinners which can be expensive).

If it is deliberate, then he could have been putting personal meals on the card for all I know.



2007-05-18 9:17 AM
in reply to: #806065

Pro
4612
20002000500100
MA
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

I don't carry my corp card around except when I have to go on a business trip - which is rare. 

My company allows personal purchase as long as you pay it on your own.  The card is more like a personal credit card  - everything affect your own credit history.  The only difference is a longer grace period to account for long trips.  When trip is over, we have to fill out expense reports, complete with receipts etc.  Company then pay the credit card according to your expense report. 

2007-05-18 9:25 AM
in reply to: #806219

Master
2808
2000500100100100
, Minnesota
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
I completely agree that it's an issue of trust.

Splitting the purchase points to something a bit more malicious. Looks like you need to keep an eye on the guy for a couple mo's. Good luck!

2007-05-18 9:28 AM
in reply to: #806065

Champion
34263
500050005000500050005000200020001001002525
Chicago
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
From the way you described it, it kind of sounds intentional. Did he pay the $800 back?


2007-05-18 9:53 AM
in reply to: #806125

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-05-18 9:54 AM
in reply to: #806141

Master
3019
20001000
West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

FishrCutB8 - 2007-05-18 7:44 AM Case-by-case. Is the person generally honest? Past history of similar "mistakes"? Any other red-flag character issues?

I agree.  Just flag him for more careful scrutiny in the future.   If it happens by accident every month, then he needs some discipline. 

 

 

2007-05-18 10:02 AM
in reply to: #806254

Expert
1169
10001002525
Sherman Oaks, CA
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
mr2tony - 2007-05-18 7:28 AM

From the way you described it, it kind of sounds intentional. Did he pay the $800 back?


Not paid back as of yet.

And the auditors did bring this up!

2007-05-18 10:06 AM
in reply to: #806334

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-05-18 10:15 AM
in reply to: #806065

Master
1704
1000500100100
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
Splitting it between 2 cards means he had to rifle through his wallet to grab another card, the order doesn't matter.  Either way, he DEFINITELY knew he was putting it on corporate card.I am big on convicting on circumstantial evidence


2007-05-18 10:19 AM
in reply to: #806312

Master
2571
20005002525
Tiger's Den
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
Lara - 2007-05-18 10:53 AM
SuzanneS - 2007-05-18 6:36 AM

People at my co use their corporate cards all the time. Not a big deal because they pay for it when they turn in their expense reports! 

from an audit stand point this is potentially a BIG deal...  the company is obligated to pay for the charges..  what if someone runs up thousands and then quits without paying for them?? 

don't be suprised if the auditors put a stop to it one day...

Well, the auditors haven't picked up on all the misreported sales that our CFO puts in there. There are bigger fish to fry here. I even hinted to one of the auditors here this year that they needed to confirm the sales dollars. To make sure our system reports equal that on the GL. Still nothing. And trust me, there's things to be found. I've broadcast it to everyone who will listen, including the president and nothing has happened. We're privately owned so it's not scrutinized as much I guess. Our CFO gets diarhea of the mouth when the auditors ask anything. Eventually they get tired and give up.

Hijack off...

2007-05-18 10:36 AM
in reply to: #806377

Expert
1169
10001002525
Sherman Oaks, CA
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card
SuzanneS - 2007-05-18 8:19 AM

Lara - 2007-05-18 10:53 AM
SuzanneS - 2007-05-18 6:36 AM

People at my co use their corporate cards all the time. Not a big deal because they pay for it when they turn in their expense reports! 

from an audit stand point this is potentially a BIG deal...  the company is obligated to pay for the charges..  what if someone runs up thousands and then quits without paying for them?? 

don't be suprised if the auditors put a stop to it one day...

Well, the auditors haven't picked up on all the misreported sales that our CFO puts in there. There are bigger fish to fry here. I even hinted to one of the auditors here this year that they needed to confirm the sales dollars. To make sure our system reports equal that on the GL. Still nothing. And trust me, there's things to be found. I've broadcast it to everyone who will listen, including the president and nothing has happened. We're privately owned so it's not scrutinized as much I guess. Our CFO gets diarhea of the mouth when the auditors ask anything. Eventually they get tired and give up.

Hijack off...



Not a hijack completely. We have multi-million dollar issues but it is more about showing that the company will take things seriously. It is like Rudy Giuliani when he started giving tickets to jaywalkers. Showed everyone that all laws need to be respected.

This guy is a peer. I have brought it up to the CEO and he really didn't want to hear about it because he likes the guy on a personal level. It leaves me more frustrated than anything.

2007-05-18 10:42 AM
in reply to: #806434

Master
1704
1000500100100
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Using 'Wrong' Credit Card

  This guy is a peer. I have brought it up to the CEO and he really didn't want to hear about it because he likes the guy on a personal level. It leaves me more frustrated than anything.

Well, if he's a personal peer of the CEO, I'd tread lightly.  How about send an gentle reminder email, then keep it to cover your ? 



Edited by 1st Timer in NY 2007-05-18 10:43 AM
2007-05-18 10:49 AM
in reply to: #806452

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Using 'Wrong' Credit Card Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2