Chapter 11 - THE CARDSThe bank’s investigation was boring.
Good.
Boring protects people from fantasy.
Brian and Melissa were legitimate authorized users.
That meant merchants were entitled to process their transactions unless the bank had notice of restrictions.
The bank did not automatically classify the historical pharmacy charges as unauthorized fraud.
I was primary account holder and contractually responsible to the issuer.
My dispute with Brian and Melissa over whether they exceeded permission was largely between us unless stronger evidence showed intentional financial exploitation under applicable law.
There was stronger evidence for some transactions.
Text messages.
WALTER:
Cards are for house groceries / my meds / errands while I’m recovering. Please don’t put personal expenses on them.
MELISSA:
Of course.
Two months later:
BRIAN to MELISSA:
Use Walt card for Eli this month. I’ll replace before statement.
MELISSA:
What if he sees?
BRIAN:
He doesn’t check itemized.
That changed things.
Still not automatic felony prosecution.
But clear knowledge.
Then:
MELISSA:
We already owe 1900.
BRIAN:
I said I’ll fix it.
They never did.
My accountant calculated approximately $9,420 in non-household purchases across fourteen months that appeared personal to Brian or Melissa.
Of that, about $7,100 related directly to Eli’s medical and household support.
I did not ask April or Eli to repay a penny.
May you like
Obviously.
The dispute belonged with the adults who used the card.
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