Question: Is it fraud denying service to someone who has a credit card (with fees) at one of these places? They are charging people for the privilege of shopping at their store, and then denying them the ability to use the credit line that they are paying for. Sounds a lot like fraud to me.
Patriot, I suspect they can refuse service. But it also depends what laws one State has in place.
I think the legality of denying service would depend on whether they are charging a monthly fee (other than interest) on a store card which can only be used there. Places like Costco or Sam's Club that charge a "membership fee" and then deny service would definitely be committing fraud. Not a lawyer, but I am a contractor and understand contractual obligations quite well.
I agree with you Patriot, would be a great idea to speak with a Atty, bring up Color of law and Nuremberg Rules. under Color of Law they are giving themselves powers they do not have.
This is interesting. I'm trying to understand the fraud aspect of this. Could you explain some more on how this works?
Here's what I don't understand. Is it not a 'processing' fee from the bank for using a credit card? A store has an implicit contract with the customer when it is open to for business. It is is legally deemed as a 'public accommodation'. Therefore, it is unlawful to deny anyone the right to enter and to make purchases. There is really no such thing as the privilege of shopping unless it is a contract membership such as a Costco or Sam's Club. Therein, the contract has certain Terms and Conditions the applicant must accept before becoming a member. Most stores do not have this unless, perhaps one applies for a store credit card like Target, Macy's and Home Depot promotes. It would be interesting to read the Terms and Conditions of these store credit cards and see if there is 'anything' there that limits one's rights.
Some store credit cards have a monthly fee, whether you use the card or not. Charging you a monthly fee and then denying your use of the card seems like fraud to me.
"Some store credit cards have a monthly fee, whether you use the card or not."
I tried looking up this for which stores have a monthly fee but all I can find was stores for the worst interest rates. Could you be talking about Costco and Sam's Club for membership? Otherwise, which stores are you referring to? Thanks, you could be on to something here.
(post is archived)