
ET
Jul 6, 2002, 9:51 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Random Ruminations Including Guido and Cavity Searches
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carmella morgan writes: :[clip]....But will the Mex govt be able to access my bank now that the card is cancelled?<p>So you cruise into your local Coles Myer, pop off say $400 AUD in charges, and then cancel your credit card before the charges post. Can Cole Myer access your bank accounts? I don't know about Australian laws and regulations on the matter (some bad jokes about the mindset of founding fathers with regards to banks and debts could probably be made) but at least in the US, the answer would be "not immediately nor directly". What would happen is that you would have a ticked off (a) department store and (b) credit card issuer, the latter would would most likely end up holding the loss for the transaction. The question would be just how ticked off the two parties would be. For the amount of $200-400 USD (the range for return deposits for temporarily importing vehicles into Mexico) I can't see either criminal charges being pressed (cancelling a credit card on a legitimate debt is either theft or fraud, I'm not sure which), a civil action being instituted which would ultimately result in them being able to access your bank accounts either voluntarily or involuntarily, or Guido and friends being dispatched to sing arias on your front lawn at 3 AM (setting the lawn on fire first adds sort of a cozy touch). I could, however, see (a) the credit card issuer being less than amused, not wanting to be your friend anymore, and making dark notes on your credit and financial records, and (b) Coles Myer giving you a special greeting the next time you offer up your name in the store.<p>I think the question boils down to whether Banjercito and the Mexican government decides to pursue their claim, which to me appears to be a legitimate one. And personally, because I'm a big wuss about both my credit ratings and walking into situations where jails and cavity searches might be involved, I'd make it the point to ask some questions about taking corrective measures to people in the know, such as the Mexican consulate, rather than depending on the advice of total strangers on a discussion board.
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