Is This Credit Card Fraud?

I am in IL

A former friend of mine gave me his credit card information back in 2004, to purchase airline tickets, concert tickets and other purchases. The purchases were made on his behalf, not just for myself, but for other people as well. This person gave me the credit card number, and security code. I did not steal them or 'lift' them. They were given to me.

Over the next year and a half, I used his credit card to pay off some bills and make online purchases. I never asked permission to use the card for any of these purchases. When he didn't question me about the charges, I just figured he knew about them and was ok with it.

He 'found out' about the charges in September of 2006. He threatened to sue me, take me to court, etc. In my defense, the charges were made over an 18 month period. He would have had ample time to check his credit card statements and notice activity that he didn't authorize. That was 2 yrs ago, and I haven't heard a thing since that day in 2006 that he confronted me.

The statements and cards all went to his address. I never had a physical credit card in my name, and never applied for credit in his name.

Is this credit card fraud? Could I be looking at criminal charges? What is the statute of limitations? He lives in MN, and I live in IL. I am wondering if he can still sue me for the charges, or have me arrested. I sure don't need the police showing up.

My thinking on the whole matter was, I did use the card. I never hid the charges from him. The statements went to his house. If he checked the statements, and didn't dispute them over the 18 month period, how can he sue me? He knew about the charges, he got the statements!

Thanks!

IMO---yes. It is fraud.

You should pay your friend back then you won't have to come up with excuses to justify your behavior.

That is very true, and I tried to make restitution. However, we have since lost touch, and I have no idea where to find him.

Thank you for your honest reply!