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11-26-2001, 11:48 PM
I have a concern that my credit rating my suffer future problems due to playing poker online. Here's the situation, can you please tell me whether my fears are unfounded or justified? I became fearful that someone had hacked into my computer (very shady character that has been harassing me for awhile now). I called my credit card company just to make sure that no unusual charges appeared. I asked if they flagged suspicious purchases, and was told they do flag your account if something out of the ordinary occurs. She said that most of my charges were Internet charges and asked if they were online gaming. I kind of backpedaled and didn't really answer. My question is, Over the last few months I have made a significant number of chip purchases on Paradise through Firepay; Credit card companies know what that is used for. Am I going to be flagged or will there be a notation in my credit report that I am a gambler, etc. I am afraid this will affect my ability to get new credit cards or a car loan in the future. I am very concerned about this. Comments please.


Jeff (BTW, I have quit playing online so these charges will no longer appear, but I am worried that they will leaving a permanent stain on my credit report)

11-27-2001, 12:12 AM
nm

11-27-2001, 01:40 AM
If your bills are paid on time, you have nothing to worry about.

11-27-2001, 09:54 AM
No need to worry. Potential creditors do not have access to the types of purchases (what you buy) when using a credit card or any other borrowed funds for that matter. Your credit report lists only the name of the creditor, the type of credit (i.e. revolving, fixed term, etc.), and the timeliness of your payments. At least to the best of my knowledge. Good luck.

11-27-2001, 10:21 PM
I ordered my credit reports some time ago to make sure they were accurate. With respect to credit cards, they simply show monthly balances and payment histories. The nature of purchases is not recorded. There probably would be privacy concerns if credit card companies shared such information with the credit bureaus (e.g., Jo Blo spends a lot on prescription drugs, he must have a bad disease).


I am puzzled about something, however. A couple of weeks ago you posted that you were not going to play anymore b/c of debt. Yet, you are continuing to play. To each his own, but why don't you take a month off? Good luck.

11-27-2001, 11:15 PM
Afish,

I do appreciate your concern, and it is justified, believe me. We both play at the Taj, but we haven't ran into each other yet. The basic thing is, I'm young, I'm trying to clean up my act (and cutting out online poker is a HUGE part of that). I have about a grand in debt that will be tough for me to pay off (I have a non-paying internship at college), but at least I have taken the first step of cutting out online. That being said, I can't seem to stay away from the tables even though a break is definitely in order. I just feel I have to weather this storm, and playing through it is the only way I know how. Poker has been a big part of my identity for a long LONG time and I'm only 21; I don't know what else to do with myself, it's my favorite thing. All my friends play, I just need other interests and I need to be able to go to the casino once in awhile with a reasonable amount of money and enjoy myself. Whether I can actually do that is the real question.


Jeff

11-27-2001, 11:51 PM
Like I said, do as you wish. However, most poker players (even those who post here) have real jobs. I am a lawyer, as are several other posters. I earn far more in my real job than I could ever earn playing poker. Sometimes I get so busy with work I can't play for months at a time. If you can't stop from driving to AC for at least a couple weeks (even though your bankroll is shot), you may have problems later in life.

11-28-2001, 04:20 AM
Get a girlfriend kid. I believe this might help keep poker off your mind.


Good Luck

11-30-2001, 04:19 PM
Please ask MS Sunshine ow many honest people, i.e. not money laundering people, can afford to lose $50,000 to Mr.Boyd?