Question

[Travelingal702]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:

[retiredguy123]

Apparently, it's the merchant's decision to require the chip or the 3 digit code. Some do and some don't. I don't think many banks require anything except the actual credit card number for processing a transaction.

[Bill14564]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:

I'm not sure how that was possible but it since it happened, there must be a way.

After having our number compromised twice and going through the hassles of changing all our recurring payments we chose to get two separate cards. One is used only for online, recurring payments, it only comes out of my wallet for emergencies. The other is the card we use everyday. The everyday card is the one most likely to be compromised but since it isn't use for recurring payments there will be little work required to replace it.

One of our cards also offers virtual account numbers; one-time numbers that I can create as needed. I use these for websites I don't normally purchase from and for vendors that I might want to cancel in the future (easier to let the one-time number expire than to cancel the entire card)

Two simple steps that have saved me a lot of hassle.

[MrFlorida]

Inside job, I had a credit card canceled because of a fraudulent charge, and a new card and number issued... a few days later, I got another fraudulent charge on the new card, which I didn't even receive yet....

[GrumpyOldMan]

If you use your card someplace and enter your security code, the bad guys could have captured that with something called the man in the middle, or by putting a bug in/on the CC reader, etc. A common method is putting a small reader in the slot of a gas pump to get the card number. They don't require the security code but do require your zip code. And many (most) people use their CCs in the home area, so the bad guys can guess the zip code. Lots of ways.

One thing I would suggest, from reading your question, is that you set up with your CC company to text you a message every time a charge is made using your card. Then you can catch it the moment it happens and report it.

[villagetinker]

I agree with above on the email notifications, I have caught several charges that were fraud. In discussions with the CC company, they indicated the scammers are using random number generators and charging amounts like 1 cent that go unnoticed, if the charge goes through, then they go for the bigger charge. The emails effectively stop this, but you still have to go through the hassle of a new card. I am looking into using a second checking account for reoccurring payments, with NO overdraft protection. I will just transfer in the amount necessary plus a small surplus as needed to cover the upcoming bill. I think this will work.

[Ben Franklin]

Have you used it at a gas station recently, because that's where many cards are skimmed. btw, one can't buy pot with a credit card. It's a cash only business.

[retiredguy123]

If you use your card someplace and enter your security code, the bad guys could have captured that with something called the man in the middle, or by putting a bug in/on the CC reader, etc. A common method is putting a small reader in the slot of a gas pump to get the card number. They don't require the security code but do require your zip code. And many (most) people use their CCs in the home area, so the bad guys can guess the zip code. Lots of ways.

One thing I would suggest, from reading your question, is that you set up with your CC company to text you a message every time a charge is made using your card. Then you can catch it the moment it happens and report it.
The 3 digit security code is unique to the individual card itself, and is not needed when you make an in-person transaction using the card. The only time you need the 3 digit code is when you are making a purchase online or on the phone where the merchant cannot see the card or swipe it. In the OP's case, it is possible that the scammer had a fake card with the OP's CC number on it, and, therefore, did not need to use the 3 digit code.

[Travelingal702]

Have you used it at a gas station recently, because that's where many cards are skimmed. btw, one can't buy pot with a credit card. It's a cash only business.
I called the company in question and they said they only accept Debit Cards or Cash. Mine is definitely NOT a Debit card.

[retiredguy123]

Have you used it at a gas station recently, because that's where many cards are skimmed. btw, one can't buy pot with a credit card. It's a cash only business.
Marijuana is not a cash only business everywhere. Credit card transactions are allowed in some areas of the country. But, some banks do not allow credit card transactions because they are regulated by the Federal Government and marijuana is illegal under Federal law.

[Ben Franklin]

Marijuana is not a cash only business everywhere. Credit card transactions are allowed in some areas of the country. But, some banks do not allow credit card transactions because they are regulated by the Federal Government and marijuana is illegal under Federal law.

Where are credit cards accepted? Are you talking about an ATM machine inside a dispensary??

Why Paying with Cards at Marijuana Stores is so Complicated (https://shiftprocessing.com/why-paying-with-cards-at-marijuana-stores-is-so-complicated/)

[retiredguy123]

Where are credit cards accepted? Are you talking about an ATM machine inside a dispensary??

Why Paying with Cards at Marijuana Stores is so Complicated (https://shiftprocessing.com/why-paying-with-cards-at-marijuana-stores-is-so-complicated/)
One way is to use an app called "KindPay".

[John41]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:

Yes that happened to me a few years ago. I got a call to verify some gasoline purchases one after the other. Total amount stolen was $700 which I did not have to pay. Also had someone buy over the phone an expensive ladies sweater from a store in Chicago. I’d rather have fraud against my credit card than a debit card which I don’t have.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Marijuana is not a cash only business everywhere. Credit card transactions are allowed in some areas of the country. But, some banks do not allow credit card transactions because they are regulated by the Federal Government and marijuana is illegal under Federal law.

This is accurate - sadly.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Where are credit cards accepted? Are you talking about an ATM machine inside a dispensary??

Why Paying with Cards at Marijuana Stores is so Complicated (https://shiftprocessing.com/why-paying-with-cards-at-marijuana-stores-is-so-complicated/)

I am pretty sure in Oregon and Washington.

[J1ceasar]

Fyi, there is no fraud protection against the debit card. I know the commentator did not say this. FYI a lot of companies are now asking you to link your credit card account with them to your bank so you get a small discount do not do that.

[jojo]

I had a $400 cc charge at Walmart on 441 that wasn't mine. My cc company alerted me. I drove to the store thinking the manager would provide some information about the transaction but she did not appear concerned. Must happen frequently.

[Earlride]

Apple's credit card, supported by Goldman Sachs, only puts the last four digits on the card and no personal identity number. Difficult for nefarious individuals to "skim" the card.

[baramu]

This happened to me about eight years ago. They have a card made up. If you’ve ever bought anything online, that’s where they steal your information including the three digit number. It’s ugly out there. I even had someone who apparently got mixed up and sent the $200 boots to me. These are horrible people.

[spinner1001]

Credit card fraud has been around a long time. How it happened to you depends partly on your use of the card. Credit card skimming at gas pumps is very common. Less common is restaurants where a crooked food server takes your card for an ordinary meal payment but also swipes your credit card in another device that quickly collects your private card information. Online phishing is another way of collecting stolen credit card information.

What happens after that? Organized crime enterprises are likely involved (as in ransomware crimes). The brains of these organizations are often outside the US and they often have 'agents' inside and out of the US. Short story, many stolen credit card numbers end up on the Dark Web where they are sold. I have observed a Dark Web online store selling stolen credit card information and social security numbers. The online store looks similar to Amazon's website. It has search and filter features to find what you want. Want a gold AMEX card from Florida, you can filter on it. Pick what stolen numbers you want, put them in your cart, and check out. Just like Amazon. Pay in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency. Online stores even offer guarantees the stolen numbers you buy work or get free replacements.

Perhaps another criminal enterprise (maybe outside the US) often buys this kind of stolen information on the Dark Web. What do they do with it? Many of these organizations have their own 'agents' on the ground (called money mules). Their assignment is to take stolen credit card information from their boss and buy as much stuff as quickly as possible before detection and card cancellation. Then liquidate what the mule buys (e.g., sell the pot bought with the stolen card number). There is a split of money between the money mule and his boss.

The offshore online criminals are generally beyond the reach of US law enforcement. The lower level crooks on the ground tend to get caught but they don't even know their bosses. It's very lucrative and sophisticated. This kind of thing is growing because of more online activities and electronic payments. Banks are generally absorbing the losses as a part of doing business and US law enforcement can only make a small difference in it.

[Girlcopper]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:
There are million of scams to get your cc info. I just got an email from the Geek Squad (computer repair co associated with Brandsmart). Said my yearly contract was being renewed on my debit card for $495.99. Really? I hadnt used them for about 25 years. Called the number and got some guy in Tunisia or something and he says he can cancel the charge BUT I haveto download an app so he can walk me thru it. Immediate red flags but ok, Ill play your game. So, I look up the app while on the phone with him, tell him ok I found it and he says, Go ahead and download it. Sooooo, I said you mean the app that shares my computer screen with you? Yes, he says, he needs to see my screen to walk me thru the app. Ya. Ok, buddy. I said so this was charged to my debit card and you have the number? Yes, again. Well, he stuttered and stammered when I told him I never pay anything with my debit card, only cc, so no way he has my number on file. He continued to stutter around when I continued the conversation in some colorful phrases and was silent when I told him he better be right with Jesus since he will be meeting him soon if any charges show on any cards I have. Never heard from him again and no charges incurred. The scamming nitwits are out there among us.

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

I had a Visa gift card compromised before it had even been used. That was a shock.

My husband gets a text message every time I use our credit card. Half the time I get a call before I'm even out of the store "What are you buying @ xxxx store and why does it cost $xxx?"

[CoachKandSportsguy]

then there are credit card companies which are nice to the recurring charge companies, and update them with the new card number so that there is no interruption in service due to a new card number

:ohdear:

so if the stolen purchase is a revolving charge, and you dispute the charge, but they don't clear it in time, or something goes wrong, the only recourse is to cancel the card. . . There are a few small, non bank credit card companies where the fraud department is too small and not automated. Was my mom's Fidelity card, and with her dementia, she was just oblivious, and a few other confounding issues, was a big pain in the a$$ so i just cancelled it.

Everyday card should have the minimum dollar amount, $1000 these days, and then set up a weekly transfer of like $100 from checking, etc, and you will not incur much interest if any and will never have a minimum monthly payment required. . . and you don't have to check it every day, unless you are a money control freak. . .

The everyday card with a minimum amount and a balance will usually get flagged right at the point of sale if the purchase is big enough. . . my everyday card has never has a problem, with Bank of America, so far. . .

finance guy

[Graspher]

Here’s what we do...

Pay with cash at all restaurants.

Carefully examine the card slots at all gas pumps and retailers.

One card for all online retail.

One card for in person charges.

One card for online reoccurring bill payments.

We’ve only been compromised a couple of times in 15 years and it was always with the card used online.

The CC company faithfully caught every non-us charge that was made - zeroed the charge and overnighted a new card.

...and it has worked very well so far.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Credit card fraud isn't the worst fraud. A colleague in MA had a live person in AZ go into a branch of BOA and write a check with ID against his account withdrawing money. . .

Now he had a very hard time to get his money back

finance stories guy

[Jalenza]

I agree with above on the email notifications, I have caught several charges that were fraud. In discussions with the CC company, they indicated the scammers are using random number generators and charging amounts like 1 cent that go unnoticed, if the charge goes through, then they go for the bigger charge. The emails effectively stop this, but you still have to go through the hassle of a new card. I am looking into using a second checking account for reoccurring payments, with NO overdraft protection. I will just transfer in the amount necessary plus a small surplus as needed to cover the upcoming bill. I think this will work.

As a former Banker(35 years) as good a solution that you can use, it is one that is often suggested by the Bank

[irishwonone]

Apparently, it's the merchant's decision to require the chip or the 3 digit code. Some do and some don't. I don't think many banks require anything except the actual credit card number for processing a transaction.
Your correct. Smaller companies didn’t want to pay for costly machines!!

[Marine1974]

Pot is a cash only business.

[Nick B]

Inside job, I had a credit card canceled because of a fraudulent charge, and a new card and number issued... a few days later, I got another fraudulent charge on the new card, which I didn't even receive yet....
I have also had that happen.

[Nick B]

Credit card fraud has been around a long time. How it happened to you depends partly on your use of the card. Credit card skimming at gas pumps is very common. Less common is restaurants where a crooked food server takes your card for an ordinary meal payment but also swipes your credit card in another device that quickly collects your private card information. Online phishing is another way of collecting stolen credit card information.

What happens after that? Organized crime enterprises are likely involved (as in ransomware crimes). The brains of these organizations are often outside the US and they often have 'agents' inside and out of the US. Short story, many stolen credit card numbers end up on the Dark Web where they are sold. I have observed a Dark Web online store selling stolen credit card information and social security numbers. The online store looks similar to Amazon's website. It has search and filter features to find what you want. Want a gold AMEX card from Florida, you can filter on it. Pick what stolen numbers you want, put them in your cart, and check out. Just like Amazon. Pay in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency. Online stores even offer guarantees the stolen numbers you buy work or get free replacements.

Perhaps another criminal enterprise (maybe outside the US) often buys this kind of stolen information on the Dark Web. What do they do with it? Many of these organizations have their own 'agents' on the ground (called money mules). Their assignment is to take stolen credit card information from their boss and buy as much stuff as quickly as possible before detection and card cancellation. Then liquidate what the mule buys (e.g., sell the pot bought with the stolen card number). There is a split of money between the money mule and his boss.

The offshore online criminals are generally beyond the reach of US law enforcement. The lower level crooks on the ground tend to get caught but they don't even know their bosses. It's very lucrative and sophisticated. This kind of thing is growing because of more online activities and electronic payments. Banks are generally absorbing the losses as a part of doing business and US law enforcement can only make a small difference in it.
I just had a thought do the criminals buy stolen credit cards with stolen credit cards?

[OhioBuckeye]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:

Don’t feel bad I had my credit card used in Arizona just this past week & we live in Texas. Never been to Arizona. Our bank took care of it, with no problems. I’m guessing some people make so many charges on their credit card that they can’t follow them all, so the crook gets away with a purchase, & the credit card owner just pays it because they don’t even notice it. The credit card that I use, I only use it for gas, restaurants & groceries. I’m getting to the point where I might start using cash. It’s going to happen a lot of times until maybe the banks will make it totally theft proof, if that’s possible!

[retiredguy123]

Pot is a cash only business.
Mostly, but there are marijuana dispensaries in Seattle that accept credit cards.

[Lancer]

Look up “White Plastic CC Fraud” on You Tube. Shows how bad actors can get you information.

[Ben Franklin]

My credit card was skimmed at a gas station several years ago. The perps charged a few smaller items to my skimmed card of between $5 and $12. My credit card company sent me an email asking if I had made those charges, since it was a different pattern from my usual charging patterns. They told me the perps usually charge smaller items a first and if the charges go through, then they go after the larger, expensive items.
I changed my card reporting to alert me for every purchase over $1.00. So now I get alerted every time my card is used. This way I know immediately if my card was skimmed or used without my knowledge.

[KRMACK55]

How can someone use my credit card NUMBER (I still have the CC in my possession), without the chip or the three digit code, which I obliterate and memorize? Someone attempted to use it in a different state, 2000 miles away, to buy pot. My bank caught the transaction and contacted me. Of course, now I have a new card and go through the hassle of notifying all my CC contacts with the new information.:pray::pray:
Hackers can get into your phone OR the place they are charging doesn’t use the CVV code - 3 digit code. All the overseas crooks don’t use the CVV code because they can track the origin of the charge. In the last few elections hundreds of millions of PAC money went thru foreign without the CVV code. If your card isn’t part of a commercial bank then they aren’t looking out for you. I have US bank and everytime a charge goes thru I get a text with the amount- it’s all on the same line for the month then I match up my statement to those charges ! I’ve caught spectrum double billing me at least 2-3 times ! My card has no fee.

[KRMACK55]

If you use your card someplace and enter your security code, the bad guys could have captured that with something called the man in the middle, or by putting a bug in/on the CC reader, etc. A common method is putting a small reader in the slot of a gas pump to get the card number. They don't require the security code but do require your zip code. And many (most) people use their CCs in the home area, so the bad guys can guess the zip code. Lots of ways.

One thing I would suggest, from reading your question, is that you set up with your CC company to text you a message every time a charge is made using your card. Then you can catch it the moment it happens and report it.
Exactly when I moved to Florida I was scammed by the villages hometown rental ! US Bank and I set up every time it’s used I get a text ! They even watch for patterns and when Spectrum cable double charged me they immediately notified me by text and I got it reversed. Now that I’m leaving Florida the end of the summer I don’t expect the amount of attempted fraud.

Folks Florida is number one for fraud in the USA. They know 25% of the 23.5M people here are 65 and over they target you ! They know folks are trusting and tend to stay with one bank and card.

The most valuable commodity out there is not your home property etc it’s your data. It is resold hundreds of times a year multi billion dollar companies pay other companies use a relational database and create new unique lists.

Sadly the card companies no longer help a dispute that’s why you need to be vigilant. I never have a card on auto pay especially down here.

After 2 years of nothing but problems with credit card charges house etc I’m moving out of Florida. Sadly the state and the fed are absent in fixing these issues due to lobbyists contributions.

[KRMACK55]

Have you used it at a gas station recently, because that's where many cards are skimmed. btw, one can't buy pot with a credit card. It's a cash only business.
That’s not so. You can buy lots of drugs on a credit card. They are typically from China India England Philippines Indonesia etc. they use a middle man and then they ship FedEx UPS DHL and certified mail- less than 2% are caught by customs.

[Dilligas]

I agree with above on the email notifications, I have caught several charges that were fraud. In discussions with the CC company, they indicated the scammers are using random number generators and charging amounts like 1 cent that go unnoticed, if the charge goes through, then they go for the bigger charge. The emails effectively stop this, but you still have to go through the hassle of a new card. I am looking into using a second checking account for reoccurring payments, with NO overdraft protection. I will just transfer in the amount necessary plus a small surplus as needed to cover the upcoming bill. I think this will work.
I also agree...however for CCs that offer, I get a text rather than an email. Emails tend to get reviewed once a day or less, where as text can be seen and reacted to immediately. I get the texts many times while standing at the cash register. In restaurants, the rapid text also helps if the card is processed more than once. Most CC companies allow texts and you can set it up at all purchases or any over a threshold assigned by you.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Apple's credit card, supported by Goldman Sachs, only puts the last four digits on the card and no personal identity number. Difficult for nefarious individuals to "skim" the card.

Actually, its no harder than any regular card. The number is on the card for the customer's benefit. It will thwart the waiter\waitress that takes your card to pay for a meal where they can't write down your number, expiration date, etc., but it absolutely does nothing for skimming.

Skimming involves the card being passed through a reader and the information on the magnetic strip on the back being captured. Apple's credit card can be skimmed just as easily and just as fast as any other.

[DaleDivine]

After we moved to Florida in 2014, we had our bank call us and ask if we had been to South Africa and made a charge of $2300 to a restaurant. I said never been there. and we were not charged. Musta been one helluva party.
:ohdear::ohdear:

[Ben Franklin]

That’s not so. You can buy lots of drugs on a credit card. They are typically from China India England Philippines Indonesia etc. they use a middle man and then they ship FedEx UPS DHL and certified mail- less than 2% are caught by customs.

LOL. OK, if you say so. You didn't quote me honestly. You added two different post from two different strings. That makes anything you post, unreliable and untruthful.