Credit Card number stolen

[TedfromGA]

My credit card information was stolen from the Circle K gas station pump on March 30. This is the Circle K at 466a on the Lowes/Publix side of the road.

I used the "tap" feature - where you hold the card next to the black box with the tiny green lights that light up when your card communicates with the pump. Previously I thought this method was safer than inserting the card into a slot.

Thank goodness I get an alert every time the credit card is used. April 1 at 6:48am the card was used to charge $170 at Country Inn and Suites. This is clearly a fraudulent charge. I called the card issuer and canceled the card.

So be careful out there the crookes seem to be smarter every day.

[ohioshooter]

If that’s your first time you’re fortunate. It has happened to us several times. Good luck.

[kansasr]

I seriously doubt they got your card information there.

Contactless cards: How safe are they? (EMV security) (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works)

[retiredguy123]

I seriously doubt they got your card information there.

Contactless cards: How safe are they? (EMV security) (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works)
I agree. According to several articles on contactless cards:

"Contactless cards don’t transmit your name, card number, or three-digit security code."

[Jayhawk]

I agree. According to several articles on contactless cards:

"Contactless cards don’t transmit your name, card number, or three-digit security code."

The crooks got mine at the exact same place, but I did use the slider function.

[Michael G.]

I called the card issuer and canceled the card.



Make sure when they reissue a new card, they give you a new number.

[Bill14564]

How do you determine where the card information was stolen? Do the police or the credit card company say, "yes, you are right, it was stolen from the Circle K?"

There are any number of ways the information can be stolen including anyplace you have used the card since the last time it was issued. Just because the fraud occurred today doesn't mean it was stolen yesterday or this morning.

[villagetinker]

My credit card information was stolen from the Circle K gas station pump on March 30. This is the Circle K at 466a on the Lowes/Publix side of the road.

I used the "tap" feature - where you hold the card next to the black box with the tiny green lights that light up when your card communicates with the pump. Previously I thought this method was safer than inserting the card into a slot.

Thank goodness I get an alert every time the credit card is used. April 1 at 6:48am the card was used to charge $170 at Country Inn and Suites. This is clearly a fraudulent charge. I called the card issuer and canceled the card.

So be careful out there the crookes seem to be smarter every day.

We had card numbers "stolen" for cards that never left our wallets, it turns out the bad guys use random number generators and submit to websites when they get a hit, then they start using the number for purchases.

[Direwolf]

I seriously doubt they got your card information there.

Contactless cards: How safe are they? (EMV security) (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works)

Thanks for sharing this resource.

[Two Bills]

My new credit/debit card has no information apart from name showing at all. Just a plain card.
Contactless is near bullet proof. Very hard to copy or duplicate. (Not impossible though!)

[daniel200]

I prefer tap to pay using my iphone wherever possible. But I have found that gas stations often have do not have tap to pay enabled and only accept swipe. So I swipe. But I have email alerts setup for all card transactions … so i always am notified immediately when there is a fraudulent transaction, which seems to happen about twice per year. But I have never lost money … its just a hassle to call the bank and fix things.

There is also restaurants that like to take your card from you at your table and then disappear for 10 minutes to process payment. I scratched the 3 digit code off the back of my card so its impossible for the restaurant employee to obtain my 3 digit code. Of course, i need to store the 3 digit code somewhere else, so i have it when needed.

[Michael 61]

I’m thinking may need to go back to using cash again - especially at gas stations.

[Papa_lecki]

They try to use the card quickly, they get 1 or 2 charges. So it’s usually the last 1 or 2 days of places you used it.

Not sure why they used it at a country in and suites

[Jayhawk]

How do you determine where the card information was stolen? Do the police or the credit card company say, "yes, you are right, it was stolen from the Circle K?"



Mine was my backup card (Discover) when I had left my main one (MasterCard) at home on the table after buying from Amazon. It was the one and only time I used that card in more than 6 months, and the next day phantom charge started piling up until the card issuer fraud system kicked in and called me.

Never a doubt as to where the number was stolen.

[Blueblaze]

Think that's bad?

Someone at Chase Bank created their own Debit Card on my bank account and then ran up $4,000 in small charges at Amazon (apparently the only place that accepts an UNACTIVATED debit card with NO PIN).

How do I know it was someone at Chase? I don't. But who else would bother to make one small charge, wait 90 days (until the Chase liability window closed), and then start hitting Amazon three times a day for a year? Who else would have access to the account, to know that it was a small business account used almost exclusively for doing business as an Amazon seller, where they knew the charges would go unnoticed for months?

Chase even admitted that they paid the charges on a card that had NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED. They still refused to repay the $4,000 in fraudulent charges that they should never have allowed in the first place.

I had 133 Amazon order numbers against my card but Amazon refused to reveal the name or address of the thief to anyone except law enforcement. So I called the Marion County Sheriff. I had a Lieutenant literally refuse to even call to get the name, claiming it was out of their jurisdiction. I said I at least needed a police report for my identity theft policy. So two cops stood in my livingroom and acted like I was putting them out to write a police report; like it was my fault that someone created a fake debit card to steal my hard-earned cash. When I complained about their attitude, the head cop just closed his book and they walked out without even finishing the report. Then the identity theft policy company (Zander) reneged, claiming they didn't cover business accounts (which they didn't disclose or discover for months, until all other excuses for not paying ran out).

We live in a completely lawless society. You are at risk at all times. Nobody cares. I could also tell you about the time I found two burglars in the livingroom of my rental, stealing my TV. I called the Sumter County sheriff, and they refused to get involved because the burglars were the same people I'd just bought the place from, who used a key they were supposed to have turned in at the closing, to attempt to steal a TV clearly listed in the inventory.

I'm telling you, this isn't the same country we grew up in. Literally no one cares about crime anymore but the victims. The only thing saving any of us is that the ratio of crooks to citizens is still relatively low (unless you count all of your neighbors who scammed a free roof out of their insurance company, and thereby doubled your rate last year).

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Think that's bad Then the identity theft policy company (Zander) reneged, claiming they didn't cover business accounts (which they didn't disclose or discover for months, until all other excuses for not paying ran out).

We live in a completely lawless society. You are at risk at all times. Nobody cares.

Fact check: True

fact checking guy

[defrey12]

How do you determine where the card information was stolen? Do the police or the credit card company say, "yes, you are right, it was stolen from the Circle K?"

There are any number of ways the information can be stolen including anyplace you have used the card since the last time it was issued. Just because the fraud occurred today doesn't mean it was stolen yesterday or this morning.

So true. We NEVER use our bank card anywhere but our bank to get cash (we don’t even go to other banks) and they still lifted our card numbers…BOTH OF THEM. Pay attention, folks.

[Glowfromminnesota]

Agree. I always thought the tap method was safe. Thanks for sharing.

[lisahathy]

So true. We NEVER use our bank card anywhere but our bank to get cash (we don’t even go to other banks) and they still lifted our card numbers…BOTH OF THEM. Pay attention, folks.

Wow! That’s scary. Did you use your cards at the ATM in the lobby?

[Sandy and Ed]

Sadly I agree with poster #15 and am somewhat glad I am in the flipside of life.

[NotGolfer]

Back in the early 2000's I got a bill from a Discover card I'd not used in two years. I don't recall if I'd closed it or not but the card was only used for business purposes and the business had been closed. I called the CC to tell them and their loss department said they'd look into it. I asked who/how the card had been compromised, but of course they never tell you. I cancelled that card and haven't used Discover since. Whether anyone believes this or not---I think our culture is setting us up for a cashless society where we'll all have to have a chip or some such thing to do our business transactions. You only have to read headlines about banks going under etc. The one OP was correct in saying the world isn't what it used to be...tyranny, lawlessness and all the other "garbage" we're observing.

[PersonOfInterest]

We stopped using Credit Card at restaurants and the number of fraudulent card use has gone down considerably.

[airstreamingypsy]

This is why I have a second card, with a very low credit balance, which I use just for gas stations and restaurants. Restaurants, because the card goes out of my sight, and gas stations for obvious reasons. I get a text the second it's used, so I can call the CC company the second it's used by anyone except me. Why the second card? All my online stuff is on the first card, and it's a real pain to have to change the number everywhere.

[Blackbird45]

I just had a fraudulent charge on my card on the 30th and getting a new card sent to me this Monday. I receive notices when charges are made over a certain amount. What I don't understand is what the charge was for. GOAUTO MANAGEMENT SERVICE, who and how does anyone think they can get away charging car insurance? Items I understand, but car insurance.
Does anyone have a clue how this scam would work?

[retiredguy123]

Every time you make an online credit card purchase, you are providing the merchant with all the information needed to make fraudulent purchases on your card, or to sell the information. That is why I have a reloadable VISA debit card to use occasionally when doing business with an unknown merchant. I also use it for a streaming service that will only accept autopay. It is a "MyVanilla" VISA card that I got at Walgreens.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yea & I think it’ll get more corrupt unless something gets done about real quick, the longer it goes on it’ll only get worse & it’ll get to a point that it’ll get so bad nothing will be able to stop it! Just my opinion, look at our economy now.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Every time you make an online credit card purchase, you are providing the merchant with all the information needed to make fraudulent purchases on your card, or to sell the information. That is why I have a reloadable VISA debit card to use occasionally when doing business with an unknown merchant. I also use it for a streaming service that will only accept autopay. It is a "MyVanilla" VISA card that I got at Walgreens.

I had a reloaded VISA debit card which the numbers were stolen as I never actually used the card. purpose was for the same reason, thieves buying a company and getting a credit card validation machine testing out numbers is not preventable.. . however, the amount stolen was small, and i ignored the vendor emails questioning the card because I never used it. . my fault

Low max balances are the key, thieves can't make many transactions, especially if you keep a balance. . My 500 max cc was good for many years until recent inflation made it too easy to exceed the limit. . . on vacation i went over and it dinged my credit rating. . . so I laugh at the credit ratings formulas when i have zero loan balances across the board zero on a larger credit card, . . . and go over a $500 limit by $500 and paid off the next month. Zero context just pure math of total - limit. I also make weekly auto transfers from the checking account to the credit card so that I don't usually have a minimum monthly amount to pay each month

not a good cc holder as the bank doesn't make any interest on my card.

future former finance guy

[Two Bills]

There is no fraud protection when using any Debit card.
You are basically giving the scammer a cash payment.
Always pay with a CC, for any online purchase.

[retiredguy123]

Question. If it is a debit card, I thought that it is not possible to exceed the amount on the card because the transaction would just be rejected. Not like a credit card.

Note that I used to use a non-reloadable debit card, but many online merchants will no longer accept them.

[retiredguy123]

There is no fraud protection when using any Debit card.
You are basically giving the scammer a cash payment.
Always pay with a CC, for any online purchase.
I totally agree, but, for some small purchases, like a monthly streaming service, I am not concerned about fraud. Also, I never load more than about $150 on the card.

[bowlingal]

ALWAYS pay cash.....or go inside to use your cc. How many times have people been warned about this? Do not feel sorry for you.

[sail33or]

I just had unauthorized charges on my card and was notified by my credit card company. I just checked (because of this post) and Circle K was the last place I used it.

Thanks for the post.

[vinnytalk]

My credit card information was stolen from the Circle K gas station pump on March 30. This is the Circle K at 466a on the Lowes/Publix side of the road.

I used the "tap" feature - where you hold the card next to the black box with the tiny green lights that light up when your card communicates with the pump. Previously I thought this method was safer than inserting the card into a slot.

Thank goodness I get an alert every time the credit card is used. April 1 at 6:48am the card was used to charge $170 at Country Inn and Suites. This is clearly a fraudulent charge. I called the card issuer and canceled the card.

So be careful out there the crookes seem to be smarter every day.

How do you know it was from that store? Did you notify the store? Did you notify police?

[lindaelane]

Do you know how a auto-teller usually shows an image of you holding your hand over your PIN number? Crooks can easily insert unseen cameras into outdoor machines. Sounds unreal but I've seen films of how they do it. Cover your card and your PIN (if used) when using a machine.

[retiredguy123]

ALWAYS pay cash.....or go inside to use your cc. How many times have people been warned about this? Do not feel sorry for you.
How do you use a credit card inside to buy gas? Do you need to pay for a certain amount of gas without knowing how much it will take to fill up? Just curious.

[retiredguy123]

When using a credit card, you can tap, swipe, or insert. Which is the most secure method?

[Bill14564]

How do you use a credit card inside to buy gas? Do you need to pay for a certain amount of gas without knowing how much it will take to fill up? Just curious.

That has been the case the few times I have been forced to go inside.

- Leave the card at the register then go back in to pay (generally not an option)
- Guess low and don't fill the tank
- Guess high and trust the charge that goes through will only be what you used and not the higher amount

Any of the three involve walking into the station and waiting in line. The first requires walking and waiting twice. Cash options must be similar though I haven't paid cash for gas in probably 25 years.

[retiredguy123]

That has been the case the few times I have been forced to go inside.

- Leave the card at the register then go back in to pay (generally not an option)
- Guess low and don't fill the tank
- Guess high and trust the charge that goes through will only be what you used and not the higher amount

Any of the three involve walking into the station and waiting in line. The first requires walking and waiting twice. Cash options must be similar though I haven't paid cash for gas in probably 25 years.
I remember in the old days when they had a guy walking around the pumps to take your cash. He always had a huge wad of cash in his pocket.

[Bill14564]

When using a credit card, you can tap, swipe, or insert. Which is the most secure method?

Tap.

Swipe reads the numbers off the swipe and allows for the possibility of skimming.

Insert uses a supposedly one-time encrypted token but since the card moves past the swipe reading heads there is still the possibility of skimming

Tap uses a supposedly one-time encrypted token with no chance of skimming.

Of course, any time your card is out of your wallet there is the possibility of a camera catching the numbers. Apple Pay (tap using your phone) or a card without numbers would avoid this.

[ffresh]

There is no fraud protection when using any Debit card.
You are basically giving the scammer a cash payment.
Always pay with a CC, for any online purchase.

Not exactly; many banks do offer liability protection on debit cards now. For example:
At Citizens Bank, we understand that you want peace of mind when you bank and shop online. Our Debit Card comes with Zero Liability coverage — this means if your debit card number is fraudulently used to make a purchase, you won't be responsible for that transaction.

I use Capital One for most of my cc purchases. Online purchases are always paid using "ENO" from Capital One, which is a virtual card and, thus, you are not providing your actual cc info to the vendor. It is activated in your browser

Fred

[JRcorvette]

My credit card information was stolen from the Circle K gas station pump on March 30. This is the Circle K at 466a on the Lowes/Publix side of the road.

I used the "tap" feature - where you hold the card next to the black box with the tiny green lights that light up when your card communicates with the pump. Previously I thought this method was safer than inserting the card into a slot.

Thank goodness I get an alert every time the credit card is used. April 1 at 6:48am the card was used to charge $170 at Country Inn and Suites. This is clearly a fraudulent charge. I called the card issuer and canceled the card.

So be careful out there the crookes seem to be smarter every day.

there is an App that you can install on your phone that will detect Scanners. It is called Card Scanner (iPhone App Store)

[Two Bills]

When we first visited the USA, most gas pumps would not accept my UK credit card, so I got used to giving cash to cashier prior to filling car.
Stuck with cash for gas ever since, and same at restaurants.
They seem to be the two most vulnerable card locations.

We still pay after filling up in UK.
We are so honest! :angel::pray:

[retiredguy123]

Not exactly; many banks do offer liability protection on debit cards now. For example:
At Citizens Bank, we understand that you want peace of mind when you bank and shop online. Our Debit Card comes with Zero Liability coverage — this means if your debit card number is fraudulently used to make a purchase, you won't be responsible for that transaction.

I use Capital One for most of my cc purchases. Online purchases are always paid using "ENO" from Capital One, which is a virtual card and, thus, you are not providing your actual cc info to the vendor. It is activated in your browser

Fred
Zero liability? I'm skeptical. Suppose you are careless and negligent with your card and lose thousands of dollars? I doubt that the bank will honor that promise.

[Tunesmith]

there is an App that you can install on your phone that will detect Scanners. It is called Card Scanner (iPhone App Store)
Did you mean "Card Skimmer", rather than "Card Scanner"?

[JDDankert]

We had card numbers "stolen" for cards that never left our wallets, it turns out the bad guys use random number generators and submit to websites when they get a hit, then they start using the number for purchases.

We had a replacement card used before it ever reach our home!!

[Blueblaze]

Every time you make an online credit card purchase, you are providing the merchant with all the information needed to make fraudulent purchases on your card, or to sell the information. That is why I have a reloadable VISA debit card to use occasionally when doing business with an unknown merchant. I also use it for a streaming service that will only accept autopay. It is a "MyVanilla" VISA card that I got at Walgreens.

And yet, it's becoming impossible to use cash.

Just this weekend, I checked my credit card online and discovered that my new dentist (Smile Design in Mulberry) had hit my card for $25 twice on the same day, AFTER I'd already paid the agreed $55 at the desk on the day of service. They just used the number and helped themselves. This was after last week, when they sent a bill demanding payment for the insured amounts (about $300). When I called to ask what the deal was, they told me to ignore the bill (that said they'd charge a late fee if I didn't pay it), and wait 3 weeks to verify that insurance paid it. But they refused to send a corrected bill (I guess, so they can help themselves to a "late" fee using my unauthorized credit card number again).

Everyone you deal with these days is a crook. Just look at your next insurance statement if you need proof. The cops refuse to investigate crime unless it's to shake down normal folks for breaking an absurd speed limit. And, as I mentioned earlier, I've already discovered that even ID protection insurance is just another scam.

This country has become so corrupt that we make Mexico look like a bastion of virtue. At least in Mexico, you can bribe a cop to do his damned job!

[ffresh]

And yet, it's becoming impossible to use cash.

Just this weekend...

This country has become so corrupt that we make Mexico look like a bastion of virtue. At least in Mexico, you can bribe a cop to do his damned job!

I wish I could say that I totally disagree with your pessimism, BUT :shrug:

Fred

[MrFlorida]

Keep a copy of your medical records, they are always trying to double bill, or bill for services that you didn't have.

[Pairadocs]

My credit card information was stolen from the Circle K gas station pump on March 30. This is the Circle K at 466a on the Lowes/Publix side of the road.

I used the "tap" feature - where you hold the card next to the black box with the tiny green lights that light up when your card communicates with the pump. Previously I thought this method was safer than inserting the card into a slot.

Thank goodness I get an alert every time the credit card is used. April 1 at 6:48am the card was used to charge $170 at Country Inn and Suites. This is clearly a fraudulent charge. I called the card issuer and canceled the card.

So be careful out there the crooks seem to be smarter every day.

Thanks for the heads up; seems Florida is a prime target for criminals who attach those to pumps, and a lot of the articles in the news mention Circle K stations. Don't know if they check for "skimmers" less often that others or why this could be so ? B.J.'s pumps also seem to be connected to a lot of this type of thing...and they always have attendants out and covering the area. As you commented, the more technology advances, the more criminals refine their "skills" ! Thankfully, most credit cards do have safeguards for the card holders.... that's US....LOL !

[Pairadocs]

Fact check: True

fact checking guy

I've always been a "glass half full" type personality. No longer, and I don't blame "age" for this change, perhaps in a way, as experience does depend on age, but the "FACT" that "nobody cares" (maybe better said, "few care", there are a "few") has spread to every aspect of our society. When people go to vote, nobody really cares about the important offices like JUDGES, nobody really has an inclination to do all the hours of research needed to find out the philosophy and past judgments of those up for election/to retain, definitions of accepted concepts and individual words change monthly now (Orwell's "newspeak"), people have actually been dismissed from the jobs, or their classrooms because they "mis-pronoun" another individual. Great example, "mis-pronoun" is a word most adults in their 30's were never taught, so we/they are bound to make mistakes ! Very low tolerance for mistakes, people are quick to assume the WORST of others. The whole virus scenario seems to have just given impetus to the trend toward "nobody cares" ?
Serious thought here, has there been a major, and permanent, shift it the collective American psyche ? Interesting to ponder !

[Pairadocs]

So true. We NEVER use our bank card anywhere but our bank to get cash (we don’t even go to other banks) and they still lifted our card numbers…BOTH OF THEM. Pay attention, folks.

This thread will will serve to bring the extent of this to people's minds, but what needs to be posted is: THE SOLUTION. What is the solution ? Pay attention is not the answer to this, but is a "skimmer proof" credit card possible with today's technology ? What about all the online forms that "store" your C.C. numbers (many even when you check the "do not save" box !) It's a major problem that does not seem to be decreasing !

[Pairadocs]

I seriously doubt they got your card information there.

Contactless cards: How safe are they? (EMV security) (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works)

Why ? Just asking, not challenging ! Have read so many articles on this is various papers; Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando, about the state's actions in trying to check pumps for "skimmers", Circle K (for some reason ?) seems to be a prime target for these criminals ! Articles frequently name Circle K as a victim of this. Again, NOT challenging your comment, just wondering why that would not be a prime suspect since it is well know this chain is a frequent target ... could it be they have more locations than Freedom, Shell, etc. etc. , so it would follow they would be victimized more often ? WHY are gas stations more susceptible than other businesses (yes, restaurant employees have been found to steal CC numbers too), is it because it's easier to place skimmers than to accomplish "inside jobs" ?

[Villages Kahuna]

Just call your bank — the number on the card. They’ll cancel your card and send you a new one, probably overnight.

Don’t keep.using the old one. Your number has been stolen and is “out there”. Call your bank and get new card.

[rothbear]

Tap.

Swipe reads the numbers off the swipe and allows for the possibility of skimming.

Insert uses a supposedly one-time encrypted token but since the card moves past the swipe reading heads there is still the possibility of skimming

Tap uses a supposedly one-time encrypted token with no chance of skimming.


Unfortunately there are still way too many places that don't accept the "tap" method. Nor do they accept Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, etc. It's amazing how many times I hear "Oh, we don't do that here". I routinely use Samsung Pay everywhere I can. But believe it or not, WalMart doesn't accept any thing unless it's their own WalMart Pay. At least that's what they told me when mine didn't work.

I wish our illustrious credit card companies (or govt) would require that restaurants must bring a handheld to the table when you wish to use a CC, like they do in Europe. If they can't bring one, you must go to the register to pay. Your card never leaves your hands. There are some with the table check-out but it is not even chain wide much less system wide. I know of one chain where you can actually pay through your phone. That is nice.

Unfortunately my hubby isn't techy to the point that he can use the phone pay, and he often has trouble with the touch so it just frustrates him and he uses the chip slot.

[Pairadocs]

I seriously doubt they got your card information there.

Contactless cards: How safe are they? (EMV security) (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works)

I read the same article. Not trying to be contrary, this discussion is an important one, but why would we trust this French company (Thalesgroup) for the definite answer to our questions about the safety of our credit cards, or any cards ? One company with a LOT at stake in convincing the "public" of the safety of the developing the card technology. Nope, call me a skeptic, but while seek to read all available "perspectives" on any topic, this posted one from Thalesgroup, is just another perspective from a company that has a LOT to gain from taking this stand on "safety"...LOL !

[Pairadocs]

I’m thinking may need to go back to using cash again - especially at gas stations.

Agree, but in reality.... it's difficult to do of course. You can not make a flight or hotel reservation without one. My mother was one of THE very last holdouts concerning credit cards. She refused the entire concept for years, what took her over the cliff was the day she tried to book a flight to Texas and was unable to do so. She called me to make the reservation, then finally relented and was "forced" by the times to get one credit card ! I know growing up my parents we EXTREMELY "old fashioned" people. They paid cash for everything, EVERYTHING. Nothing was purchased if there was not enough to pay for it ! That included automobiles if you can believe that ! For an automobile they paid by check, not cash, but never until the total price had been "saved up". It's amazing how they lived, tried to explain to the grands. One grandson could not understand HOW they could get FOOD without a credit card ! It was like trying to explain a corded phone and what a "typewriter" was.....lol !

[Pairadocs]

Make sure when they reissue a new card, they give you a new number.

Question: Isn't that just routine ? Do you actually have to ASK that you be issued a different number ? Ridiculous... defeats the whole purpose of letting them know you lost your card. Are you sure you have to request that ?

[Altavia]

This thread will will serve to bring the extent of this to people's minds, but what needs to be posted is: THE SOLUTION. What is the solution ? Pay attention is not the answer to this, but is a "skimmer proof" credit card possible with today's technology ? What about all the online forms that "store" your C.C. numbers (many even when you check the "do not save" box !) It's a major problem that does not seem to be decreasing !

Everything has risks, even carrying cash.



Credit Card Safety - Keep Your Accounts Safe (https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/consumer-alerts/consumer-alerts/shopping/credit-card-safety-keep-your-accounts-safe)

[Pairadocs]

Think that's bad?

Someone at Chase Bank created their own Debit Card on my bank account and then ran up $4,000 in small charges at Amazon (apparently the only place that accepts an UNACTIVATED debit card with NO PIN).

How do I know it was someone at Chase? I don't. But who else would bother to make one small charge, wait 90 days (until the Chase liability window closed), and then start hitting Amazon three times a day for a year? Who else would have access to the account, to know that it was a small business account used almost exclusively for doing business as an Amazon seller, where they knew the charges would go unnoticed for months?

Chase even admitted that they paid the charges on a card that had NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED. They still refused to repay the $4,000 in fraudulent charges that they should never have allowed in the first place.

I had 133 Amazon order numbers against my card but Amazon refused to reveal the name or address of the thief to anyone except law enforcement. So I called the Marion County Sheriff. I had a Lieutenant literally refuse to even call to get the name, claiming it was out of their jurisdiction. I said I at least needed a police report for my identity theft policy. So two cops stood in my livingroom and acted like I was putting them out to write a police report; like it was my fault that someone created a fake debit card to steal my hard-earned cash. When I complained about their attitude, the head cop just closed his book and they walked out without even finishing the report. Then the identity theft policy company (Zander) reneged, claiming they didn't cover business accounts (which they didn't disclose or discover for months, until all other excuses for not paying ran out).

We live in a completely lawless society. You are at risk at all times. Nobody cares. I could also tell you about the time I found two burglars in the livingroom of my rental, stealing my TV. I called the Sumter County sheriff, and they refused to get involved because the burglars were the same people I'd just bought the place from, who used a key they were supposed to have turned in at the closing, to attempt to steal a TV clearly listed in the inventory.

I'm telling you, this isn't the same country we grew up in. Literally no one cares about crime anymore but the victims. The only thing saving any of us is that the ratio of crooks to citizens is still relatively low (unless you count all of your neighbors who scammed a free roof out of their insurance company, and thereby doubled your rate last year).

I realize your last sentence was just an "extra" sarcastic jab, but I do totally agree that we "foolish ones" (as my brother in law called us when he got his "FREE new roof" and predicted we would be the ones to ultimately pay for "his" new roof, no he's not evil, he's a great guy, but he tried to tell us we'd be "sorry" we didn't agree to a false claim), are the last ones in the Ponzi scheme. I often wonder why, when we lived in other Florida towns, our neighborhood was not obsessed with new roofs, and never had "door knockers" offering free ones ? Surely this happens in Ocala, in Gainesville, in Vero Beach .... right ? ?

[Pairadocs]

ALWAYS pay cash.....or go inside to use your cc. How many times have people been warned about this? Do not feel sorry for you.

But, do you realize just how difficult this can be ? I know, I know, people used to do it and somehow managed, but now we are all so conditioned that the thought of leaving your dog in the care for only a minute to "run in", or the thought of taking your baby out of the car seat to "run in" to pay for gasoline in a driving rain storm, people really are too conditioned to go back to a cash, in my personal opinion many would not even know HOW to do that, logistics wise, LOL !

[lorilorilori]

my cc # was misused by a villager !! I handed her my cc to pay dues & she re-used it !! so had to close account and get a new one.

[Pairadocs]

And yet, it's becoming impossible to use cash.

Just this weekend, I checked my credit card online and discovered that my new dentist (Smile Design in Mulberry) had hit my card for $25 twice on the same day, AFTER I'd already paid the agreed $55 at the desk on the day of service. They just used the number and helped themselves. This was after last week, when they sent a bill demanding payment for the insured amounts (about $300). When I called to ask what the deal was, they told me to ignore the bill (that said they'd charge a late fee if I didn't pay it), and wait 3 weeks to verify that insurance paid it. But they refused to send a corrected bill (I guess, so they can help themselves to a "late" fee using my unauthorized credit card number again).
Everyone you deal with these days is a crook. Just look at your next insurance statement if you need proof. The cops refuse to investigate crime unless it's to shake down normal folks for breaking an absurd speed limit. And, as I mentioned earlier, I've already discovered that even ID protection insurance is just another scam.
This country has become so corrupt that we make Mexico look like a bastion of virtue. At least in Mexico, you can bribe a cop to do his damned job!

If misery loves company, I will tell you we have experience the very same type of "don't worry about the words to the effect that you'll be charged a late fee if your insurance company does not get the payment here on time", yet in the same breath refusing to send a written statement to back up what they responded to orally. It's a mine field at every turn. Ordered a Christmas present ($190 coffee maker and a burr grinder, from Gevi company. A Chinese "front" in Calif. that pretends to be an "Italian" company (because Gevi was a legitimate company at one time). Only received ONE of the items, and that was used (obviously, grounds still left in it), NOT the model I ordered, and NOT even the color I ordered. Call immediately, one hour and 10 minutes of just laying the phone on the table...waiting. Finally got a person with very limited English, only words were "sorry, sorry, so sorry". When I asked for details, WHEN what I paid for will all arrive (cc had cleared of course), WHAT should I do with the incorrect item I did received, she has so little command of English all she could manage was "send back, back, we will reimburse after receive". NOTHING about HOW do I get what I did order, WHEN would it arrive, nothing...just repeated "so sorry, sorry" ! Informed CC company, sent REAMS of supporting docs at my expense; original order clearly showing what I ordered, pictures of the ONE item I did receive showing it was definitely used and never cleaned, and so on. CC company reversed the charge. Later received a letter that they had done significant "research" (they asked Gevi if they HAD sent my correct order, and they replied "yes"... LOL !) Amex put the charge BACK on my bill, I sent reams of additional attempts to get what I ordered, copies of 15 emails since they seldom answer the phone and have no English speaking employees, and copies of the many personal reviews from people who had received dirty, used, equipment from them and then not been able to communicate in English for instructions on how to proceed. Another $11.80 postage to send hard copies of all this additional supporting information to CC, and once more they DID reverse the charges AND they (not GEVI ?) sent me a postage paid label to send the one used model I received back to Gevi in California. I have a receipt for that. Now, once again, CC has informed me the company DID send my order. I asked my credit card company to please obtain from Gevi a delivery conformation for the item I did NOT receive, they have not been able to obtain one. Gevi has once again told CC they sent the order and should have their money, and it was again put BACK on my statement. Now I have sent them a copy of an email from Gevi to me, in answer to my complaint that I was sent a different model and completely different COLOR than I ordered. The email, also in broken English, stated: "so sorry, order you received is the SAME as you ordered only Black color ! LOL ! It was a totally different MODEL, had very different controls, and was black, NOT the color "beige" I ordered...yet to them (???) black, beige, all the same ! Eight function espresso machine, same as 2 function ? Yes, it's a mine field. I think the $190 is gone for good, but how will I completely avoid ever ordering on line again...especially from an OLD, established, company like Gevi, a company most would "trust" ?

[Blueblaze]

This thread will will serve to bring the extent of this to people's minds, but what needs to be posted is: THE SOLUTION. What is the solution ? Pay attention is not the answer to this, but is a "skimmer proof" credit card possible with today's technology ? What about all the online forms that "store" your C.C. numbers (many even when you check the "do not save" box !) It's a major problem that does not seem to be decreasing !

The solution? The solution would be for the cops to do their damned jobs -- investigate and arrest criminals who steal credit cards (or in my case, criminals who use their job at a bank to create their own fake debit card number that I never even knew about).

But cops have the same problem as everyone else in this country -- THEY'RE LAZY. Marion Country couldn't even be bothered to call Amazon and demand the name of the crook on 131 Amazon order numbers. Literally dialing a phone was too much to ask of them.

I don't know how to fix that problem. But, since our military seems to suffer the same problem, I suspect that we will soon discover that China has a solution. We won't like it.

[retiredguy123]

The solution? The solution would be for the cops to do their damned jobs -- investigate and arrest criminals who steal credit cards (or in my case, criminals who use their job at a bank to create their own fake debit card number that I never even knew about).

But cops have the same problem as everyone else in this country -- THEY'RE LAZY. Marion Country couldn't even be bothered to call Amazon and demand the name of the crook on 131 Amazon order numbers. Literally dialing a phone was too much to ask of them.

I don't know how to fix that problem. But, since our military seems to suffer the same problem, I suspect that we will soon discover that China has a solution. We won't like it.
I don't think the cops are to blame. The banks are. They should increase the security of the credit cards. Why don't they require a photo on the credit card? If tapping is more secure than swiping, why don't they eliminate swiping and require tapping? Why do they allow restaurants to take a credit card into the back room where the card can be photographed, instead of requiring the transaction to be completed in the presence of the customer? Why is there a signature line on the back of the card that is never used for anything? Why don't they use biometrics? These are some simple, common sense measures that the banks could implement to greatly reduce fraudulent transactions. The cops can only get involved after it is too late to prevent fraud.

[Blueblaze]

I don't think the cops are to blame. The banks are. They should increase the security of the credit cards. Why don't they require a photo on the credit card? If tapping is more secure than swiping, why don't they eliminate swiping and require tapping? Why do they allow restaurants to take a credit card into the back room where the card can be photographed, instead of requiring the transaction to be completed in the presence of the customer? Why is there a signature line on the back of the card that is never used for anything? Why don't they use biometrics? These are some simple, common sense measures that the banks could implement to greatly reduce fraudulent transactions. The cops can only get involved after it is too late to prevent fraud.

Yeah, and you can't expect the cops to arrest a rapist when the victim was wearing a halter top, right? To late to prevent it by then, so why arrest anybody? Blame the victim!

And all those folks getting carjacked in D.C. and Philly -- Ford oughta add armor plating and bullet-proof glass! No point in arresting those poor carjackers, when filthy-rich Ford should be selling us tanks on their own dime, right? It's Ford's fault!

You know what I think started all this nonsense? That idiotic 55 mph speed limit. They literally taught a generation of Americans to ignore the law, and now the law has become so meaningless that it can occur to an otherwise sane individual to blame rampant credit card fraud on the banks, instead of the crooks or the cops who refuse to arrest the crooks. No wonder otherwise honest old folks in a retirement community in Florida think nothing of scamming their insurance company out of a roof.

We have become a nation of crooks, and the only time anyone cares is when it's their turn to be the victim

[retiredguy123]

Yeah, and you can't expect the cops to arrest a rapist when the victim was wearing a halter top, right? To late to prevent it by then, so why arrest anybody? Blame the victim!

And all those folks getting carjacked in D.C. and Philly -- Ford oughta add armor plating and bullet-proof glass! No point in arresting those poor carjackers, when filthy-rich Ford should be selling us tanks on their own dime, right? It's Ford's fault!

You know what I think started all this nonsense? That idiotic 55 mph speed limit. They literally taught a generation of Americans to ignore the law, and now the law has become so meaningless that it can occur to an otherwise sane individual to blame rampant credit card fraud on the banks, instead of the crooks or the cops who refuse to arrest the crooks. No wonder otherwise honest old folks in a retirement community in Florida think nothing of scamming their insurance company out of a roof.

We have become a nation of crooks, and the only time anyone cares is when it's their turn to be the victim
I don't disagree with you, but in most cases of credit card fraud, the local police don't have the jurisdiction to arrest the people who commit the fraud. They can be thousands of miles away. But, the banks can structure the payment process to prevent the fraud before it happens.

[Dburesh]

I slide my card & it's happened to me before at the gas pump big time! When I was in Ohio, a semi truck charged several fill ups before I found out & it was a total of $6,000. I always press cancel several times when I finish my transaction now & have never had a problem since.