Increased Credit Card Threat

[mtdjed]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

[asianthree]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

In 1993 American Express called and asked if we had our cards? Yes we did. Did we recently have a new baby, or grandchild? No..
Large purchases at different stores, such Babies R US, and Toys R Us.

All totaled, $32,000 charged on that account, all of which they monitored, and finally caught the person. We had new cards in 24hours.

So really card theft has been going on long before recent border issues.

[Bill14564]

So what are you proposing, be safe and don’t use your credit card?

[retiredguy123]

I always pay cash in a restaurant. Almost every online purchase I make is from Amazon, if not, I use a different credit card. I always get an instant email alert whenever I make a credit card purchase. This can be set up as an alert on the credit card website. I never use a bank debit card for any purchase, except that I have a special non-bank debit card with about $100 on it for risky purchases.

[Two Bills]

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.


If you can remember the three digit code, ink it out on back of card.
I never hand my card to anyone. That is the idea of contactless transactions.
I have to verify my identity on all CC transactions with two part verification, or fingerprint before any payment is made online.
I think CC/online payment security has never been better, and is getting stronger all the time.
JMO.

[juneroses]

"If you can remember the three digit code, ink it out on back of card. - per Two Bills

Seems like a good idea. Never thought of doing it. Thx for sharing.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I eat out most of the time ,I’ve always used my card and give it to server, accompanied with a cash tip, I’ve never had a problem except for 2 random charges in all the years I’ve used a card in and out of the country. I use my card quite a lot and do not use a debit card ever. Your credit card is covered if something happens , debit cards have some different rules I usually get between $15000 and $2000 cash back every year sometimes more , I’m not going to give up using the card and if it’s stolen or used fraudulently it’s the credit card company problem not mine

[villagetinker]

We have had fraudulent charges to a card that WAS NEVER USED except for cash withdrawals at the bank ATM. It appears the bad guys use random number generators and when they get a hit they make some charges. In our case we had ALL internet type charges automatically blocked so while the bad guys tried they never actually got anything from us.

[Bogie Shooter]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

Recent immigrants? More concern for the bad guys in Nigeria.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've had odd purchases on my credit card exactly twice. The first, I didn't check to see where it originated, I didn't care, it wasn't my purchase. I contacted the bank, they reversed the charge, and I got a new card. The second was a "test me" charge of 85 cents. Having been instructed in the "art" of credit card fraud, this was a red flag for me immediately. I contacted the bank, told them someone charged something they purchased in Missouri for 85 cents, and it wasn't my charge and was definitely suspicious.

What they do, is they "ping" the number to see if it works. If it does, the next purchase they make will be significantly more. OR they'll sell the number to a criminal listing service that sells them further to people who actually buy stuff.

Immigrants have nothing, zilch, nada to do with this. It's mostly Americans who are the initial criminals. They steal the numbers and get paid to sell them to listing services. Those listing services will sell the numbers online, worldwide, to whoever is willing to pay for them.

[Stu from NYC]

We have had 4 hacks of our sams m/c in past 18 months. Each time they remove the charge and reissue the card.

As a result reoccuring charges never go on that card as it is a pain to change cc numbers with our vendors.

Restaurants could be wear it happens as American restaurants refuse to bring the machine to you so the charge is done in the back and little control over it.

[dtennent]

I was at Pennbrook golf course on Tuesday. We went into the grill for beers afterwards and I bought a pitcher on my credit card. ($11.13 plus tip). Over an hour after we left, a charge came from the grill for $3004. The credit card rejected the charge and notified me. Interestingly, while I have text alerts whenever the card is used, the fraud team rejected the charge before they contacted me.

I have contacted Pennbrook to tell them of the fraudulent charge. They did get back to me for the details and said they would find the source of the problem. If you go there, I would pay cash at the grill.

[Elaine Dickinson]

Restaurants could be wear it happens as American restaurants refuse to bring the machine to you so the charge is done in the back and little control over it.

Outback Steakhouse has an app and you can use the number on the receipt to pay your bill through the app. It even has a percentage tip calculator built in.

[JRcorvette]

Credit cards are still the Safest way to pay for things (other then cash). You are fully protected. Paying by check is actually quite dangerous because it has all your banking information on the check. A really scary thing is that somehow?? People are hacking into your Bank Account using Zelle even if you never had or used Zelle. It just happened to us and it was not a very pleasant experience !

[JGibson]

It's getting to the point if a place doesn't take Apple Pay I don't do business with them.
More restaurants need to accept Apple Pay or equivalent.

Handing our CC is not acceptable anymore or having to input it into a computer.

Same goes for Social Security numbers. If a medical facility asks for my SS number I refuse. I will sign a financial agreement but you're not getting my SS#

This number was meant for taxes but has turned into an ID card.

If you have ever been a victim of identity theft you will wish you were never born. There is limited resources to resolve an identity theft problem.

It's a total nightmare, especially trying to explain to the IRS it wasn't you who worked under your social for $80,000 and had no taxes taken out of it.

We need a universal federal ID number for identification not my social security number.

America is so behind the times when it comes to cyber security. Look had long it took them to mandate chips in the CC instead of the swipe strip which a 8 year old can steal.

Almost every place in Europe has some form of electronic pay. Here in America we handing some stranger at a restaurant our CC. It's insanity.

[charlie1]

Really not concerned as the credit cards cover all fraud if it is reported on time. I have alerts set up on all my cards that text me when they are used. At first was somewhat annoying before I had a smart watch that vibrates and allows me to turn of the text notification noise on my phone. Luckily, the only problems I have had the bank caught and rejected preauthorization. They immediately sent out a new card and had within a couple of days. To me, credit cards are by FAR the safest way to pay for anything! Even cash, as I have known people to be pick pocketed or robbed of thier cash.

[retiredguy123]

It would be very simple for banks to require restaurants to have a credit card machine on the table. It makes me wonder if the banks really want to prevent fraud.

[Michael G.]

My wife and I have 3 credit cards, one she uses, another I use, and the third never leaves the house, that one
I use for banking, and paying utility bills on line.

We also have the alert system set up on all three cards.
We NEVER write checks, and if we must, I use my bank certified/cashier check that they provide for free.

One thing I do every morning is look up all three credit cards and both checking accounts online even if no transactions were done the day before.

We do pay with cash if the need arises.

[Stu from NYC]

It would be very simple for banks to require restaurants to have a credit card machine on the table. It makes me wonder if the banks really want to prevent fraud.

They sure do not work very hard to prevent it. Guess they think it is less costly to pick up the loss than to stop it before it can happen.

[Tonydivo]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.
My credit card has just recently got hit. $1800 cement in south Florida

[tjlee500]

I've has fraud on 2 ccards in the past 6 months. Now I have turned on Notifications for anything over a $1. It can be annoying but last time, I had 18 charges over a week before bank informed me. Many small amounts at gas stations and restaurants and one big one. Just walked out of publix yesterday and before I got to car, I got my phone notification,,,,

[Gunny2403]

Unnecessary post

[M2inOR]

Simple way to make it more difficult:

Make it harder for people to capture name, cc acct number, expiration date, and security CCV code on card.

Many cards these days have all that info on same side of card.

1. Snap picture of card and store in a safe, secure place
2. Use scotch tape and black marker to obscure most of the info. Apply tape to cover some of the info, then use marker on tape to obscure, then cover marker with another layer of tape.

Really no need to have store or restaurant people see the complete info.

For example, the Apple credit card has only the same visible. No other info.

Thieves working in stores simply snap a pic of your card and sell the info on the dark web.

In 2021, my CC was compromised 3 times before I figured things out. No problems since.

[allsport]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

When you say immigrants, my hair rises. I have had my cards hit in the past and it has always been after I use them at a restaurant. Use the notification system and every time a charge is made you get notified on your smart phone or watch with the exact amount. On line ordering and restaurant thieves are the culprits.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Simple way to make it more difficult:

Make it harder for people to capture name, cc acct number, expiration date, and security CCV code on card.

Many cards these days have all that info on same side of card.

1. Snap picture of card and store in a safe, secure place
2. Use scotch tape and black marker to obscure most of the info. Apply tape to cover some of the info, then use marker on tape to obscure, then cover marker with another layer of tape.

Really no need to have store or restaurant people see the complete info.

For example, the Apple credit card has only the same visible. No other info.

Thieves working in stores simply snap a pic of your card and sell the info on the dark web.

In 2021, my CC was compromised 3 times before I figured things out. No problems since.

interesting mcgyver solution

[Notsocrates]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

The most common cc theft is at the pump when you fill up where the number can be captured. CC companies are good about protecting you from fraud. And they will give you a new card without your asking for one.

[bonrich]

We responded to a Facebook ad for carryon luggage at a close out price. It was advertised by QVC and had Laura doing the sales pitch. It had all the trappings of QVC so we ordered two pieces. Fast forward we received an email telling us our luggage will be shipped when order is processed. Didn't get the order for over two weeks, so we called QVC to check on shipment time. QVC told us they never had a video on Facebook on that date selling luggage. I check our CC company and saw two charges, one for a small amount, then the charge for the luggage. The charges originated in London. I then got an email from them that day with a tracking #, which the link was not live, also a customer help email which was not live. Card was canceled and charges reversed. QVC informed us the scammers can duplicate QVC video and run them as it was live. Be careful on Facebook with the opportunity to buy product at a sell out price. Check with QVC first.

[airstreamingypsy]

Unnecessary post

Not if you want to scare people about immigrants, I thought that was the point.

[airstreamingypsy]

I carry three cards. My main card, with a large credit line, that I use for consistent charges. A second card with the lowest credit line they would give me, that card is just for gas stations and restaurants, the two places I feel I'm vulnerable. The third is my debit card which I only use at the bank, or in a store if I need cash. I also get a text every time anything happens with my accounts. Charges, withdrawals etc. That way, if my card is used, not by me, I can cancel immediately, so they can't charge again. i know I get the money back, but I hate the idea of the thieves getting a big score, hence the low credit line on the gas station/restaurant card. To the OP, immigrants... good grief.

[retiredguy123]

Do you know how to lock your credit and debit cards? I can log into my bank website, click on "card controls" and then "lock". So, if my card is lost, misplaced, or misused, I can lock it in less than 30 seconds. If I lose a card and then find it, I can unlock it.

[Regorp]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

Just this month both my wife and I had fraudulent alerts on our debit cards. Our bank had jumped right on it, closed the cards, and issued new ones. One charge was in Indonesia! Only store we both used them was Aldi's.

[Nana2Teddy]

Credit cards are still the Safest way to pay for things (other then cash). You are fully protected. Paying by check is actually quite dangerous because it has all your banking information on the check. A really scary thing is that somehow?? People are hacking into your Bank Account using Zelle even if you never had or used Zelle. It just happened to us and it was not a very pleasant experience !
This is why I have Venmo linked to a bank acct that only has a small balance, and is not our main bank (credit union).

[charlie1]

It would be very simple for banks to require restaurants to have a credit card machine on the table. It makes me wonder if the banks really want to prevent fraud.

So I was employed by a large credit card issuer. Let me tell you, they would love to FORCE the merchants to adopt new equipment and systems that are more secure. Our company budgetted close to 2% of credit card sales to loss, i.e. to cover fraudulent transactions, card replacements, etc. This is one reason the credit card fees are so high (3% average). Anyway, there have been lots of solutions presented but it required changes in software, equipment, and procedures for the merchant. An example, when I was there, we tried extremely hard to get PIN and Chip technology implemented on credit cards. The merchant would do the CHIP only as long as they had several years to still use the magnetic stripe but would not even consider the PIN. This was the standard in Europe at the time and helped immensely. So, the credit card company started to implement only the chip in the cards. This added no or very little additional security. Here we are 10+ years later and most merchants still have not gone the next steps. Some still require card swipes and do not use the chip! All the merchants did was complain about the fees and would do very little to reduce fraud! Don't put ALL the blame on the credit card companies, there is a lot to go around with all parties involved!

[Parshooter]

We have had 4 hacks of our sams m/c in past 18 months. Each time they remove the charge and reissue the card.

As a result reoccuring charges never go on that card as it is a pain to change cc numbers with our vendors.

Restaurants could be wear it happens as American restaurants refuse to bring the machine to you so the charge is done in the back and little control over it.

AGREE!!! US restaurants should be forced to bring the CC machines to the table...like the rest of the world generally does!! Never like my card leaving my sight.....

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

We have had 4 hacks of our sams m/c in past 18 months. Each time they remove the charge and reissue the card.

As a result reoccuring charges never go on that card as it is a pain to change cc numbers with our vendors.

Restaurants could be wear it happens as American restaurants refuse to bring the machine to you so the charge is done in the back and little control over it.
I agree my Direct TV ,Wi-Fi , pest services ,cell phone and some different international and Boston globe newspapers on backup card that never leaves the house

[Michael G.]

Also remember when replacing your charge card, get a new number.
Sometimes the card is replaced with the same number.

[Zenmama18]

Really not concerned as the credit cards cover all fraud if it is reported on time. I have alerts set up on all my cards that text me when they are used. At first was somewhat annoying before I had a smart watch that vibrates and allows me to turn of the text notification noise on my phone. Luckily, the only problems I have had the bank caught and rejected preauthorization. They immediately sent out a new card and had within a couple of days. To me, credit cards are by FAR the safest way to pay for anything! Even cash, as I have known people to be pick pocketed or robbed of thier cash.

My CC got hit for approx $800 last month. Seems to happen once every few years. The bank sent a text to verify a purchase which turned out to be fraudulent. The reversed the bogus charges that day and I got a new card sent out.

[Stu from NYC]

So I was employed by a large credit card issuer. Let me tell you, they would love to FORCE the merchants to adopt new equipment and systems that are more secure. Our company budgetted close to 2% of credit card sales to loss, i.e. to cover fraudulent transactions, card replacements, etc. This is one reason the credit card fees are so high (3% average). Anyway, there have been lots of solutions presented but it required changes in software, equipment, and procedures for the merchant. An example, when I was there, we tried extremely hard to get PIN and Chip technology implemented on credit cards. The merchant would do the CHIP only as long as they had several years to still use the magnetic stripe but would not even consider the PIN. This was the standard in Europe at the time and helped immensely. So, the credit card company started to implement only the chip in the cards. This added no or very little additional security. Here we are 10+ years later and most merchants still have not gone the next steps. Some still require card swipes and do not use the chip! All the merchants did was complain about the fees and would do very little to reduce fraud! Don't put ALL the blame on the credit card companies, there is a lot to go around with all parties involved!

Wonder what would happen if fraud charges traced back to restaurants employees would be charged back to that restaurant?

[DAVES]

So I was employed by a large credit card issuer. Let me tell you, they would love to FORCE the merchants to adopt new equipment and systems that are more secure. Our company budgetted close to 2% of credit card sales to loss, i.e. to cover fraudulent transactions, card replacements, etc. This is one reason the credit card fees are so high (3% average). Anyway, there have been lots of solutions presented but it required changes in software, equipment, and procedures for the merchant. An example, when I was there, we tried extremely hard to get PIN and Chip technology implemented on credit cards. The merchant would do the CHIP only as long as they had several years to still use the magnetic stripe but would not even consider the PIN. This was the standard in Europe at the time and helped immensely. So, the credit card company started to implement only the chip in the cards. This added no or very little additional security. Here we are 10+ years later and most merchants still have not gone the next steps. Some still require card swipes and do not use the chip! All the merchants did was complain about the fees and would do very little to reduce fraud! Don't put ALL the blame on the credit card companies, there is a lot to go around with all parties involved!

"Budgeted 2% to loss." That is accounting, interest on credit cards is like 20%. Losses due to fraud, based on experience the credit card companies decide it is cheaper to accept the losses rather than pursue CRIMINALS.
No one has mentioned it. The reason why the credit card companies notify the card holder of suspicious charges is because the risk is with the credit card issuer-not the card holder.
Like any other business, if it was not profitable there would not be so many issuing cards.

[PugMom]

Had a Fraudulent charge to one of my Credit Cards recently. Wasn't a high amount but was from Bogota Columbia. May have been missed except that I haven't used the card recently, so it stood out. Long story short, Credit Card Company, reversed the charge and opened a dispute and I canceled the card.

Point of thread is to reemphasize the need to guard access to your card.

How many times have you handed your credit card to a waiter to pay your bill? How many times have you ordered something by mail by credit card , given card number and then provided the sacred 3 digit number on back? These actions put you at risk. Probably far worse if you do the same with your debit card.

Consider all of our recent immigrants that are simply allowed entry with no background checks and then given work permits.

Put it together and use caution. Not saying that all immigrants are responsible, but we are surely increasing the odds.

this goes on & on. i got a VPN & so far appear to be safe. thx for posting

[PugMom]

I always pay cash in a restaurant. Almost every online purchase I make is from Amazon, if not, I use a different credit card. I always get an instant email alert whenever I make a credit card purchase. This can be set up as an alert on the credit card website. I never use a bank debit card for any purchase, except that I have a special non-bank debit card with about $100 on it for risky purchases.

i'm back to cash now, too. i use it whenever possible

[PugMom]

It would be very simple for banks to require restaurants to have a credit card machine on the table. It makes me wonder if the banks really want to prevent fraud.

i understand why you feel that way. these zelle accounts belong to the major banks, yet the fraud continues.

[Gpsma]

i'm back to cash now, too. i use it whenever possible

Seems most Villages are returning to the financial stone age too because of unreasonble fear and ignorance.