It HAPPENED to me; some creep got my debit card number (I had ordered something online recently) and made a nice purchase with MY money. SO he thought. I've always been way to trusting. I just hate thinking that someone is actually going to try rip me off. Well, no more!
Today, as I do everyday or every other, I opened my bank account on-line to see what checks have cleared and what my balance was. I QUICKLY noticed I had about $200 LESS than I should have. As I scrolled over to the date and name by the purchase amt., I SEE a charge for $234.00 paid to AUTO-TRADER!
AUTO-TRADER???? I thought to myself. Me? I don't think so! In fact, I have plenty of good miles left on my Subaru. Luckily, there was a number and address under the AUTO-TRADER name and I couldn't dial it fast enough.
The helpful woman who answered the phone wasn't all that shocked when I told her my bad news. In fact, she said, the "purchaser" had been flagged as he/she had quite a bit of activity the past few days. Seems the THIEF used my card number to place the ad for a scheme that I guess is fairly common: These scammers/thieves, place ads on AUTO-TRADER and then when some poor buyer says they are interested in a car (the one the THIEF placed with my card was for $29,000), then the THIEF tells the buyer to send HALF the money! YEAH....SURE!
So, BEWARE when placing orders on-line UNLESS you are certain they are VERY secure. AND, check your bank statement offen.
Fool me once, shame on you...Fool me twice, SHAME on ME. (Who said that?)
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That is the reason why I dont order online, my son will but I wont--Bart
Bart: THANKS for commenting....I can tell you, I AM going to think twice from now on.
Kat, so glad you found it so quickly. How did they get your number, or do you know?
Hi Kat... hopefully that will be the extent of your troubles related to theft of your debit card number. I am assuming that you cancelled the card once you found out about this theft!
Teri: The bank said they get it when you order something online--I guess from sites that aren't 100% secure. Very creepy.
Steve: Yes, I ran right over to the bank and they CANCELLED that ATM debit card and have ordered a new one---which I shall take better care...
Thanks for commenting.
Kat,
That is Terrible! At least you were able to find out about the loss before they took all of your millions! This is so violating, the same thing happened to my sister, and luckily the credit card company caught it before the criminals took her for too much more. They went on a shopping spree at Best Buy with her card. Of course the large purchases sent a reg flag to the credit card company, because she is a penny pincher and I think the most she has ever charged on her card at one time was $75.00, so when they saw large purchases for 60 inch plazma tv's and other electronics they contacted her right away and the police caught the guys about 30 minutes later with all the merchandise! What is wrong with people! I am glad that your ordeal is over, tomorrow will be a better day!
That is just way to much. I am sorry this happened to you. We all have to watch out.
It is scary. I do not have a debit card but I have ordered online.
Michelle: THANK goodness I didn't have millions in my bank account (LOL). All kidding aside, it was such a SHOCK to me, I can't begin to tell you. I haven't made many purchases online lately, so it was fairly easy to spot. BUT, so, so scary--the thought of what these JERKS are capeable of. We ALL need to be cautious and keep a close eye on our bank accounts. Thanks, my friend, for sharing!
Charles, thank you so much for your concern! I appreciate it and you stopping by.
Hi Gina: I do most of my shopping with a debit card--and maybe that is going to change. Thank you for commenting!!!
Good Morning Kat~It amazes me how often this happens and the amount of people who are lurking around to take from others. I'm so glad things worked out for you. Take care!
Hi JULIE! You're so right, it is amazing. I wonder how "some" people sleep at night. Hey, I HOPE you have a wonderful Memorial Weekend.