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Another story to tell, all be aware

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Posted 6/11/2009 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I have my bank account online so I can check my deposits and when checks have cleared.  I always check my account at least 2 times a day.  I checked this AM because I knew I had a deposit coming and it was there.  I went back online again and saw 2 charges that had been made on my debit card for more than $500.  That is a lot to any of us now a days.  I have ID protection and  fraud protection which I pay for every month, it is nominal so it makes me feel secure.  So I contacted them both and was told what to do.  They will reverse the charges but it will take anywhere from 2-5 days. And I need that money to pay bills.  I spent most of the afternoon on the phone.  I had to file a police report, call Trans Union credit bureau, the post office and the FTC.  I now have fraud alerts on every thing. I had the card cancelled and will get a new one.The only pain is that every time I use a credit  card they will call me to see if I made the transaction.  The company that the charges were made to were very understanding and gave me the name of the person and phone# for me to give to the police, so they will be contacting her about pressing charges.  I will have to wait but I was told that sometime next week I can call the detective and he will tell me who did this.  My point in telling you this is you have to be MORE than careful when you use your credit or debit cards.  Don't ever use your debit card to buy something online as it is much harder to get your money back. You will get it back but it takes longer. Be careful about internet shopping and if you use your debit card you do the swiping because the person can easily look on the back of your card to get the security code.  In fact, the safest way to use a debit card is to use it as a credit card so you don't have to put in your password. This is the second time in a year that my credit cards have been breached.  The last time someone tried to buy several thousand dollars worth of airline tickets.  Since I rarely use that card they called me immediately to see if I had made the transaction. So, I am just trying to warn everyone, be careful with your cards. It can cause more headaches than you would ever want.

Aurora

 

Posted 6/11/2009 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

Aurora,

Thanks for the heads up. It is extemely frustrating and nasty to have something like this happen to anyone.

I am sorry you have to go through this.

((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))

Kitt

Posted 6/11/2009 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
thx 4 the warning auroa. you may have just saved another victim!! keep well, sorry that you got stung. all the best, jamie
Posted 6/13/2009 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Aurora, I’m really sorry to read about this, especially after the grief you have been suffering and the worry you’ve had about your son’s situation. It’s good of you to come and post about this, so that others can learn from your experience and perhaps avoid having this happen to them. I know you’ve had a rough time of it this week, as I am just catching up on recent posts today, and I really hope that things will settle down soon. You deserve some peace and happiness in your life, especially right now. I really care about you, and I hope things will get better.
Posted 6/17/2009 6:03 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Raniah,  thank you for your considerate reply.  I have been having a very rough time and I sometimes wonder why so many bad things have happened. Last year I was sick all the time.  This year it is getting my credit card #s used and my computer crashed last Fri so haven't been online.  I was lucky that my son knew a great computer tech who fixed it but it is getting old and he thinks I will need to replace it at some point.  Am pushing it because I can't afford a new computer now.  Raniah, I am so appreciative how kind you are to me and am so grateful to have you to post with.  You always have something uplifting to say and your words are a great comfort to me.  I know that you have your own struggles and I admire how well you are able to advise others while going through your own difficult situation.  Please know I am always here for your too and will help in any way I can.

Gentle hugs,

Aurora

Posted 6/17/2009 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Aurora.... I am sorry that happened to you.... something similar happened to me early this year when I had my mail stolen. Like we need one more issue to deal with, huh?

But good for you for getting right on it, making all those calls and doing everything possible to hold the perps accountable. I hope the process is swift and justice served.

I have heard your advice before about not using debit card pin numbers unless you absolutely have to, and instead using it as a credit card. The only thing I dont like about that is it takes much longer for my bank to show the transaction on my online banking info. But sounds like its worth the wait.

I hope this all gets straightened out for you as quickly as possible.... hang in there.

Scott
Posted 6/18/2009 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Aurora,
I am so sorry to hear about what happened with your bank card. Something similar happened to me a couple years ago. Someone stole my bank card, used it as a credit card (so they didn't need my passcode) & ran up $1800 in charges within an hour or so. What's worst is that they stole it from me during church while I was praying. I went to grocery shopping right after church & realized it wasn't in my wallet. By the time I got home, my bank was calling me asking whether I had gone on a spending spree. Now I am super careful but you're right to say that sometimes it seems all the caution in the world is not even enough to prevent sneaky thieves from making our lives more complicated.

I am glad to hear that at least you had some protection. I will say a prayer that your charges get reversed quickly & they catch the thief right away so you can put this all behind you.

take care,
frances
Posted 6/18/2009 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Aurora, I know how hard it is when it seems like things just can’t go right. When I have times like those, I wonder to myself, “is this how it’s going to be? Did I do something to deserve this? How can I change these things when they are out of my control?” I guess the truth is that we can’t control a lot of the things that happen to us, and all we can do is pray, and be kind to ourselves, and know that we are doing the best that we can. It’s hard to feel positive when life beats us down, but I really do believe that things go in cycles, and I know that some happy things will come along, even if they are mixed with the not-so-happy things from time to time. You have so much wisdom and compassion for people, Aurora….it’s clear in the way that you post to people here at the forum….and I can see that even in your dark times, you are able to find things you are grateful for, and comfort in some of the little things in life. It may strike you as funny when I say this, but I even remember the advice you gave to a member once about not worrying so much about appearances, and how you wear that cute visor with the flower on it when you are rushing out of the house – the one that people admire on you – instead of getting all wrapped up in the perfect hairdo, etc.. When I read that, I thought, “hey, here is a woman with a great attitude about life”, and it really made me smile. I hope you can see yourself the way others see you, Aurora…..and I hope you will feel some of the happiness that you bring to the world. (((hugs)))
Posted 6/18/2009 3:38 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you, all of you for your wonderful replies.  It really lifts my spirits to hear from so many caring people.  And I am so glad that you have responded to my situation  as I hope I can save someone the distress of going through a mess like credit card fraud.

Scott, I am sorry that this happened to you too.  But I am glad to hear that you use your debit card as a credit and don't put in your pin.  It is easier for you to  recover your losses.  As far as mail being stolen, if you can try to take your mail out of your mail box as soon as possible.  That is a trick that these theives have, stealing mail to get info on you. And if you are  mailing bills with checks drop the bills in a post office box, one that is not full at the top because these creeps steal mail from post office drop offs! If you make sure you mail goes to the bottom where it can't be reached you are safe.  I also do online banking and my charges clear just as fast.  I think it must depend on your bank.  But even if you have to wait an extra day or so it is worth protecting yourself. Thanks for answering.

Frances,  I can't believe someone would be so low to steal from you at church.  That is unbelievable how bad these people can be.  I hope you were able to recover your money and I hope you cancelled your card.  I hope, dear Frances, that things are going OK for you. I haven't posted in a while as my computer crashed, but I still think of you and pray you are getting the help you need.  You are very much a wonderful friend to me.

Raniah, As usual you are my angel.  I had to laugh when I read your comment about my hat but when I need to go out I can't afford to waste the time looking good.  And also, I accept me as me so if you see someone with a visor hat w/ flower and pink framed sunglasses that is me just doing my errands.

Hugs to all,

Aurora

Posted 6/18/2009 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Aurora. I am glad your computer is back up & running. You are a valued member & we are glad to have you back.

I am doing a little better. The Synthroid is definitely helping quite a lot with the depression. I am still fighting a couple of infections, but hopefully I will be feeling better soon.

sweet dreams,
frances
Posted 6/18/2009 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Aurora, Thank you for your lovely comments. I agree with Frances....you are a valued member, and it's really good that you're back online! Frances, I hope the Synthroid helps with all of your symptoms....I know thyroid problems affect a wide range of functions in our bodies, and I pray that the meds will bring new hope and health to you in your situation. Please keep us posted!
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