I received a letter from my bank last weekend explaining that my debit card information may have been compromised (not the fault of the bank – it was a yet unknown vendor that I have done business with in the past who was hacked).
I’m very diligent about reviewing our checking account daily, keeping track of our spending – analyzing it really, making sure we’re sticking to our budget. Sure enough, when I checked yesterday there was a charge that wasn’t ours!
First of all, I saw it was a POS (point of sale) transaction and the company was located in California. That and having never heard of the company sent up red flags, especially after having received the warning letter from the bank. Then, in an online search, I looked up the name of the company along with the phone number listed and I got a bunch of results, all relating to fraudulent charges! Nice.
I called my bank right away and reported the charge. They began the paperwork for disputing the charge and canceled my card, a new one had already been ordered.
So now what? We use our debit card for everything since we don’t use credit cards anymore. And I don’t want to go back to credit, either. Just continue on my merry way or repent and change our methods? In the 9 years I’ve had a credit and/or debit card… and roughly 7 years of (at times HEAVY) online shopping, this is my first incident. Anybody use virtual account numbers? Seems like an added step, but it might be worth it. Sure, it was only $9.75 this time, but what if there is a next time and the lousy criminals wipe me out (temporarily), sounds like a headache to me.
My card was also compromised last week! It was de-activated right away and I am lost without it! My new one should be here soon and I plan on using it the same as I did before.
That’s weird. My bank called me last week and told me the same thing! I haven’t had any charges that weren’t mine, but the bank is watching. And I have a new card on the way.
What are virtual account numbers? I don’t understand how anyone can pirate your debit card, don’t they have to have your pin number? Wonder if I should get a new card, I checked the on line account and found nothing wrong.
ME too! I just got a letter in the mail today. We also don’t really use credit cards so I’m wondering now I will survive without my debit card. No shopping for me could be a good thing though….
Hey, and congrats on being pregnant!!
that happened to us once a while ago. but it was $5,000!! it was madding, but got taken care of quickly. and it wasn’t our debit card, it was our paypal account. glad your’e getting it fixed. that totally stinks.