woke up to extra charges on my credit card

[Jerry]

I must have been dreaming last night, I woke up to $18,000 in charges on my credit card and a message that my card was locked. Apparently I took a trip to Atlanta in my sleep and went on a spending spree. That trip sure sounded like fun, I wish I was there.

A new card is being sent to me. I sure wish they could catch these people. I don't like it when people take vacations on my credit.

Jerry

 

[Basil]

Had a similar thing happen a few years ago, but not to that extent. The day after wife had used the card at a little trade shop on a local reservation, I got a call from my CU wanting to verify some charges that were occurring out in California. Luckily we got it shut down before more than a few hundred had been charged.

I think these kinds of crimes deserve many years in jail!

 

[waltesefalcon]

I have also had odd charges on my card in the past. Apparently I had a heck of a night out on the town in NYC while simultaneously being home in OK.

 

[mikephillips]

I bet most of us have seen things like that. Couple years ago my card company called me and asked if I was attempting a cash transfer of $30k to central Africa. Nope, so a new card. And last year found my card locked because someone in northern California was trying to pay a hotel bill and get cash, another new card sent. Didn't lose anything with either since they denied the charges as they didn't fit my spending pattern, but still I wonder how they got the code they did.

One reason why I never have my credit info saved on a site I might buy from, can't steal what isn't there.

 

[John Turney]

Must be going around. I got a text from my CC company last week asking if I tried to buy something at a 7-11 in Nevada. I replied "no". Looked at my account online and there were six attempts to buy liquor. Got a new card in a couple of days.

 

[NutmegCT]

I have also had odd charges on my card in the past. Apparently I had a heck of a night out on the town in NYC while simultaneously being home in OK.

a likely story ...

 

[JPSmit]

OTOH have been very very appreciative of my credit card company for catching these things and alerting me - usually before I realize it myself. That said last week I spent 45 minutes on the phone trying to identify a charge which turned out to be the renewal fee for the card itself - the woman could not get it through her head that actually labelling the expense "VISA card annual renewal" might be smarter than just a line item that said 'renewal'. Similarly whenever I get my monthly statement emailed it come as "VISA card alert" - I have tried but they don't want to understand that that might be an unfortunate choice of words. sheesh.

 

[Boink]

Sadly, we all probably pay for these things (to some degree).
Generally, you have to give the banks credit for detecting irregular uses (notably in other cities or countries). When we travel I always notify my banks (so I don't get any surprises).

 

[DrEntropy]

Hard to control if you turn the card over to a table attendant. Used our joint account debit card ONE TIME, at a local eatery. Easy to point to where/when the card was compromised. Bank alerted me to a boatload of cosmetics I purchased in Idaho the same day! Not sure who the perp was, the TA was a long-time employee, wouldn't risk it IMO. But if the card was left unattended for a short time, a cook or dishwasher, etc, could have sniped a couple pics on th' sly. A cell phone can swipe the info in seconds.

 

[NutmegCT]

With all the stolen personal data available for sale on the "dark web", it's a wonder we haven't *all* gone through the credit card cancellation and replacement nightmare.

Upload it once and it's there forever!

grumble grumble

 

[Bayless]

I use my card for almost everything. It's more convenient than case and I get a little back on each purchase. I do have a second card that I exclusively use for anything where it gets out of my hands. That way If I have to cancel it is not much of a problem.

 

[PAUL161]

We've replaced our cards at least half a dozen times. Our credit card companies call us if something looks suspicious, even once when I was on the East coast to pick up something and a quick call cleared that up.