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Thread: Identity Crisis
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04-07-2007, 06:29 AM #1
Identity Crisis
So, I got an e-mail today from Bank of America notifying me that they had detected some unusual card activity on my checking account. I logged in to check it out, and sure enough there was a couple of new transactions that I didn't recognize. They were done from Russia of all places. One of the transaction was for a $170.00 at this site, http://cashtabz.biz/. Yes, someone in Russia used my check card information to buy Viagra. That is all the site sells pretty much. I have to say, this is the funniest identity theft story I have ever heard.
Matt
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04-07-2007, 11:07 AM #2
Probably selling it for a lot of money on the streets in Russia to support mob activity. I hope you can get this fixed.
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04-07-2007, 11:07 AM #3
Naturally, you directed the bank to suspend that account number and assign you a new one. Right?
My brother had a similar problem, but he did nothing about it for months. He can be such a puddinghead sometimes.
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04-07-2007, 11:48 AM #4
I hope you did not click on the link in the email?
This is a favorite trick of fraudsters: they send you an email like that with a link that's supposed to go to the official bank. You see a page that is identical to that of your bank, fill out in the account number and password, and without your knowledge, these people now start using those details to really get your money.
Looking at the beginning of the URL is not helpful because there are some tricks to make it look like you are going to a site of your bank while in reality the server is in nigeria or something.
Even I get those 'bank of america' mails and I don't even have an account outside of belgium. the same kind of fraud exists with paypal accounts.
Whenever I have to pay something with paypal, i manually type www.paypal.com and go from there, or -if I do that via ebay- I read the entire URL to make sure that the URL is what it claims to be.
Call me paranoid and cynical, but so far it paid off.
Luckily my knows that she does not know anything about computers or security, so whenever something has to be paid online, or whenever she gets a strange popup, she calls me to handle it.Til shade is gone, til water is gone, Into the shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath.
To spit in Sightblinder’s eye on the Last Day
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04-07-2007, 12:24 PM #5
One of my coworkers was hit last weekend for over $1,700. He didn't say where the charges originated though.
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04-07-2007, 06:05 PM #6
I don't know exactly how they got my info. I have gotten those fraud e-mails before, but quickly recognized them for what they were.
Then notification that I got was actually from Bank of America. I called them up right away and had them cancel the card. The charges are still there, but haven't actually posted to the account yet. I was told that if they did actually post to the account, then to call customer service and they would get it sorted and refund my money.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with Bank of America. They keep right on this stuff. After seeing the irregular activity, they instantly put a hold on the card and then sent the e-mail. I think that is good service on their part.
Still, I found the whole thing to be pretty funny. I mean, how often do you get someone in Russia buying Viagra with your check card.
Matt
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04-08-2007, 09:04 PM #7
As an interesting counterpoint, on my first trip to Thailand, I would occasionally replenish my funds at the ubiquitous ATM machines found everywhere - after 2 or 3 uses, suddenly my card quit working, and it took a middle of the night (due to time zones), international long-distance phone call to get the block removed. I now notify my card issuer prior to making international trips.
Another thing to add to your list of trip preparations.
-whatever
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