CC Fraud Question

[exranger06]

A fraudulent charge popped up on my credit card. I get email alerts any time my card is used online or any time the card is not actually, physically swiped at a machine. So I got an email saying my card was used online when I hadn't used it recently, AND I got a second email saying that the transaction was in a different country (the UK). I have never left the US in my entire life so...yeah, this is definitely a fraudulent transaction. The transaction is from "Sony ENT Network" for the amount of $1.00. It's only a pending transaction though, so once it actually goes through, it could be for a larger amount. So, I called Bank of America immediately, and they said to wait for the transaction to go through, then dispute it (you can't dispute a transaction that's still pending, which I already knew). They'll then give me a new card number. OK, fine. That was last Monday. 9 days later, and this transaction is STILL pending. I'm getting really impatient now, and I really want this whole thing resolved. Is there anything I can do about this?

 

[Nick R]

If your bank says you can't dispute it till it's posted, there probably isn't much you can do at this point, unfortunately.

 

[99Saturn]

Did you ask to speak with someone in fraud or the first service rep that picked up the phone? It was a while ago but had fraud with a Discover card and they squashed it immediately canceled the card and issued a new one. I would have thought it is a fraud alert and not a dispute, but I might be reading too much into the wording used. Personally, I would call back and voice my concern that there is pending fraud on your card and all the last rep told you to do was wait, not sure if it would do any good but... it would make me feel better to have brought it up again.

 

[knerml]

The thief is testing to see if he has a legitimate account number. Once the $1 goes through, you will see 1 or more bigger charges. Ask for a new card...

 

[Sayjac]

Had similar experience with hack of Chase Freedom card, but they gave a new account number immediately, and expressed cards to me. Actual hard copy of dispute didn't come for awhile later. They knew I was contesting/disputing charge on my first call. Likely be ok with BofA, sounds like they have different procedure or maybe because of $1 only charge at this point, and waiting on final amount. Mine was for ~$15. Latter reason seems more likely.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

You have every right to a new card and account number if you suspect fraud. I strongly suggest you contact them and don't settle for the first level of support. Yes, there is a lot you can do at this point.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

This is getting ridiculous. I'm on my 3rd. new, (replacement), card this year. Each time the cc company called me to verify a charge. Really good service from the cc company, but what the heck! 2 different cards, one has never been used on line. Wayne

 

[Wolf359]

I just had this happen to me yesterday, a dormant card that I haven't used in years but they keep sending to me. I think I used it before for a balance transfer. A couple charges popped up and they emailed me, thought it might have been fake but it had my real account number and looking at the original spec of the email it looked pretty legit. But anyway, dug up the old card and called the number on the card and they canceled the card and wanted to send me a new one next day, but I told them regular mail was fine as I don't normally use the card.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Ive had 2 fraudulent charges in the past three years. In fact Cap 1 wouldn't authorize a legitimate charge for dinner in FLA when I was on vacation last month until I called them - which was embarrassing for me in front of my guests - and a royal pain. I don't use my Debit card anymore - haven't for 5 years.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: knerml

The thief is testing to see if he has a legitimate account number. Once the $1 goes through, you will see 1 or more bigger charges. Ask for a new card...

^^This x100. I've had my info stolen twice, once at a restaurant and another online. $1 charge, then $350 or more once that went through. Call your bank, talk to the fraud department - you may have to be firm with the person you talk to first, unless there's a direct line - and tell the fraud department to issue you a new card with a new account number.

 

[JustinH]

same happened to our bank card last week. Thief bought a dollar soda from a credit card vending machine, then bought 350 dollars at victoria's secret in Houston. Bank of america is stand up, they alerted me of this before the transaction even closed, it was still pending and they blocked it and issued us new cards.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted By: Oldmoparguy1

This is getting ridiculous. I'm on my 3rd. new, (replacement), card this year. Each time the cc company called me to verify a charge. Really good service from the cc company, but what the heck! 2 different cards, one has never been used on line. Wayne

I would imagine someone in your life is obtaining your information. Restaurants, Store Clerks, or over the air interception.

 

[SrDriver]

Get a new card ASAP. My wife and I got fed up with credit card fraud and now use prepaid cards for gas. Use the free prepaid Bluebird Card for other stuff. Always pay cash when eating out without exception. Link To Bluebird Web Site. I just stop by any Wal-Mart and use cash to add funds.

 

[EricF]

I had something similar to that one time. This medical drug website in China billed me $4.95 for ginseng pills. I just called the c/c company and said I lost my card and they listed the recent charges and I stupidly just paid the $4.95. But I never had a problem since.

 

[JHZR2]

I suspect that most cc fraud is due to unforeseen malware due to visitation to porn, pirating and other more obscured official-looking sites that are actually not... Ive been very lucky, havent had an oddball charge on any account in many years, knock on wood. But people do all the time. Friends (husband and wife) both had two different accounts hacked and charged within the same month. One place I recently visited had claims that thieves can scan/steal from regular magnetic strip cards IN your pocket. I dont quite believe it, but many do. One of these days it is going to get bad enough that CC companies are going to start instituting other fees or something to offset...

 

[EA82]

BOA usually calls me when there are suspicious charges or just send a new card with a diff account # in the mail. The other day I get a antivirus software charge on my cc ending XXXX , and an email that said your card ending in YYYY has been charged for X amount dollars, now I no longer have the card ending in YYYY, I canceled it and replaced it with CC ending in XXXX. How is it possible that they were able to charge my new CC if they didn't have the new CC number.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2

One of these days it is going to get bad enough that CC companies are going to start instituting other fees or something to offset...

I have to give Capital One credit for paying attention to things. I have a card from them that I mostly use for online purchases. Anyhow, I got an email notification from them about a charge they didn't think valid. I filled with gas in Regina, and then the same day someone tried to buy airline tickets in Sweden or somewhere similarly unfeasible. Capital One thought that was suspicious and issued a chargeback immediately without my intervention, along with sending me a new card right away.