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Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Both my buddy mike and I were charged 800+ dollars from a computer store called "G-Link Computers" in St Annes. Neither of us actually used the cards in question while on our trip. Mike was lucky enough to have his credit card company halt the charge as the transaction was being processed. Me, not so much. I am in the process of disputing the charge. Again, we did not even use these cards down there. They were somehow scanned though as they did come on the trip with us. Keep a close eye.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Wow, that's crazy! Did these credit cards have smart chips, or did they just have magnetic strips? I'm wondering how they were able to scan the cards if you didn't take them out of your pocket. (I have heard that credit cards with the chips can be scanned from a distance.) I usually don't use credit cards when I am in Jamaica, but will definitively think twice about even bringing one down, now.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I am not entirely sure, so it would just be speculation. But this is a card, that I do not use frequently, but I bring with me on vacation in case of an emergency as it has a fairly high credit limit. You never know, right?
All I know is, the charges were definitely from a computer store in Jamaica.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I'm not an expert on Credit Card theft, but this happened to my GF in New York City two years ago. The card never left her purse as I paid for everything, but on one occasion she had to show ID and we think someone was able to take a photo of the front of the card when her wallet was open to retrieve her ID. That was the only time the card was visible during our trip.
Didn't know about the smart chip.
Good luck,
VVHT
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
A fellow traveler gave me one of these she bought extras of before her trip a year or so back. I put any scan-able type cards in them and keep them out of sight always except when inside a bank while in Jamaica. Don't know if this would have helped you but it might others.
http://www.idstronghold.com/Secure-Sleeves.asp
Peace and Guidance
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Flipadelphia26
But this is a card, that I do not use frequently, but I bring with me on vacation in case of an emergency as it has a fairly high credit limit. You never know, right?
I hear ya. I wish I could bring my AmEx with me to Jamaica, as it has no foreign transaction fee and has the best consumer protection features. The problem is that AmEx is rarely accepted anywhere on the island.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
We bought a Citysafe travel bag for just that type of thing, there is a pouch inside to keep a wallet/money clip which prevents scanning of the cards.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Thanks for the heads up. We very rarely charge anything while there...guess it doesn't matter...they get you anyway.
I too would prefer using AMEX.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Everyone should always be checking all their credit card statements, regardless of travelling or not. If you have been following the news, millions of credit cards' information have been hacked from major retailers all over the US due to computer security breaches. This information is available for sale on the internet.
Since the cards were not used in Jamaica for any transactions, and the scanner technology and card duplication systems are rather costly and only work when you are in close proximity, it is possible that the credit card information was purchased online.
Flip - I know the owners of G-Link, they build decent machines and I have been recommending and repairing their machines since they started. If I can help from this end, please let me know. Also, since you were here for the Dream Week festivities and may have been in close contact to many strangers at some of the parties, did you both physically have the cards on your persons during this time?
If not, then the breach probably came from the US retailers who compromised their patrons credit information.
Regardless, everyone should be checking their credit card statements each month, travelling or not. Credit card fraud is a huge illegal worldwide business.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Rob, with all due respect. I am aware that CC Skimming and theft happens everywhere, and it is prevalent in the states. In this case, We were in Jamaica, and both of us had purchases from a computer store in Jamaica within 24 hours of our return home. The fraud was most definitely committed on the island, and by someone we had knowingly, but more than likely unknowingly, crossed paths with on the island.
How they were able to get our information? I do not know. Mike's card never left the safe and he had it hidden in an empty pack of vitamin C. Mine was in my wallet. This leads us to believe that it happened at the airport. Since this was the only time we both had our cards on our person at the same time.
I suspect that it was digital pick-pocketing. But obviously we have no way of knowing for sure. But smart phones or other devices can be made to skim CC information from people as long as they are in close enough proximity.
Rob, I appreciate your offer to help with G-Link. I wll let you know what the CC company says.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I must chime in. I live in Atlanta and use my bank card for all transactions on the internet along with paying household bills. I was recently reviewing my statement as I always do on a daily basis and noticed a charge from Thunderhost.biz in the amount of $49.95. I never heard of this website. I immediately called my credit union because my card was still in my possession. The credit union advised that they are selling consumers credit card information online. WOW! I filed a claim and my money was immediately returned to my account. It is happening everywhere all the time now. Stay on top of all your statements not only bank statements. You don't have the mindset of a thief so you don't know when and where they will get your information.
Keep smiling!
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Chip technology is quite advanced... not only is it difficult to scan for the proper RFID frequency, but it is also nearly impossible to stumble upon the ever-changing key that is used to decode your information. Either the key was hacked (your CC company's problem), or there was another breach of some sort not related to the card itself... probably directed at your accounts. I suspect (although you haven't noted so) that your accounts are not with the same card company or bank. Both of you, same time, accounts used at the same retailer. You're missing something. I don't know what it might be... but your missing something. If you figure it out... let us know!
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Also, consider the possibility that the hack occurred BEFORE you went to the Rock! Did you both use the cards to purchase accommodations, airline, etc. at the same time?
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chris B
Chip technology is quite advanced... not only is it difficult to scan for the proper RFID frequency, but it is also nearly impossible to stumble upon the ever-changing key that is used to decode your information. Either the key was hacked (your CC company's problem), or there was another breach of some sort not related to the card itself... probably directed at your accounts. I suspect (although you haven't noted so) that your accounts are not with the same card company or bank. Both of you, same time, accounts used at the same retailer. You're missing something. I don't know what it might be... but your missing something. If you figure it out... let us know!
We didnt use our cards in Jamaica. His was Bank of America, and Mine was Chase. Both were VISA cards though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chris B
Also, consider the possibility that the hack occurred BEFORE you went to the Rock! Did you both use the cards to purchase accommodations, airline, etc. at the same time?
We booked separately. He booked his own flight, I booked mine. I booked our room directly with Gail from Treehouse. So no, I wouldnt suspect that was the issue either.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Flipadelphia26
We didnt use our cards in Jamaica. His was Bank of America, and Mine was Chase. Both were VISA cards though.
We booked separately. He booked his own flight, I booked mine. I booked our room directly with Gail from Treehouse. So no, I wouldnt suspect that was the issue either.
Well, I'm sure the anti-fraud folks know what the scam is... they just don't know how the scammers selected or got you, or they DO know and keep their powder dry. Our card is protected and administered by the bank (USBank) and their anti-fraud contractor has shut the card down twice in the last 10 years. Neat thing is they shut it down and waited for me to call them... both times. They then asked me about a couple of transactions, which were minor probing types of charges, for a couple of $$. When I asked how these charges triggered the shutdown, they were very guarded and would not tell me. I'm very surprised that you got hit with such a large charge so suddenly... there may have been some minor probing activity leading up to the big score. You guys should ask your CC companies a few questions to see what they might say.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I was scammed at the airport in Mobay in April at the airport. My CC company caught it. This last week I purchased duty free at the Mobay airport with a CC with a pin#. The clerk and her manager insisted that I sign. Even though the receipt clearly stated that no signature was required. They would not release my purchase. So I drew a line on the paper as my signature and they accepted it. I have also been scanned in an airport in Poland. Airports worldwide are hotbeds of fraud.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I always let my credit card and debit card companies know when I am going away. They ask the dates and how long I'll be there. If any charges seem out of sorts they call me and check. It's worthwhile to take the time and make the calls.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SLP
I always let my credit card and debit card companies know when I am going away. They ask the dates and how long I'll be there. If any charges seem out of sorts they call me and check. It's worthwhile to take the time and make the calls.
I make the call prior to leaving but without fail, my rarely used card is flagged. The card companies ask you are you going to be making any unusual purchases but how do you answer that with a card you rarely use? I only use my card at certain establishments - Hi-Lo, Push Cart and the airport liquor store and thankfully no problems....yet.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
This is one of the most aggravating crimes there are. It is nearly impossible to find out who is responsible. Our checking account got skimmed a couple months back -- only $300, no where near what flip had -- and I am still stewing about it, and reticent to use my debit card anywhere. Charges were in Florida (I have never been to Florida), and were in rapid succession. Bank caught it and shut the card off.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
I have a Visa card I use for Jamaica; on the card is a square chip, I saw on the News one night to take the card and put a hole in the chip. I used a punch hole tool. This way they can't get any of your information. Never had any troubles. I also check my account a few times a week.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
According to a Huffington Post news story - over 1000 US retailers may be infected with credit card gathering hacking malware:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_5701897.html
Just one company, interestingly enough called Target has been targeted with millions of credit card accounts hacked:
"The battle between retailers and hackers is an ongoing one. Retail giant Target, based in Minneapolis, was targeted by hackers last year and disclosed in December that a data breach compromised 40 million credit and debit card accounts between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. On Jan. 10, it said hackers stole personal information — including names, phone numbers and email and mailing addresses — from as many as 70 million customers."
In this day and age - ALWAYS check your bank and credit card statements - this is world we live in and it is a world wide issue. The only way to combat it is to keep checking your statements. It has nothing to do with travelling anywhere... it is simply the price we all pay for using the convenience of plastic money....
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
You are correct Rob this happens everywhere and everyone should remain diligent. I don't think the reason for this post was to accuse Jamaica of being the only place this happens. Protect your cc anywhere you go. That said.. I work for a large wirehouse. We offer cards to our clients. I see the inner workings of card fraud. It is rampant everywhere. Not just Jamaica. With that said, flip, I believe you are correct if I understand the details your card was probably stolen at the airport on the way out or from the room before leaving. The facts that I have heard are: two different couples, no use of card on the island, two different card companies, same fraudulent charges, fraud charges were local (not overseas), both charges were made soon after departure. This is all to coincidental to blame on blind luck. It can happen anywhere but if I were investigating I think the details point to one of two obvious possibilities. And no it is not hard to recreate a card after skimming. To say that they coincidentally were both stolen before leaving the us (by target or anyone else) then coincidentally we're charged to the same place in the same country immediately after a visit is a bigger stretch than I have ever seen. To me the cards were stolen on the rock... As they could have been anywhere. To try to deny that it happened in Jam seems a bit far fetched to me. Regardless of where you live.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InnaDiRed
You are correct Rob this happens everywhere and everyone should remain diligent. I don't think the reason for this post was to accuse Jamaica of being the only place this happens. Protect you cc anywhere you go. That said.. I work for a large wirehouse. We offer cards to our clients. I see the inner workings of card fraud. It is rampant everywhere. Not just Jamaica. With that said, flip, I believe you are correct if I understand the details your card was probably stolen at the airport on the way out or from the room before leaving. The facts that I have heard are: two different couples, no use of card on the island, two different card companies, same fraudulent charges, fraud charges were local (not overseas), both charges were made soon after departure. This is all to coincidental to blame on blind luck. It can happen anywhere but if I were investigating I think the details point to one of two obvious possibilities. And no it is not hard to recreate a card after skimming. To say that they coincidentally were both stolen before leaving the us (by target or anyone else) then coincidentally we're charged to the same place in the same country immediately after a visit is a bigger stretch than I have ever seen. To me the cards were stolen on the rock... As they could have been anywhere. To try to deny that it happened in Jam seems a bit far fetched to me. Regardless of where you live.
Agreed 100%. Someone in JA stole their card info, that seems pretty clear.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SLP
I always let my credit card and debit card companies know when I am going away. They ask the dates and how long I'll be there. If any charges seem out of sorts they call me and check. It's worthwhile to take the time and make the calls.
I always make the call now. One time I didn't and my cc company wouldn't allow any charges to the card!
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Also.. I may catch some flack for this but Huffington post is considered a credible source by 60% of the US population at best. Less than wikipedia. The target breech was before Xmas and was addressed well b4 flips trip. Not to say his card could not have been compromised in the US but the facts are hard to ignore.
I too believe that g-link may have absolutely nothing to do with this so I appreciate your defense, Rob.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
For our next trip I was thinking of buying an aluminium wallet that is supposed to protect your credit cards from being scanned while they are in your pocket. Has anyone else tried this and if so, how well did it work?
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Greg. I think buying a sleeve is a great idea. Don't wait til your trip. Do it now. You can get skimmed in any mall in any country. It only makes a difference if your card has a microchip, however. If no chip.. No need.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
To be clear. I wasn't accusing g - link. Just saying that's where the charge was made.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Flipadelphia26
To be clear. I wasn't accusing g - link. Just saying that's where the charge was made.
Credit card theft is rampant, thanks to Organized Retail Crime. Targets issue was their single stage firewall and the ability for the hacks to navigate thru their CCTV system as the gateway. Flips story sucks as he and his buddy didn't even use their cards in the same place.
Curious Flip, have you thought about it happening at the hotel? Even in a safe you and your buddy could have been compromised. And just so I am clear, I am not accusing the hotel itself of anything. With the crowd that Dream weekend attracts from all over the island it could have been a guest staying there.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InnaDiRed
Greg. I think buying a sleeve is a great idea. Don't wait til your trip. Do it now. You can get skimmed in any mall in any country. It only makes a difference if your card has a microchip, however. If no chip.. No need.
Agreed!
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
booger
Credit card theft is rampant, thanks to Organized Retail Crime. Targets issue was their single stage firewall and the ability for the hacks to navigate thru their CCTV system as the gateway. Flips story sucks as he and his buddy didn't even use their cards in the same place.
Curious Flip, have you thought about it happening at the hotel? Even in a safe you and your buddy could have been compromised. And just so I am clear, I am not accusing the hotel itself of anything. With the crowd that Dream weekend attracts from all over the island it could have been a guest staying there.
No. Security was very tight at the hotel. They were even hassling us to see our wrist bands and we were pretty.much the only Caucasians there that week.
I sleep with my wallet between my mattress and box spring. His was in the safe.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Got the charges reversed. So that's cool. The lady said someone used a physical card to make the purchase. Meaning someone made a copy of my cards magnetic strip. Crazy stuff. Glad It's sorted out.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Flipadelphia26
Got the charges reversed. So that's cool. The lady said someone used a physical card to make the purchase. Meaning someone made a copy of my cards magnetic strip. Crazy stuff. Glad It's sorted out.
Great to hear Flip. The burden of proof is on the merchant, and obviously they could not produce a picture of a ginger making the purchase or a signed slip to validate that it was you.
And for those who might be curious with what card to go with, American Express is by far the best card to have as a customer when dealing with bogus charges. When I see an American Express chargeback I kiss that money goodbye. Sadly, American Express is not well received in a lot of locales.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Glad you were able to get this resolved, Flip. This is some crazy stuff. I think I'm going to order one of those sleeves that Accompong posted a link to.
As an aside, I have only been a victim of CC fraud once. This was about 15 years ago and the thief took a decidedly low-tech approach - he stole some blank balance transfer checks from my trash can. Since then, I have diligently checked my statements/transactions at least once a month.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Last winter while in Jamaica for more than 5 months a $25.xx charge was made to The Gap somewhere in the US, I saw the charge when it was 'pending'. I hadn't ordered anything online in a long time and not a Gap customer, hadn't been to that state. My bank said it looked like the transaction was in kind of a held status by the merchant, as if on the merchant's software had already detected as a questionable transaction.
In Flip's situation, it could be someone has hacked into the company's merchant account (and maybe bank account). And possibly just a coincidence that the merchant was Jamaican, as the lift could have happened anywhere along your trip or even before you left home.
Thiefing people find ways around the systems. Last year we tried to sell something on Craigslist. I knew right off the interested party was going to be a scam. The strangest thing was they used the Fedex Account of a large local manufacturer in our state to send a poorly-rendered fake check from a different company. I called that manufacturer who groaned and said yes they knew this was going on and they hadn't been able to figure out how to get to the bottom of it. Local police were NOT interested in investigating. I have a relative in the FBI and they said the amount was too small (and it was more than $4,000).
Thanks for the tip on the RFID-blocking credit card SLEEVES. I knew about the wallets but don't want anything bulky. Those sleeves look perfect, plus they have passport-size sleeves too. THANK YOU!
Also interesting about the tip to poke a hole in the card, but I think unless you are breaking a line of circuitry (if you only punch through the plastic), it won't interrupt the coding.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Quote:
Originally Posted by
booger
Credit card theft is rampant, thanks to Organized Retail Crime. Targets issue was their single stage firewall and the ability for the hacks to navigate thru their CCTV system as the gateway. Flips story sucks as he and his buddy didn't even use their cards in the same place.
Curious Flip, have you thought about it happening at the hotel? Even in a safe you and your buddy could have been compromised. And just so I am clear, I am not accusing the hotel itself of anything. With the crowd that Dream weekend attracts from all over the island it could have been a guest staying there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
booger
Great to hear Flip. The burden of proof is on the merchant, and obviously they could not produce a picture of a ginger making the purchase or a signed slip to validate that it was you.
And for those who might be curious with what card to go with, American Express is by far the best card to have as a customer when dealing with bogus charges. When I see an American Express chargeback I kiss that money goodbye. Sadly, American Express is not well received in a lot of locales.
I'm with you on something happening at the hotel.
My credit card numbers get stolen frequently. I use them all the time and that is just part of the deal. Since the cardholder is not responsible for fraudulent charges I don't get too worked up about it. The worst thing that can happen is when a debit card gets stolen since those transactions are directly tied to a checking account. If the bank doesn't catch it, the money leaves you account and actually needs to come back to reverse the charge. With a credit card it is on your credit account which is not tied to your actual cash.
I have had no problems with Visa on 'regular' credit cards and 'Signature' cards. They all reverse the charges in a few days.
Chip and pin is coming to the US soon as merchants and card providers are getting hammered with fraudulent charges.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Scotia bank in Jamaica is installing chip reding cards in Jamaica, I was surprised to see they are even ahead of the Americans.
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Re: Credit Card Fraud - MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Between jamaica and canada. You guys have about 10% of the cards to replace. I guess once the fraud exceeds the cost of switching. We will switch.