Credit card Fraud

[jon c.]

Actually - the fraud division caught it at the $8.00 point for you but what the CC co told me is that they run a couple of small transactions first (mine was two separate $2.00 transactions) to see if the card will work and then they make a couple big transactions and then move onto the next number.

I had that happen recently as well and couldn't understand the point. Seems like the small charges automatically set off the fraud detection sensors. I'm glad the crooks employ a methodology that allows for rapid fraud detection, but I wonder why they do it.

[thepegboy]

A thief actually called my C.C. bank, and talked them into adding a card to my account! I noticed quickly as I check my balances daily, but the thief rolled up $15,000 in cash withdrawls and 'transfer cheques' before the bank cancelled it. I wasn't held liable. All this happened in the impoverished country of Canada. I was told it was an organized thing, and I wasn't the only one. A bit of advice: add more security questions to your cards to reduce this type of fraud!

[Lido]

Just back from a short stay in Negril and was informed that my CreditCard was used for a 700$ transaction in Montego Bay the day of my departure. It was refused. I usually use cash but ran out of money at the airport for return. Instead of hitting an ATM I used my CreditCard for 2 small purchases. One at a Kiosk for a take on board sandwich. I used a hand held Machine with PIN number. The other was at the Bobsled Cafe in the departures concourse where I had breakfast. That was a manual Credit Card slip with signature. I did not use the card in Negril. This is a FYI only as I don't know where the fraud originated. I don't know if this will help anyone but I will only use cash from now on at the airport. The only consequence is the cancelling of my card and a 5-7 day delay in issuing another.

Sorry that happened to you. But you should know that credit cards DO NOT require a pin # for purchase, only cash advances. And if it was a Debit card which does require a pin you mad a grave mistake by using that card. Debit cards are programed with all your information such as account #'s routing # and address. These cards should only be used at ATM's.

Like one of the other posters said she only uses cash. Not only is that also a risk, but it was increased by saying that online and with a picture of herself.

Bottom line is crime happens everywhere, we all need to be careful!
Respectfully,
Lido

[Kevin, PA]

North America is switching to the next generation of cards that use similar technology as SIM cards in cell phones. This will greatly reduce this type of fraud. Europe, who has been using these cards for awhile now does not have the level of fraud we have in North America. Why the banks didn't move to this technology sooner is beyond me.

[Lady Jane]

Lido, my credit card requires a pin number to use. Its a Visa Gold Card. It has a chip in it and that requires a pin number. That is for any purchase anywhere

[Lady Jane]

Oh I see Lido, you do not have chip technology available in the US yet. I am in Canada and we have had it for a few years now, at least 3.
Here is a link when it is going to be effective in the US
http://www.businessinsider.com/chip-...in-2015-2014-2

[Lady Jane]

The chip cards look like this:

[rooster]

Before I head to Jamaica (Negril) for my yearly reach I call my CC company & give them the dates I will be there..as well as what the card will be used for...which is for only one thing....a sizable security deposit on my motorcycle rental from the guy I've been using for years. I use cash to pay for absoutely everything else..so low & behold I decide to pay some bills online for home (which I failed to tell the CC people since I knew I was going to do it) & about the third one in the card is declined telling to call the CC people security people. I did & after they propcessed all the security info they took the hold off..the travel info I gave them worked. I thank them for doing what they were supposed to do...protect us..& that said I've never had any CC issue's in/from Jamaica in the 22 years I've been going.

[dash]

Lido, we have chip technology in Canada and you should know that a pin # is required for purchases. Debit cards are now twinned with Host CCs and are safe to be used for purchases as well, not just ATMs.

[Lido]

We do have chip technology, it is called BLINK. We only need to use a pin for cash advances. I have declined this technology for several years because it is easier to steel your info by a crook passing a handheld device near your wallet in a crowded place. You can Google blink technology to see a video. Thanks for your info!