Credit Card Scams

Here is some important information from Carrie that could save you money and grief.

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When it comes to credit card scams, these are some new ones.
People definitely keep busy with new attempts to cheat us, don't they?
Be sure to read Scene 3.

SCENE 1.

A friend went to the local gym and placed his belongings in the locker. After the workout and a shower, he came out, saw the locker open, and thought to himself, "That's odd, I thought I locked the locker. Hmm," He dressed and looked through the wallet to be sure all was in order. Everything looked satisfactory as all of his cards seemed to be in place.

A few weeks later his credit card bill came - an extremely large bill of $14,000! He called the credit card company and began arguing with them, explaining how he had not made those transactions. Customer care personnel verified that there was no mistake in the system and asked if his card had been stolen.
"No," he said, as he took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yes - you guessed it - it was gone. A switch had been made. An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in his wallet. A thief had broken into his locker at the gym and switched cards.

Verdict: The credit card issuer informed him that since he did not report the card missing earlier, he was responsible for, and would have to pay the amount owed to them.

How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy?
$9,000!

Why were there no calls placed to verify the amounts swiped?
Small amounts rarely trigger a red flag with some credit card companies.
It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to big one!

SCENE 2.

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card. The bill for the meal came, he signed it, and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along. Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person. He called the waitress and she looked perplexed. She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man. All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card. No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology.

Verdict: Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours. Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time. Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, assuming that it has to be theirs.

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!

SCENE 3.

Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in. I paid by using my Visa Check Card, which, of course, is linked directly to my checking account. The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, and then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure.

While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing. I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture. He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on. Finally, it dawned on me: the only thing there was my credit card, so now I'm paying close attention to what he is doing.

He placed his phone on the counter, leaving it open (see footnote). About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved. Now I'm standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card. Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened. Needless to say, I immediately canceled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlor.

Verdict: The lesson here is, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

*Whenever you are using your credit card, use caution and don't be careless.
*Take notice of who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card.
*Be aware of phones, because many have a camera phone these days.
*When you are in a restaurant and the waiter/waitress brings your card and receipt for you to sign, be sure to remove the number from it. Some restaurants are using only the last four digits, but many continue to print the entire number on it.

I have already been a victim of credit card fraud and, believe me, it is not fun. The truth is that they can get you even when you are careful, so try not to make it easy for them.

INFORM AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN ABOUT THESE PLOYS
DISHONEST PEOPLE USE IN ATTEMPTS TO STEAL FROM YOU.

LET'S GET THE WORD OUT!

JUST STAY AWARE

FOOTNOTE: (For men only. Women should not attempt this) At this point, with the phone lying on the counter, grab the phone. When the fellow asks what you are doing, tell him you are stealing his phone and he should call the police immediately. Then wait. If he hesitates, offer to call police for him. Then do it. When the police arrive, tell the story and show them the picture on the phone.
Justice is sweet and these types need to learn the consequences of their actions.