My weekend is off to a bad start.
I came home to a message from my bank that my ATM card has been compromised and cancelled.
My card number and PIN were used five times today at a suburb 50kms from where I live. Person(s) unknown checked my balance, made two withdrawals and two other withdrawals were declined. I did not authorise the transactions, nor have I loaned out my card at any time, nor have I shared my PIN.
My guess is that the card was 'skimmed' when I was using it an ATM.
Following up this afternoon the bank has accepted a fraud was committed and I will be repaid the two unauthorised withdrawals.
Unfortunately I have to wait for a replacement card to be sent to me.
It is an awful feeling. At least this bank was quick to pick up the fraud unlike another bank a year ago who, until I raised the alarm, failed to notice literally dozens and dozens of unauthorised uses of my credit card within a couple of weeks amounting to around $3,000 of services in a city on the other side of the planet at a time when I was clearly home in Australia.
In 21st century bank cards and our money are not safe
ReplyDeleteSo it seems, Gosia
DeleteR's card was scammed when we were in the North America last year. Our travelling companion had his card scammed when we were in Europe three years ago. Sister's card was scammed when she was in Europe last year. All of the above, as you are, are careful people. What to do? In all cases, the banks picked up the transactions before any of the card holders did.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, customers and banks around the world must be losing millions each year on this thriving fraud activity.
DeleteIn R's case, no, as the bank did not allow the money to be transferred. Clearly though, many banks and or customers are losing or the scamming would not be happening.
DeleteHappened to my corporate card last year. Was surprised that the bank was onto it so quickly by cancelling the card...problem was the bank didn't contact me to let me know so it took me a while to figure out why my transactions were going through.
ReplyDeleteSeems that everyone has a horror story AdRad.
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