So, apparently it's very easy to steal an identity or say that your someone else.
Today, Justin was a couple hours away on a job fixing a work-out machine (his side job). He goes to use the pump at the gas station and....denied. He goes to another station....denied. So he calls me and I immediately check our account to see what's going on. A $319.00 transaction is pending at an Auto Zone in ARIZONA. Remember....we live in New Mexico! WHAT THE...!!! The account froze...thank goodness...because our bank realized that there's no way we could purchase an item in Arizona and New Mexico at the same time. Well, I was very worried. Justin called our bank to report fraud and they are refunding our account and sending an apology letter even though it was not their fault. Very nice. Some may not like Wells Fargo, but I do even more so after this. Some banks won't refund the money if you aren't paying for credit defense. Thank goodness we'll get our money back.
The scary thing about all this is that whomever claimed they were Justin, actually had a debit card! They physically swiped it and used it as credit and forged Justin's signature. That's what the bank was able to find out. WEIRD! The bank said that apparently this is happening a lot lately. For example....you go to a restaurant....you pay with your debit/credit card.....you hand it to your honest server....he/she brings it back to you 5-10 minutes later...right? What you may not have realized was that your card was just made an imprint of in the back and made into a card. Scary!!! At least that's what the bank say may have happened.
Justin and I both were a little freaked out about this. Needless to say...If I can't see my card the entire time....we're paying with cash. So, just a little food for thought for you too!
So, we're fine now...hopefully.....and waiting on a new card in the mail and the money to be back in our account.
Happy Times!!! :)
5 comments:
Bummer! We've heard a lot about the same thing happening all over. They say Debit cards are the worse. I guess that's another reason we should just pay with the ole green stuff. Sorry, but glad you will be reimbursed, and glad it wasn't a larger amount before you found out...way to go Wells Fargo/Wachovia. ox mom
Sheesh! That stinks. I'm glad things worked out.
we have had multiple problems, but the bank and credit card companies always cover us. it is a dishonest world around us for sure!
Same exact thing happened to your big bro last year! Wachovia caught it before it even showed up on my online account and refunded the money asap. I love that bank! We try to live a cash life now as much as possible, but it's still so easy to have your identity stolen!
Great warning and advice, Ashley. But sorry you had to learn this way. We have all had something similar I am afraid. It is violating and maddening to think about. Glad it worked out ok for both of you. Schools Credit Union has been great to work with as well. Love you, L.
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