Can someone please HELP!?!

[mouseaddicts]

I don't know where else to turn, so I'm starting here ..... I posted this on another burried thread that isn't really visited by many DISers - only a few other folks that all plan our summer trips together. I'm hoping somone here will be able to help us!

I have some upsetting news to share. Right now, I am quite ANGRY!!!

It appears, someone is using our "credit" (DEBIT) card at WDW!!!!

Tonight, we were reviewing our budget and crunching this week's numbers when DH pulled up our bank account online. There was a $245.16 charge noted as a "POS" (point of sale) purchase at WDW Lake Buena Vista, FL!!! Obviously, we are NOT currently at WDW and did NOT make the purchase.

Unfortunately, this is the SECOND time this has happened in LESS THAN 30 DAYS!!! The previous time, the charge was $66.01 - same thing - POS at WDW Lake Buena Vista, FL. DH was supposed to dispute the charge, but I found out tonight that he didn't (long story - financial management is changing hands at our house!). So .... now, we have been charged $311.17 for purchases we DID NOT MAKE at WDW!!! (have y'all figured out I'm MAD?!?)

The ONE common denominator in this is EACH TIME the charge appeared EXACTLY 3 and a half weeks AFTER we left. Both times, we checked in LATE on a Friday night at POP CENTURY! We always use the same card when we check in to keep on file at the front desk and then charge everything back to the room during our stay. The last time this happened, we noted it on our bank account the day we left to go back to WDW/Pop Century ...... so DH asked about it at the front desk and they gave him a phone number to call ...... and they gave him another number to call ...... and so on until he gave up ...... and neglected to dispute the charges with our bank upon our return!!!

As y'all can imagine, I will be at the bank tomorrow to dispute BOTH charges!

My issue is ..... we will be BACK at WDW in 13 days ....... what in the world do I need to do to make Disney investigate this issue to see who, why, how this happened - TWICE - and ensure it DOES NOT happen again?!?!? DH called the number for Guest Svcs tonight, but the woman on the phone only said "there is nothing we can do here. You need to file a Police Report in the town where you live." Now, let me tell y'all ..... our local police could CARE LESS what happened to us at Disney World! How can Disney POSSIBLY say there is nothing they can do!?!

We are DVC members and AP holers. Our upcoming trip will be # 3 of 5 planned for THIS YEAR alone! We have never experienced any problems like this in the past. Because this is our DEBIT card that is used as a CREDIT card, the money is actually coming right out of our POCKET each time this happens! There has to be someone, somewhere that can HELP us get our money back ......

Where do we go? Who do we call? What do we do???
I am at my wit's end tonight! It is 1:35 AM and I can't even begin to think about laying down to go to sleep. I don't have the words to describe how I feel right now.

 

[Justish]

I seriously doubt you want to hear this... but from what I know about DEBIT cards...

They are the absolute WORST forms of payment on earth. If your number is stolen, and someone uses your money... the bank has absolutely NO responsibilty to get your money back. And seeing how helpful Disney has been so far, I doubt they will give it back either, unless they can find out what the charges were made for, and see that they were in error and then do a refund. Otherwise... it sounds bleak.

As a word of caution to all:

Debit cards should NEVER be used in the Credit card form. I know there are emergencies, and there are places that will run you as credit no matter what, but if at all possible, and for BIG purchases, find a way to pay in cash or use a real CREDIT card. Due to the fact that there is little or no security on your DEBIT Account once the number has been acquired, you basically are at the whim and will of anyone who knows or finds your number. This means bussiness, friends, family ANYONE who sees it can take it and since (repition is the key) Banks will RARELY replace the money taken out, you are left with a huge bill, possible over-drafts and a great big headache.

If you must use a DEBIT as a CREDIT card, watch the account closely, make sure you retain all reciepts and keep a record of your spending as best as possible. If you can find a way to PROVE beyond a shadow of a doubt there is NO POSSIBLE way you were at WDW on the day/time the credit was taken out, or even close to that time (finding out how often they balance their credits is a good idea) will really help your case to prove identy theft or fraud.

Good luck to you and I hope to hear a happy ending to this!

~Ally

 

[Trentmom]

Did you call Pop Century front desk? I would start there and ask for a manager.

I am glad that you are taking over financial planning in your house now


When you dispute a charge like that on your credit card and it appears that it was stolen, the bank would have closed your card and reissued you a new one with a different number.

Does your card have a 1-800 number on it? Sometimes their fraud department is open 24 hrs a day


When you go back in 2 weeks, do not put a card on file

Did you just see the story on here, where a WL manager was accused of stealing a guest credit card and taking it to an auto repair shop and having $1200 worth of work done?


You can not trust anybody, not even in Disney

It is sad, isnt it


Try and get some sleep.

Be at the bank first thing in the morning

Worrying about it, is not going to help anything.

 

[tinkbutt]

MAN this sucks the only thing I have to say is maybe when you go to the bank see if you can change you acct#????

I haven't had this happen at disney but it has happened to me on line with a credit card. and I changed the number and it hasn't happened since( knock on wood)

also I know this sucks but maybe see if you can get a CC just for disney visits that have nothing to do with your bank acct. ???

so sorry I know I didn't help but I am sorry


oh and that is Disney's normal response.( so I've heard)

 

[miss missy]

what in the world do I need to do to make Disney investigate this issue to see who, why, how this happened - TWICE - and ensure it DOES NOT happen again?!?!?

First... so sorry! I know this is a pain. I hate to see it happen to anyone.

I was a big debit user, so I pretty much know how you work your bank account Here is my 2 cents:

I have to suggest you NEVER leave a CC or debit on file with anyone, not online, nowhere, not even Disney. It is a convience that is too dangerous.

Also, call the # on the back of your card ASAP, report it and cancel both cards. They will issue new ones with new #'s.

I am not sure the rules on debit for your bank, check online.

I highly suggest you get a Chase Disney Visa CC. If you are good with the money, you will be able to use the CC for everything, bills online, food shopping, gas, ect. and you will have the protection of a CC AND you will earn Disney $$ while your at it You go a lot so it should work good for you You charge daily things, and you pay the WHOLE balance each month. You have to be real good with budget to make this work. Check the budget board for info on how to do this.

But NEVER EVER have Disney (or anywhere) put the "charge" feature on your hotel key card. Just too much risk. Pull out your Disney Visa and use that.

This stuff happens all the time. Even is Disney all the time. If people can get your debit/CC numbers off a computer, they will. It is desparate times so it is worse. The key is to not have those #'s available for them to get.

CC's have protection, get one and use it!

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

I understand your frustration, and you should call Disney to determine what the charges are, for sure. But, don't assume they are for your past trip if you have a future trip booked. I don't know how you've booked your future trips but since you said you had 5 trips for this year alone, make sure that a cast member didn't accidently charge your debit for a future trip incorrectly particularly since your trips are so close together. I'm not suggesting fraud doesn't take place in Disney, but I hate to assume before it has at least been looked in to.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Not at all the same thing, but a couple weeks ago I noticed a store I made a purchase at had double charged me. The same amount showed up twice as taken out of my account. I called my bank first and she saw the charge and told me to dispute it that I would need to come into the bank and fill out a form authorizing them to investigate the charge, but she also said in the mean time they would put that money back into my account while they were investigating. She also recommended I call the store first though before opening the investigation, I did that and found out it was a computer glitch on their end and the money was back in my account the next day, my point is though, your bank should put that money bank in your account so you have access to it while they investigate your dispute of the charges. Same thing happened to my sister last year, someone charged over $300 on her debit card in a Walmart in South Carolina (where she has never been) her bank did the same thing. She did not have to file a police report either. She went through her bank, who determined the charge was fradulent and credited her the money back.

I have to say I would never put my debit/credit card on file with anyone. I would either use a regular credit card for that or put actual cash on my Key to the World card for charging. I hope you get this worked out!

 

[DVCJones]

I seriously doubt you want to hear this... but from what I know about DEBIT cards...

They are the absolute WORST forms of payment on earth. If your number is stolen, and someone uses your money... the bank has absolutely NO responsibilty to get your money back. And seeing how helpful Disney has been so far, I doubt they will give it back either, unless they can find out what the charges were made for, and see that they were in error and then do a refund. Otherwise... it sounds bleak.

As a word of caution to all:

Debit cards should NEVER be used in the Credit card form. I know there are emergencies, and there are places that will run you as credit no matter what, but if at all possible, and for BIG purchases, find a way to pay in cash or use a real CREDIT card. Due to the fact that there is little or no security on your DEBIT Account once the number has been acquired, you basically are at the whim and will of anyone who knows or finds your number. This means bussiness, friends, family ANYONE who sees it can take it and since (repition is the key) Banks will RARELY replace the money taken out, you are left with a huge bill, possible over-drafts and a great big headache.

If you must use a DEBIT as a CREDIT card, watch the account closely, make sure you retain all reciepts and keep a record of your spending as best as possible. If you can find a way to PROVE beyond a shadow of a doubt there is NO POSSIBLE way you were at WDW on the day/time the credit was taken out, or even close to that time (finding out how often they balance their credits is a good idea) will really help your case to prove identy theft or fraud.

Good luck to you and I hope to hear a happy ending to this!

~Ally

I am sure Bank of America does have a policy in place. We have had one situation where there was an unauthorized charge on DH's debit card. We called the bank, they removed the charge and issued him a new card with a new number.

On another occasion there was a security breach at a local store at which I shop at frequently. I called to check about a possible problem with my debit card. They said they had "security" in place to flag problems like this. They went on to say, that in the event of charges getting through their system, I would not be responsible.

I do however, ALWAYS use a credit card at Disney World. I just feel a little better knowing my personal funds won't be taken. It does take a while to fix this kind of problem and if I didn't have my money available while the banks figures it out....well, that would be a real PITA!

I am not sure of your bank, but I hope it works out for you!! Good luck!!!

 

[Jacklynn]

Banks will RARELY replace the money taken out, you are left with a huge bill, possible over-drafts and a great big headache.


~Ally

I'm not sure what bank you bank at, but most banks do in fact replace stolen money, and if your bank doesn't you need to change banks ASAP. Our bank (National City) was nothing but helpful and put the money back into our account, and refunded us all of the over-draft fees, including the daily one that was assessed while it was still in over-draft. It ended up costing us nothing.

I have ALWAYS used our debit cards as credit because that is how we get our "points" the only difference is we don't put in our pin number, using it as debit instead of credit (although it is the exact same process it still just comes right out of your bank account) won't stop someone from using it as credit and not having to use a debit pin number if they steal it. When ours was stolen they just hit credit and signed our name. If someone wants to gain the number and they have a way of getting it from a company you are using your card at it doesn't matter if you use it as debit or credit, if you use it as debit your number still gets logged, they have to link to your bank account some how.

Either way it is really important that people check their accounts, if someone gets ahold of either your debit or credit card and it goes unnoticed fora while it can really screw with your credit. Plus it is just a big pain in the butt. I dk why people can't just buy things honestly with their own money that they worked for themselves, that was what frustrated us when it happened to us.

I don't really have any advice as to how to keep it from happening again, seeing as it isn't like you just are leaving your card places, they are getting your number through other means.

I do want to say though that in April my DH and I's debit card was stolen and they decided to spend $500 at Menards, $100 in gas and some change at Taco Bell. We went to our bank as soon as we realized that it had happened (we look at our statement online frequently) and went right to the bank. We of course got our money back because most banks do that, and if your bank doesn't do that you need to get a new bank ASAP. The bad part though was we had to wait for the charges to actually go through, and our bank account was frozen temp. so no more charges could be made. We also have a ton of overdraft fees, not because we have over drafted, but because when they added like $700 to our spending it over drafted that account.

It was a pain in the butt because that was our main source of money (where we had our work direct deposits and stuff) but in the end it worked out and all of our money was returned to us, as it always should no matter if it is debit or credit. It was just just a pain in the butt.

Maybe

 

[DSNY4ever]

Aw I am sorry. Hopefully the magic of the parks and being with your family can bring back some happy feelings.

We stayed at a really nice resort (not in Disney) last year, and when we returned home my sister's credit card had $1000 worth of charges on it and the only place they used it was at the hotel. The bank cleared it all up and they didn't have to pay anything, but my Aunt who travels all over the country said that unfortunately this happens all the time and she is constantly checking her credit card bills especially after staying at hotels. It is too bad that it has to be like this But I agree with switching to a credit card for vacation expenses because at least they have policies so that you don't have to pay for the stolen expenses.

 

[safetymom]

I can't speak for all debit cards but many provide protection in the event of theft and fraud. Everyone needs to be aware of what their card covers.

 

[mouseaddicts]

Thank you all for taking the time to read, care & post.

While I certainly understand EVERYONE's point of not using a debit card as a credit card, I will say that is simply how our house operates. We do not have any credit cards, nor will we. I have used my debit card as a credit card for about 7 - 8 years now, and this is the first time I've ever had this problem. We are working diligently to have it resolved.

The bad news ........ I went to the bank first thing this morning. The first thing the CSR did was identify the 2 specific charges and contact the debit card dept. to determine WHICH card was used (joint account - we both have cards). They said it was DH's card, not mine, therefore, I could NOT dispute the charges, etc. DH has to do all of it - in person. (his work hours are 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Mon-Sat) The CSR at the bank suggested we try to contact Disney directly once again to see if they will reverse the charges.

The good news ..... (cause I know y'all want some right now, don't ya?)
When I informed DH of the situation - after my trip to the bank - he called the Pop Century front desk. They were a *bit* more helpful this time. After hearing the situation, they provided DH the direct phone number to the RESEARCH & BILLING Dept. for WDW. (THAT is the "help" I was looking for in my original post .... before the "don't use your debit card" sermons began )

At this time, we are working to obtain a copy of our folio from each stay at Pop Century and an itemized list of the charges in question.

The bottom line ...... there IS a department/phone number you CAN call at WDW IF there are charges in question ...... other than Guest Svcs.
I'm quite certain we are not alone in this situation -even if it was a simple mistake of running a charge twice (lets keep our fingers crossed) - and was hoping other DISers could point me in the right direction at Disney ........ evidently, I can now be the one to point others in the right direction!

As a side note, for the record, your DEBIT card does have protection against fraud like a credit card.

Thank you again for just listening. Stay tuned for further developments.

 

[safetymom]

I am glad you got some answers. Hopefully they will be able to fix this for you. Everyone needs to be careful. They arrested a manager from WL this week for using a guests credit card to get transmission work done on his car.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Is anyone else as suspicious as I am that there must be an entire theft ring running @ WDW right now? We've seen multiple reports of fraudulent charges over the last few months (most of them have been at local gas stations), but it's enough to make me really nervous about using my credit card there.

Obviously the situation is being investigated since they just arrested one of the managers @ WL -- but I wonder who else might be involved. Hopefully, if it's several people...the first birdie they've got in the cage will start to sing!

 

[Justish]

Well...

I guess all I can say is don't ever bank with Washington Mutal because every charge I've ever disputed (duplicates, fraud, incorrect fees) I have been told countless times by manager that there is no responsibilty by a bank to refund you for invalid charges. Basically I would have to investigate each on my own... which isn't possible when you work and go to school and have a home to keep.

Guess I should start bank shopping!

~Ally

 

[Justish]

GAH! EDIT: Double Post of Doom!

 

[Praying Colonel]

There is a federal law, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which provides consumer protection in certain situations where a debit card is misused.

Link

Additionally, Visa has a private program called Zero Liability Protection which provides protections in certain situations where a Visa debit card is misused.

Link 2

 

[WaltD4Me]

Well...

I guess all I can say is don't ever bank with Washington Mutal because every charge I've ever disputed (duplicates, fraud, incorrect fees) I have been told countless times by manager that there is no responsibilty by a bank to refund you for invalid charges. Basically I would have to investigate each on my own... which isn't possible when you work and go to school and have a home to keep.

Guess I should start bank shopping!

~Ally

If you have that many problems with all that stuff, even if they did investigate and re-imburse you, you should be switching banks anyway.
You shouldn't have that many discrepencies to begin with and telling you to investigate yourself? How on earth are you supposed to do that? You definitely need to find a new bank.

 

[Justish]

To Be honest, the way they explained it, I always thought that was the norm. And they always were trying to get me to sign up for their CC's to get fraud protection and zero liability (by the way, Wamu uses Master Card).

I guess I just got super swindled! *sigh* such as life. You live you learn!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Mouseaddicts,

I definitely understand your worries. May I add that you should definitely do two things - file a police report and have the bank issue you new cards with new numbers.

Why file the police report? Don't get in the mindset that it won't matter to your local department, because it really is for your benefit the most!

A police report does two things - it provides an affidavit that you really weren't in WDW at the time and shows that you were highly concerned about a case of identity theft. Most people don't go around filing police reports if they are guilty of a crime, so it shows your bank and the folks at WDW Research and Billing that you are definitely not the person who made the charge. Providing them with the police report number helps them with their search and makes it official that idenity theft occured.

As a personal note, we just found out (via regularly checking our credit report) that someone opened and had raked up $1300 in a new cel phone service under our name in another state. Sprint required a police report to be filed to prove it wasn't us.

Secondly, the police report also helps you have such things removed from your credit report so it won't affect your score. Whether you use credit cards or not, we live in an age where that score is definitely an important piece of your history. Always check it annually at least (you are legally entitled to 3 free reports/year - one from each bureau - space them out so you get one every 4 months for the best effect). I can't say enough how many times we've caught fraud because we did our check!

Lastly, If you have new numbers assigned to your debit card, then when you go back to POP and (God forbid) it happens again, then you definitely have some ammunition (along with your copy of the police report) to give to Disney's folks.

Best Wishes.
Nancy