Debit card fraud...someone emptied my account

[Lvsdisney]

My Visa debit card has the same fraud protections as my Visa credit card.

Mine too. They also email me when they suspect fraudulent use, just like my credit card company does. I can set up text alerts for both, just haven't yet.

Right - Credit cards have MUCH better fraud protection - Debit cards not so much

I remember a news story talking about debit cards and what kind of protection is offered, and they stated something like "Use your debit card like a credit card at checkout (don't enter your pin, hit cancel, etc) and there is better fraud protection". Not sure why how you make your purchase increases protection, but that's what they said!!

OP I hope all of this is resolved more quickly than the quoted 90 days. This is awful, especially this time of year.

 

[frannn]

I really appreciate all the insight from everyone. Unfortunately, I have to call the bank every day to see if the fraudulent charges that are still pending have posted since they can't dispute those amounts till they post. Bank told me if I can get their paperwork completed and back to them within 10 days of the initial claim I can get preliminary funds back prior to the completion in of the case. I doubt I'll make that deadline due to the holiday, mail delays, and waiting for the charges to post. Apparently the theives tried to use my card again twice last night after I had filed the police report, but of course nothing came of it. I'm so angry and upset- it doesn't help that the bank seems to be the WORST in follow up, etc.

 

[ellie05]

I recently had something similar happen to me. Someone used my PayPal debit card to reload my Starbucks card for $150 which they then used IN STORE in Massachusetts (I live in Michigan) to make a purchase for $149.15. I received an email receipt from PayPal and immediately notified them that the purchase was fraudulent. Then I looked at my Starbucks account and realized that I also had my Discover card and Chase Visa card stored in my account. I didn't realize that they were being stored when I did my own reloads so I immediately deleted them. I checked both of the cards and, sure enough, my Discover Card had 4 pending authorizations, 2 for $100 and 2 for $50...all from Starbucks. I called Discover and they cancelled my card and told me that the charges were still pending and would not go through. I also saw a charge on my Chase Visa, but that was also blocked before it could go through.

I called Starbucks and let them know that my card and account had been compromised and unauthorized purchases were made. I also sent them an email and they assured me that no breach had occurred. I politely told them that all three of the cards stored I my account were used to make (or attempt to make) reloads to my Starbucks card. One of them was successful and the thief was able to purchase almost $150 in merchandise (in the store) using the stolen funds. Thankfully, my money has been returned to me, but I no longer have a Starbucks account and I do not have any plans to re-open one either. They assured me that my account was secure despite the fact that I told them that it was breached. A security camera from the store and my time card showing that I was at work and not in Massachusetts at the time of the purchases would be plenty to prove that they were robbed. They didn't seem to care so I let it go...my money is back in my hands so I am all set.

Most likely the breach happen on your side as in someone hacked your password.

 

[Gracie09]

I would check your computer to make sure there is no malware on it. Also change all your passwords.

 

[clutter]

I really appreciate all the insight from everyone. Unfortunately, I have to call the bank every day to see if the fraudulent charges that are still pending have posted since they can't dispute those amounts till they post. Bank told me if I can get their paperwork completed and back to them within 10 days of the initial claim I can get preliminary funds back prior to the completion in of the case. I doubt I'll make that deadline due to the holiday, mail delays, and waiting for the charges to post. Apparently the theives tried to use my card again twice last night after I had filed the police report, but of course nothing came of it. I'm so angry and upset- it doesn't help that the bank seems to be the WORST in follow up, etc.

Sounds like it might be worth the $20 to overnight or the $6 to send priority 3 day mail service.

 

[prprincess]

This happened to me in August. Someone in Texas charged up over $6000 on my debit card! After reporting the fraud, my bank connected me with a fraud counselor, who suggested I file a police report. So you're good there. The only other thing I would do would be to sign up for a credit monitoring service. My local police department offered to sign me up for free, but fortunately I already had an account. I also offered the bank any help that I could to prosecute, but they never contacted me after I submitted a copy of the police report to them. Finally about two months ago I got a letter in the mail saying that the case was closed, and that the provisional accounts they'd given me were indeed mine to keep.

Oh, and one thing I found helpful--one of the bank CSRs taught me how to spot skimmers on ATM machines, which ones were the best to use, at one times, etc.

But I feel you, I felt and still feel so violated and angry. I guess that's why I offered the bank that I'd do whatever I could to help them prosecute. I hope the person or person's got theirs!!!

 

[Snowflakey]

I know this won't help you but for others reading it is very important to log onto your financial institution every single day and check your accounts. I do it every single day and I've caught "pending charges" that weren't mine twice now and avoided anything further from happening.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Another fan of alerts here! I have text alerts on one card and email alerts on my other. I always get text alerts when a charge is made no matter what. That way I not only know if there's a fraudulent charge, but I recognize what name things are charged under- sometimes the retailer will have a wonky name that they charge under. If I get a text right away there's no going back to remember whether or not the charge was legit.

I also use only credit, no debit. I don't have the nerves for debit!!

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

I'm so sorry to hear this happened to you, OP. Stories like this are why I've stopped using my debit card except to get money out of an ATM. I use credit and only charge what I can pay off by keeping a check book as though I'm debiting the money. It's just too risky with debit since the fraud protection isn't nearly as good.