Card Fraud

[TheSystemHasFailed]

I was hit on Saturday for $1800.00. I have been purchasing online heavily for 14 years and it wasn't until I started vaping did I get hit with fraudulent charges. This is the third time in 3 years and the most taken I called my bank (Compass) and they could tell it was fraud right away yet they let it go through I told them to go ahead and cancel the account, I am going to find a bank that is proactive. It is going to take 3-10 days before I get my money back which is going to cause a bit of a hardship but it is what it is.

Absolutely disgusting.

 

[Bombies]

Can someone make a guide for vape-shopping online safely?
I know you can use prepaid cards but they are expensive. They cost $4.95 to buy them. I know there are some banks that offer virtual credit card numbers to be used when making online purchases. It would be really helpful if someone researched the best method for shopping online safely.

 

[stevegmu]

Can someone make a guide for vape-shopping online safely?
I know you can use prepaid cards but they are expensive. They cost $4.95 to buy them. I know there are some banks that offer virtual credit card numbers to be used when making online purchases. It would be really helpful if someone researched the best method for shopping online safely.

I use a credit card or check card. Never had any issues. I only buy from reputable vendors and don't buy from sites that have deals which seem too good to be true. Won't buy from China. I also look for the security badges on the site and won't buy from a site that looks like they didn't spend any money on web design. I also only use Macs.

 

[aikanae1]

I use a credit card or check card. Never had any issues. I only buy from reputable vendors and don't buy from sites that have deals which seem too good to be true. Won't buy from China. I also look for the security badges on the site and won't buy from a site that looks like they didn't spend any money on web design. I also only use Macs.

I think my China purchases have been the safest since they are allowed to use PayPal - and PP is not 100% great, but in comparison, they offer a buffer that other processors / shopping carts / servers / hosts etc appear to be compromised with.

I thought someone was compiling data on these fraud charges to see if there was a link connecting them? I've heard everything from poor cart programs, to hacked servers, to questionable payment processors. I'm not sure, but I don't think a vendor has ever been found as the source of the problem since most never get the cc information. They just get an authorization code for a specific amount from the payment processor.

I've almost sprung for a prepaid card, but I'm not thrilled with the upfront charge either. $5 on a $15 charge is hefty. Even if I do get a $50 card, what about the remaining after a $35 purchase? That doesn't seem easy or convienent. Let's see, I could buy a $25 card and a $15 card = not much different plus I've got a $10 activation. So I should just buy more to the $50 limit or trim my purchase down by $10 - but it's something I really need and can't buy locally. This is crazy.

The only reason I might get ticked with vendors is that they haven't been more proactive on resolving these issues. It shouldn't take a consumer forum to lead an info data collection effort to locate the weak spots, and I'm not sure if any vendors have contributed to the effort. But then I'd like to see independent vendors form a collective so their voices are heard in DC too. (sigh) Oh well...

Any results yet?

 

[DaveP]

How many have been asked to reveal their last 4 digits of their s.s. card, while either to sign up to a web site, or using your credit card for purchases.
Only one comes to my mind.
Why would they ask for a social?
I used to remember when your social security number was a private person thing, and "only" the IRS used it, not like now..It's abusing our privacy something fierce..

Inputting the 3 digit code on the back of the card for an online purchase is one thing, but SS last four? I'd cancel out and go somewhere else. Lots of companies use last 4 of SS for verification of identity when you call them, but that is probably not good practice either these days.

 

[aikanae1]

For anyone who's had their CC stolen, you might also want to check this site from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse of Data Breaches. IMO it's quite an eye-opener.

 

[DaveP]

I stopped in at Smokin' Vapor while on vacation in Panama City Beach the other day. They were friendly, had everything in stock, and let me try some juices. I really enjoy the convenience of a B&M store. You run the risk of CC fraud in person too, but at least you get to see them swipe the card and hand it back to you. Stormy's Vapor Cellar has opened a B&M in my town, about 5 miles from my house. I'll be stopping by there tomorrow for the first time.

For the best selection you have to shop online. One has your favorite juices. The other has the cartos you like and another has none of that, but sells your brand of IMR batteries.

 

[Stoneface]

For anyone who's had their CC stolen, you might also want to check this site from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse of Data Breaches. IMO it's quite an eye-opener.

Yikes!



10char

 

[Ipster]

Chances of it being the same peeps? Hmm. well anythings possible. Walmarts have cash centers for thieves to attempt cash advances; and hotel employess have access to credit check bureaus to attenpt anything from minor to major amounts for card verification.
I see some commonalities with such a HUGE community as ECF: many members shop with online vendors; and many members will share experiences- good, bad, and in between.
From a vendor or sales perspective: A compliment must be bumped, repeated, and shouted to work toward building a solid reputation; whereas a negative slam or accusation can spread like wildfire! Funny that way. i am an optimist, whos also been burned through online purchasing.

 

[Ipster]

Can someone make a guide for vape-shopping online safely?
I know you can use prepaid cards but they are expensive. They cost $4.95 to buy them. I know there are some banks that offer virtual credit card numbers to be used when making online purchases. It would be really helpful if someone researched the best method for shopping online safely.

It is here...Computer Security and if you noodle around this huge global community, theres more tidbits Ive found. It helped to see veteran and guru members recommendations for safe shopping (for me). Also saved time and brass ($). Good luck SAFE VAPING!

 

[aikanae1]

Yikes!
10char

One thing I noticed was that a person doesn't have to use their CC in order for it to be stolen.

 

[Stoneface]

One thing I noticed was that a person doesn't have to use their CC in order for it to be stolen.

That's definitely true. I was also reminded of all of the personal information in the hands of other people who aren't so careful with it and can send it out to thousands of people in an instant. It's a separate but related issue that much of our identifiable information is/can be compromised by so many others.

 

[rasmith1959]

It's amazing how many people are so afraid of shopping online, yet they hand over heir credit card to some waiter at a restaurant. Go figure....

Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using Tapatalk 4.

 

[Big Screen D]

It's amazing how many people are so afraid of shopping online, yet they hand over heir credit card to some waiter at a restaurant. Go figure....

Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using Tapatalk 4.

Well the above is quite true. Funny thing is the CC I carry around daily and is used to buy everything from a cup of coffee, to meals, and anything other than online purchases has not been compromised. On the other hand my vape card, as in is only used for online purchases has been hacked. There is no doubt this card was hacked because it was used at an online ecig merchant.

 

[cags]

It's amazing how many people are so afraid of shopping online, yet they hand over heir credit card to some waiter at a restaurant. Go figure....

Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using Tapatalk 4.

that is where our card got hit. it was a new card, used once....at a restaurant!

 

[flintlock62]

Actually, there are several ways thieves can get your card information. Card theft has gone up in recent years.

that is where our card got hit. it was a new card, used once....at a restaurant!

 

[DaveP]

It's amazing how many people are so afraid of shopping online, yet they hand over heir credit card to some waiter at a restaurant. Go figure....

Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using Tapatalk 4.

I don't care for seeing my CC leave the table and go into some back room. It's WHY I use my credit card instead of my debit card in those situations (and in online situations). The protection inherent in a CC is more robust than a debit card, even if it says VISA on the front.

I've set up both cards to email or text me every time a charge is made. I was at the beach last week and every time I got an email on my phone when the card charges were posted. Every amount verified with the ticket I kept. Peace of mind is knowing what happened and when.

 

[timk]

Wow, This isn't any good. Sad to read about all the cc fraud. With any new industry and new small businesses popping up left and right, it doesn't surprise me there is some poor cc handling going on in these small shops. The virtual card numbers thing is a great idea, I'll have to look into that.

Apparently I ordered 1000 Acai Berry herbal pills one time from some weird country I've never heard of before. LOL It was a VISA CC thankfully and after an affidavit that had to be notarized etc etc it was all taken care of. But it was a hassle.

 

[DaveP]

Clark Howard on why you shouldn't use a debit card online.

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/cla...protect-yourself-if-you-use-debit-card/nC3Nz/

This is interesting. It's the first I've heard of selective pricing depending on which browser or PC you use.

Your browser of choice can influence what you pay online | www.clarkhoward.com

Should you pay more when you're shopping online simply because of the browser you're using? Some popular online retailers think so!

The New York Times reports shoppers are getting widely different prices based on whether they use Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.

[Edited quoted text out to stay within fair use rules.]

 

[Judge Dredd]

I'd like to thank ALL of you for your help in this. I've decided to shut this whole thing down because fraud doesn't appear to be as much of a problem as it was.

I really appreciate everything you've all done to support the effort. Best of luck to those working to recover from fraud, and best wishes to those purchasing online in the future.