I got FRAUD-CHARGE on my Credit Card too >>>

[qorax]

Ok guys, I got kicked too ...
No, not 'Kicked by Evolv'!


Since last few days I was reading about all those "fraudulent transactions" on many of ur credit cards upon some online vape shopping, AND I thought these must be coincidences, Or one-off incidences. B'coz I had been shopping online since ages (not vape material though, since I'm new to it) and this never happened with me.

So, it finally occurred!

Yesterday I noticed an "unknown transaction" on my credit card, as below:

Apr 22, 2013 CINEMARK.COM 477 SAN JOSE $238.69

Thus, I immediately opened an online complaint ticket with my bankers. Today I followed it up with a call. On being diverted to the bank's Fraud Dept. I was queried about many similar timeframe transactions & a few other matters. Thereafter, they "Confirmed" that this was a FRAUD.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS FROM THE BANK:
With that ascertained, they have initiated the following actions/advices:
1. I'm not to pay that amount (thankfully),
2. They cancelled my credit cards immediately,
3. Initiation of a new card done. I should expect it in about two business days (great),
4. A "Fraud Investigation" case has been initiated, by the bank,
5. I was told to notify the last vendor/s (if I desired) with whom I genuinely transacted during that timeframe.

MODUS OPERANDI:
I was told that there were three (3) "Test-Hits" on my card. They were incomplete transactions. Different times in 24 hrs. Then a gap of another 24 hrs. Thereafter the final run, complete transaction.

NOTE:
a) I was indicated two vendors. One is a Vape Shop (I wouldn't name here, b'coz I don't think it's their fault).
b) The other one is PAYPAL (I used it for purchasing some more vape stuff from China).
c) The bank states that the likely fault-line lies with the vape shop, as PAYPAL seems to be more secured.
d) However, they told me the real culprit would be identified after the Fraud Investigation.

LESSON LEARNT:
There probably is some truth in it... our Vape Vendor's might be having some problems there, vis-a-vis their Credit Card Payment Processing System. I don't blame the owners though (I don't think any of them r crooks) but their system needs revamping.

Guys, pls be cautioned.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Ps.: I've intimated the Vape Shop and PAYPAL accordingly. The Vape Shop responded positively & immediately!
And if u check my previous posts - u'd know with whom I purchased and what.

 

[WinchellNomNom]

Fasttech?.

 

[qorax]

^^Prolly No. That was thru PAYPAL.

 

[WinchellNomNom]

Vaportek? Exhale? Mt baker?

Im guessing here.

Alien?

 

[solarisjedi]

Sorry but it IS the shops fault (if that's where it happened). The retailer is responsible for securing these kind of things, and that includes having honorable and secure card processing if they accept cards.

 

[Mud Pie]

With all this happening, I'm putting on my ESP hat and think most vendors may end up going the "personal check or money order only" route....

 

[MrStik]

With all this happening, I'm putting on my ESP hat and think most vendors may end up going the "personal check or money order only" route....

Sadly they will lose a lot of business. I have a checkbook that is only used for rent.

 

[ilovehugehits]

I ordered some clearos from Fasttech last night.
Wish every vape site was set up like that.
$14 for 7 CE5s with expedited shipping!
Paypal option makes fraud almost impossible.
Card I use to order stuff. Usually has less than $100 on it.
I know my bank will cover online fraud.
But don't want to have to go through that.
Wish people would post the actual vendor.
I know it's not usually their fault.
But that's really not the point.

 

[Fred Garvin]

With all this happening, I'm putting on my ESP hat and think most vendors may end up going the "personal check or money order only" route....

Then I'll type them a letter, put it in an envelope and mail it to them, thanking them for their time but I'll be doing business in the 21st century.

 

[MikeA5]

I've made dozens of ecig related purchases using Paypal and I've never had a problem. The other good thing I like using Paypal is that as soon as a transaction occurs using Paypal I'm notified immediately via email. There have been no fraudulent Paypal messages at all.
I've stopped making ecig related purchases using my CC and haven't had a problem since. Previously I had to cancel my CC three times in a little over 2 years, because of CC fraud, since I started purchasing ecig related stuff over the internet.

 

[ilovehugehits]

I wish Paypal was an option for most vendors.
Paypal needs to get with the program.
E vapor products are not tobacco or alcohol.
I like the vendors I currently use.
Not going to switch to Apollo, just because they take Paypal.

 

[qorax]

Oh, just clicked the fraudster's transaction point... What the hell they did there with $238.69? Took a battalion out for movies? And how?

 

[oldsoldier]

if the shopping cart is properly configured and the vendor does not store your credit card information (most do not) then the fault line shifts to the processor or possibly to someone generating your credit card number.

A never used card that has been activated can be breached. I'm not making it up, it happens all the time...

Bottom line -- the bank will do it's investigation but you should also make sure that you check your computer carefully for keyloggers and trojans as well. It is always better to be safe then it is to be sorry.

 

[Joie]

mine,was,$532.....bank is taking care of it....just a big hassle.
I notified the vendor I think it was and they are contacting their processor immediately.

 

[cags]

Sorry but it IS the shops fault (if that's where it happened). The retailer is responsible for securing these kind of things, and that includes having honorable and secure card processing if they accept cards.

ecig vendors have a hard time finding a cc processor. lots of CC processors won't take on an ecig vendor. from what i have read here, it is most likely the processor. I think they should take checks like in the old days. it wouldn't kill us to write a check

 

[Joie]

true....I would rather wait a few days than go thru the crap I have had to to get bank stuff straighten back out!!!!!

 

[Whosback]

I've dealt online for years with no problem. I use string protection on my main PC. Avast, and a few other programs, nothing is fool proof and the more people use something the more scumbag hackers will go after it.

The best thing are those prepaid cards that only have a limited amount on it.

Sorry to anyone that has ever gotten hacked though. It's a miserable pain in the but, at least financial institutions are getting more forgiving and accommodating about it.

 

[solarisjedi]

ecig vendors have a hard time finding a cc processor. lots of CC processors won't take on an ecig vendor. from what i have read here, it is most likely the processor. I think they should take checks like in the old days. it wouldn't kill us to write a check

It would not bother me to have a check/money order option, it's only a couple extra days of waiting.

Just a thought... most of the retailers although not advertising it, would probably gladly accept this method today if someone were to printout what they wanted, enclose check/mo, and mail it in (unannounced even). Saves the retailer x% card processing fees.

 

[unloaded]

It would not bother me to have a check/money order option, it's only a couple extra days of waiting.

Just a thought... most of the retailers although not advertising it, would probably gladly accept this method today if someone were to printout what they wanted, enclose check/mo, and mail it in (unannounced even). Saves the retailer x% card processing fees.

What if half the stuff on your list is out of stock when it arrives? To get around this they setup Send Check as payment option and pull your order as soon as you place it, it packed and ready to ship when check arrives.....but the check never arrives! It's a nightmare either way and not going to happen.

 

[qorax]

I understand many would like to know - WHO? Which site it was. I could tell u via PMs. Got some - did that.