Stolen Credit Card Information On Line

Hi, I purchased a few items on-line a few monthts ago and my credit card information was stolen from this online vendor. I just found out some bogus charges on my account that were charged on that card used w/ this vendor. What is their responsability on this? I did not receive any e-mail form them saying my credit card data was stolen, I am sure that other customers of them might have been affected. How do I proceed? Should I call them to let them know they have an unsecure server and ask them to notify their customers? Do I report this to an authority to make sure they make them take any action?

Are web merchants liable if credit card information from their customers is stolen? Are they responsible?

Absolutely! Visa and MasterCard place strict guidelines on merchants to ensure that credit card information is safeguarded. From everything regarding the security of the website, to the security of the location, and even employees that have access to this information.

How should you proceed?

Report the fraudulent charges to your bank immediately! They will take it from there and undergo an investigation. You will also get your money back. Calling the merchant and voicing your concerns about their server would be a good deed, although they probably will not notify their customers.

Is the merchant liable for the charges?

Not necessarily. If the merchant gets too many chargebacks they will be at risk of loosing their merchant account and will no longer be able to accept credit cards. That is a devastating situation for an online business.

2006-12-11 14:57:54 by Suntoosoon

Stolen Credit Card!!!!

I am a new tenant of this apartment complex for few weeks and last weekend I have found out from my bank that someone has applied to for a credit card using my personal data and have been issued a card to my new address before I have even move-in to this new place. The only person who had know this new address was the manager of the building when I have filled out an application for a credit check and myself.
The on-line credit card statement shows the transaction around the days when I have move to new address. I couldn't have access to my mailbox because she had given me the wrong key and didn't get the right key until a week after I have move in. When I called the owner of the building and told him what had happened and requested of my full refund on deposit and the rent, he neglects and refuses my request and saying that I can't accuse someone without any evidence. My bank is in process of investigating this matter and I will have full report.
Could you help me if you know any..

YOU , go see the local Prosecuting Attorney ...ASAP !!

2008-07-22 16:52:18 by sandy

can spyware steal credit card information?
like, if you order something off-line?


and how do you know when you're completely rid of spyware?
(i scanned my computer in safe mode, but im still not so sure its gone)

its not easy for them, spyware enjoys deleting passwords

2008-06-07 18:15:36 by Psycho bee

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.




1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED'.


2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.


3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.


4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.


I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.


Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first-hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.


But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:


5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.


6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).


But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)


7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name.


The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.


By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.


Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:


1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285


2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742


3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680 7289


4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1- 800-269-0271

Hey Barbara, thank you so much for this information. I am going to print a copy of this and keep it in a handy place for further reference.

2009-02-14 22:23:48 by Barbara L

I went on line last night and found out $2,500 was withdrawn from my checking account which let me with only $250. I thought someone had stolen my information and stole money from my account. It was Saturday night and I couldn;t reach anyone at the bank which was terrifying. When I called in the morning, I was told that the bank had collected a business credit card debt but I would have to call back tomorrow because nobody is there on the weekend. I did speak to smeone who said it was possible through some Offset Program. I researched it and found that the offset program relates to the IRS or child support neither of which relate to me. The business was my husbands which we closed over ayear ago and they took money from our shared checking account. Now all the checks I wote will bounce because all the money was withdrawn from my account without any prior notification. IS THIS LEGAL??????

It is very legal depending on how your business was set-up. If it was a partnership or a sole propirotorship, then you can persoannly be liable for the debts of the business.

2009-03-22 19:11:04 by Stacy K