Credit Card Fraud: What should I do after informing the credit card company?

[aic]

On a credit card that I never use there was a charge to an adult web site. I did not know it was an adult web until I called them and was told that I signed up for college boy fantasy magazine.

The sinners, I mean, adult web site operators quickly credited my account (so they say) and marked my card as stolen.

The adult web site gave me the guy?s (who used my credit card) e-mail address and I.P. address and city and state. The guy lives in my town!

My credit card company (MBNA) was not too excited about the fraud because it was under $100. They told me to write in and dispute the charge. Yes, they closed my account.

Since I got the guy?s e-mail address and I.P address and his hometown, if this data is accurate, who should I provide it too?

I never use this credit card. Since I never use it someone at MBNA must of gave it out. What is really strange that the guy/girl lives in my town. There is no possibility that someone in my household gave out my credit card.

Please advise.

 

[Tripleshot]

Call the police and make a report. They are best to advise you. Stealling a credit card is a criminal offense. Let the authorities do their job. Give them all the information you have given here.

Good luck.

 

[Valinos]

Quit lying. You know you liked those college boy fantasy magazines, don't jip the porn makers from their hard-earned cash...they're just trying to make a living...

 

[PsychoAndy]

Call the cops and report it.

BTW, make sure you know who you talked to at MBNA and the merchant. The cops may have to verify it so keep detailed notes about names, dates and extensions.

-PAB

 

[Greyd]

Also:

1) Shred all your sensitive documents - esp if your CC statements are going into the trash.
2) Check your computer for viruses or security compromises.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Greyd
Also:

1) Shred all your sensitive documents - esp if your CC statements are going into the trash.
2) Check your computer for viruses or security compromises.

Good idea. I'm going to go ahead and guess that someone got the card number from the trash. A basic shredder that hangs over a trash can you already own is only $12 or so. Better, "confetti cut" models that include their own trash bin probably start at about $60-70, but the $12 stip cut one will deter the casual dumpster diver, and is easily worth it.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Garfang

Originally posted by: Greyd
Also:

1) Shred all your sensitive documents - esp if your CC statements are going into the trash.
2) Check your computer for viruses or security compromises.

Good idea. I'm going to go ahead and guess that someone got the card number from the trash. A basic shredder that hangs over a trash can you already own is only $12 or so. Better, "confetti cut" models that include their own trash bin probably start at about $60-70, but the $12 stip cut one will deter the casual dumpster diver, and is easily worth it.

Excellent idea.

I would also be super-paranoid and recommend:
1) Reformat your hard drive, do a clean install of everything including your OS.
2) Make sure you have a good firewall whether it be software (Zone Alarm it's FREE) or hardware based (Linksys router, etc.).
3) Definitely make sure you shred all documents which have your name, social security number, address, credit card numbers, drivers license, bank statements, cancelled checks, anything and everything financial and having to do with your identity.
4) I would go as far as ordering a copy of your credit report to make sure all the accounts listed are truely yours and you'll find out your credit score in the process.

 

[jadinolf]

Don't panic.

MBNA will handle everything.

Just make sure you keep in touch with them.

 

[Kaervak]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Excellent idea.

I would also be super-paranoid and recommend:
1) Reformat your hard drive, do a clean install of everything including your OS.
2) Make sure you have a good firewall whether it be software (Zone Alarm it's FREE) or hardware based (Linksys router, etc.).
3) Definitely make sure you shred all documents which have your name, social security number, address, credit card numbers, drivers license, bank statements, cancelled checks, anything and everything financial and having to do with your identity.
4) I would go as far as ordering a copy of your credit report to make sure all the accounts listed are truely yours and you'll find out your credit score in the process.

Just another suggestion, get a fireproof lock box to keep your cards, statements & bank info in. I've got all my CC's in there, all their statements & bank account info. Only ran me $20.00 at office max. Well worth it. I rarely use my CC's so keeping them in there isn't a hassle, just go and get one when I want to use it.

 

[Sundog]

Originally posted by: Kaervak<Just another suggestion, get a fireproof lock box to keep your cards, statements & bank info in. I've got all my CC's in there, all their statements & bank account info. Only ran me $20.00 at office max. Well worth it. I rarely use my CC's so keeping them in there isn't a hassle, just go and get one when I want to use it.

Doing that won't do a damn thing. Just today I noticed a $300 charge on a credit card that has a $0 balance and I have not used in over 15 months.:| The card has been locked in my desk drawer for the entire time.