So, right after you read this, you should check your bank statements and/or your credit card statements. Really, you should. That was my credit card, above, that I just an hour ago had to cut up because someone decided that it would be cool to charge $13 to “test out” my credit card, and then “go for the gold” by charging $766. I don’t know what the 2nd amount was even for, since it was through Google – I’m waiting for them to get back to me. The 1st purchase was for a Queens of the Stone Age CD. I mean, come on. The person didn’t even TRY to order me something that I would like! I do have the CD, though. I figure I’ll try to sell it online, make a few bucks off of it, hehe.
But in all seriousness, I am lucky that my bank is on the job and cancelled my card, and is taking care of the charges. Things you can do:
- Check your bank statement/credit card bill regularly! Do it online, don’t just wait for the paper statement!
- Have your bank and credit card phone number programmed into your cell phone – the numbers for the “I lost my card/My card was stolen” line. They will hook you up, I promise. It worked today.
So… yeah. Be careful out there! It was pretty scary when I logged into my account and saw the PENDING charges… not so wonderful of an afternoon, especially when my head has been wavering!
June 20, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Hello! I learned about your blog when I read a comment on The Daily Headache, so I headed over to check it out.
About four years ago, my husband and I discovered our debit card number had been stolen. I was preoccupied with bar exam preparation and didn’t realize what was happening until we were cleaned out! It was such a horrible feeling. So I totally agree with you about the importance of checking your accounts often and keeping your guard up. It would have saved us a lot of drama, that’s for sure!