I noticed on September 2nd 2009 that a purchase had been made on my bank account for a couple dollars and then a large cash back obtained. A 'cash back' is when you buy something and the cashier asks if you'd like any 'cash back' with the purchase. I called the bank and told them that I had no memory of making this purchase and could they check on it. The person who answered the phone said they would.
On October 2nd, I again noticed that two more purchases were made - one for a dollar and another for two dollars. Each purchase also asked for a large cash back. I went inside the bank this time. The purchases were being made at a store I normally frequent. I have always used their ATM machine when I needed cash though... Never asked for cash back.
I shut down the card whose number was being used to make the illegal purchases and asked the bank to investigate. I also asked for a new bank card. When the bank card arrived in my mail box, the envelope was opened. I had a very uneasy feeling about that, so asked that the card be cancelled. To date, I've never received the pin number in the mail for that card.
Anyway, I got a letter in the mail from the bank telling me they had decided that the purchases were authorized. I immediately called them to demand why. They told me that this was because the amounts were within the limits of the purchases I'd previously made at that store. I was stunned... Because I'd made a $53 purchase in July at the store, someone was now being allowed to make one or two dollar purchases and demand $30 and $40 dollar cash backs each time... And get away with it... I told the bank that while the amount may be within my history, making a dollar purchase and asking for $30 or $40 cash back certainly was not... It was like talking to a brick wall... They had no intention of acknowledging that this did not match my spending 'history'... Because that would have required them to refund the money into my account...
So, what is the result? Someone can steal your account info and as long as they use the same store you shop at... And keep the purchase amounts low... You are screwed... Chase bank will not reimburse your money... Please, do your banking somewhere else...
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