This is the second (Or maybe 32nd) time tthis has happened. You would think the would have safeguards in place to prevent this.
In late November, I received a text alert about a measly $1 authorization made online. However, I didn't make it. I immediately called the customer service number which forces you to enter all your private, secure info & then eventually are transferred to an live person who requires you to repeat all the same, private account info.
Who are these people? Third world phone bank operators? We know many corporations go that route to save money, paying a few rupees an hour instead of dollars. Saves millions probably.
So after I give this information a bunch of various other $1 authorizations begin showing up. I ask "I have no money left on that debit card account, will these fruadulent authorizations post?"; I was told "NO".
They posted, over thirty.By the next day. First I copied all of them from the online transaction history & using their own secure email system, emailed them. After receiving no response I copied & pased all the fraud transactions in a WORD file & printed & FAXED them to Netspends FAX number: (512) 857-0263. They can't ignore faxes, they are just as legal as letters & you have proof of transmission. Thank 'W' for that law.
I would have let it alone except after getting a new card (& number) I again, last week got a couple $1 online fraud charges (Google, this time) as it was Sat, I tried to call & this time didn't want to give all my private info over the phone. (Somehow someone was getting this FROM my phone). So I wrote a message just listing my bank account number (They ARE a bank & even say so). I wondered about if I was right about the foreign phone banks you hear about who pretend to be US citiens even when in other countries.
I thought I might;ve been right as ONLY the two $1 authorizations were shown. Yet a few days later a much more significant authorization was posted. I researched the name online & saw there were many, many posting that it wa fraudulent in the past.
So if I can find it easily, why can't the bank?!?!? Can't they have a 'watch list' of charges or authorzations that require inbestigation or additional approval from the customer? I've had other banks who do that.
Then once again I notify my bank & let them know this is more fraud; clueless they reply they're happy to update me my previous cim was resolved favorably. Completely ignoring my latest messages about the farudulent authorizations.
I only use my card at major stores and online with PayPal. I don't think them, I suspect these 3rd world phone banks are supplementing there income. Who else would benefit by repeated $1 authorizations except someone AT THE BANK verifying if funds are available without creating a record of account inquiry (Which would make sense if the Bank tracks things to protect themselves).
NO response still. Complained to Texas board of Banking & tried Feds too. Over a week later received reply that they had up to a month to investigate.
I investigated myself. Several of the $1 charges were coming out of Batimore & I found out for an elected official there. I called Balt police thinking someone was at the election headquarters running amok & stealing. Hey put me in contact with the person who's name was on the charges. The election was long over & this person was already in office.
Eventually, TWO months after this began, Netspend refunded $2! Out of over $30! I wrote & they seemingly ignored what I said, focusing on that they did their job by refuding $2. As if every online message and the fax never existed!
I responded badly, I'll admit; wouldn't you? I informed them a fax is a legal document & had proof they received it. I again pointed out the 30 or so $1 transactions and they responded again ignoring everything & claiming I was refunded the $2, case closed!
I contacted Mastercard, who advertises 'credit or debit, you'll never pay for unauthorized charges with Mastercard'. Low and behold another month later, I strted getting multiple $1 credits. A day or two later I totalled nearly $20, far short of what was stolen.
I did let them know they were in error but they seemed oblivious. I will concede, they seem to be doing better since the LARGE charge is still pending, but WHY does someone keep accessing my account? Paypal keeps your information secret. I trust the large stores where I use my PIN on the payment terminals. I don't use shady ATMs in odd locales.
Since MASTERCARD advertises PROTECTION perhaps a class action lawsuit needs to be filed towards them. I emailed their fraud dept: [email protected]. After getting ZERO reply, called the FRAUD number, 1-800-307-7309 and they basically wanted to call Netspend & put me on hold. I hung up.
I think I'll just close my account & go to a real bank.
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