Recent Fraudulent Credit Card Charges :(

[SuprHasan]

Just glanced over my AMEX statement last night and found a strange charge on there for about $250 from walmart.com. I've never shopped there, let alone opened their website.
Called up my bank and they cancelled, reissued a new card and started a Fraud Investigation, but that leaves me to wonder how my card details got out in the first place. What makes it more interesting is that I don't live in the States (as most of you know), so there's no reason for me to shop at walmart.
I remember making a purchase recently with my AMEX with a US retailer and I think maybe the card details might have slipped through their hands.
I'd like to hear from anyone else who lives outside the States who also might have made a purchase with a US merchant and found an unusual charge on their card. I have my suspicion on which retailer it might have been, so if you prefer to PM me, please do so.
Thanks.

 

[AlohaStyle]

Sorry to hear man, that is definitely not a good feeling. But... it happens to a lot of people. Without knowing what vendor you think might be the source of your problem, you should realize they might not have had any knowledge your card details were stolen and used. Could've happened all electronically where someone got the details, could be a problem with their website ordering system that might not be secure. Where were you when you placed the order? At home, or somewhere with WiFi connection? Reasons could be endless. Could also be your card was compromised awhile ago and is just now being used. Who knows. Just because the purchase was made at Walmart, an American company, doesn't mean someone from Australia didn't steal your info and order on Walmart. Many people here on BOTL have had their card info stolen and overseas purchases were made.

Hopefully your card company is easy to deal with and gives a quick credit of the fraudulent payment. Good luck!

 

[SuprHasan]

I did consider that it wasn't a slip by the vendor I'm thinking about and it could have happened elsewhere. Also thought thought about the location of the thief and dismissed it being a local Aussie as there would be much better places to use it locally.
The bank was very helpful and quick to act. I'm sure they'll get it sorted out very fast. Fingers crossed
I'll keep this thread updated.

 

[bugbear]

I agree, possibilities of compromise are endless. There were some recent compromises of the payment processors here in the states as one example (that's where the real money is IMO)

Moreover, if state side, the PI laws here differ from state to state and most don't require notification of where or how the data was stolen. Just that it was (and that's if they have even realized it yet)

That part use to anger me a bit as an info sec dude but I have changed my tune a bit over the last few years

While defense is important, it's impossible to defend 100% against the fact that computer systems are designed, coded, and configured by humans hence there will always be flaws

In the end it's about detection and response. The credit companies realized this a long time ago and built their loses into their interest rates

So I have no doubt u will get your cash back

Annoying though isn't it? There is certainly room for improvement with processing ( especially in the US) but that is a rant for another time

The Brian Krebs on security blog has some really good investigative journalism pieces on the underground logistics and economy of stolen data for those who might opt to take the red pill

Walmart.com is just being used the launder via reselling goods

Good luck brother

 

[javajunkie]

dude, that is a scary feeling! glad they caught it early, it seems that credit institutions are getting a LOT better about this. good luck with it hasan!

 

[BradMc]

It happen to me also, But my charge were from Australia and one from Finland, even tho they were only same amounts,they issued me a NEW CARD, which is a pain in the ass doing the new card thing, but I'm glade now they did it , ( This sounds bad , some times I just pay the bill and maybe look later ) Not any more , So check them over good folks ......

 

[Alwayslit]

Thankfully Amex is easy to deal with.

 

[ciggy]

This has happened to me a couple of times. I was told that thieves will run random numbers and wait for a hit. this happens alot...alot! It's nice to know that banks and credit card services will take care of the issue should you notice fraud. In a cyber world this is a very unfortunate side effect. Glad you found it and got it resolved H.

 

[gentimmy]

What blows my mind the most is that Walmart hasn't made it to Australia yet