Experiened the JOY your debit card stolen - used for the GAS STATION SCAM??

[Zacha341]

I work in a somewhat public setting on the east side and recently experienced the JOY of having my drivers license and bank card selectively stolen with the thieves going on a three-hour 'holiday' gas station [[give me X dollars for X amount of gas) scam - over 10 attempts!

The grand finale being an attempt to purchase phones at MetroPCS - declined of course as the card had long been deactivated by then. The first two gas scams got thru [[my bank is currently reversing those fraudulent charges back to my account).

What stopped the fraudulent spree quickly was within 35 minutes my bank - Bank of America - texted me that suspicious activity was occurring on my account and they put a hold on my card. Upon which I noted and reported the card as stolen and officially cancelled it. The perp[[s) operated within a three-mile radius on the east side.

I made a report to the police station - via the stand-outside-in-the-booth at the station 'talk on the phone' option now available after 4 PM in Detroit. Picked up report 24 hours later and provided BOA that info for their investigation purposes.

I talked to several gas station merchants and most were sympathetic but apathetic to what goes on at their pumps [[beyond their bullet proof glass) or the folks that hang around 'without' cars plying their er' trade with stolen cards! I reminded them that this is the main REASONS I rarely purchase gas in Detroit.

Anyone else experience this fun?

[Blueidone]

I'm sorry this happened to you, Zacha, but very glad that your bank was on the ball and alerted you to the problem.

I have lost debit cards before, but never had them actually used anywhere. Funny story that will hopefully brighten your day:

I evidently dropped my debit card when leaving an outside atm machine at a Comerica Bank in Sterling Heights. Someone found it and turned it in to the bank. A gentleman who works at the Farmington Hills branch [[near where I live) happened to be in that Sterling Heights branch that day [[what were the chances?). So the bank looked up my phone number in their system and called me right away. They told me that the gentleman from the FH branch was driving my card to his office and I could pick it up there...which saved me over an hour's worth of driving. How cool was that?

It is sad, however, that the gas station owners aren't doing more to help, but on the other hand, I guess even if they did call the police every time, there aren't enough cops to go around anyway. What a sad situation in our world.

[townonenorth]

I work in a public somewhat public setting on the east side and recently experienced the JOY of having my drivers license and bank card selectively stolen with the thieves going on a three-hour holiday gas station [[give me X dollars for X amount of gas) scam - over 10 attempts.

The grand finale being an attempt to purchase phones at MetroPCS - declined of course as the card had been deactivated by then. The first two gas scams got thru [[my bank is currently reversing those fraudulent charges back to my account).

What stopped the fraudulent spree quickly was that within 35 minutes my bank - Bank of America - texted me that suspicious activity was occurring on my account and they put a hold on my account. Upon which I noted and reported the card as stolen and cancelled the card. The perp[[s) operated within a three mile radius on the east side.

I made a report to the police station - via the stand outside in the booth at the station 'talk on the phone' option no available after 4 PM in Detroit. Picked up report 24 hours later and provided BOA that info for their investigation purposes.

I talked to several gas station merchants where the card was used and most were sympathetic but seemed apathetic to what goes on at their pumps or the folks that hang around 'without' cars plying their er' 'trade' with stolen cards. I reminded them that this is the main REASON I rarely purchase my gas in Detroit.

Anyone else experience this fun?

No, I'm glad that I have never had the "pleasure" of experiencing that. But I'm also glad that BOA is on the ball for your account, and is making it right.

[Gistok]

Ironically not all gas station automatic systems [[pay at the pump) ask for a DEBIT card PIN number, which I find totally unacceptable. BP and Shell require a PIN number at the pump [[IIRC), but Speedway does NOT. Also most stations automated systems will not let you pump more than what is available in your account Again... Speedway will let you overdraft... leaving you with the issue to deal with, with the bank. Luckily the one time that happened [[I wasn't paying attention pumping gas) I had low funds in my checking account at that time... so I make a quick after hours cash deposit into my checking account at the ATM to cover for it.

The fact that a Debit card doesn't always require a PIN when used in some circumstances... has probably blindsighted a lot of people, to the delight of a lot of crooks...

[Gistok]

No, I'm glad that I have never had the "pleasure" of experiencing that. But I'm also glad that BOA is on the ball for your account, and is making it right.

To me BOA is the bank from hell.... my late mother had me and my sister on her account [[can be a big mistake!). When mom passed away... we closed her account. But 6 months later some item tried to come across to that account... which was automatically re-activated and a penalty assessed because there were no funds there... we'll since my sister also had a BOA account... they took the funds from her account and moved them over to mom's account to pay for the transaction and the overdraft fee.

Beware of joint accounts... they can bite you in the ass at a later date...

[Zacha341]

Thanks for your comments Blue. Yeah the lack of policing, and followup minimizes the risk for this kind of thing, thus perpetuates it occurring. Fo' sure! I like that BOA ATM's now hava a system where you put in your card and it spits it back to you after you put in your pin number, thus ends the problem of 'leaving' your card and have some thief retrieve it after you.

This kind of theft, though not a direct physical assault leaves a bad feeling - a feeling of being violated. I am angry that my address is out there, but I do NOT live in a single home dwelling [[and as I've said here before WOULD NOT living in single unit dwelling in Detroit at this point).

Particularly annoying is that the crim[[s) went on the nut driving from place to place to hock the card.

I was in need of gas the other day and saw three guys outside of a gas station just STANDING about in front. What the frig? No car in sight! I just kept it moving and drove on. And I have had people approach me to buy my gas with a 'card' - I never engage in such.

....It is sad, however, that the gas station owners aren't doing more to help, but on the other hand, I guess even if they did call the police every time, there aren't enough cops to go around anyway. What a sad situation in our world.

[Zacha341]

I have a 'love-hate' relationship with BOA, but I have been with my bank for years before BOA took it over [[initially Michigan National, Lasalle etc)...

But others who've experienced bank card theft have noted that BOA is quick responding to 'suspicious' activity and I like that they cash out of state checks for me super fast. Far faster than my credit union use to. But I keep a credit union account too for the benefits of that but only use a debit card thru BOA.

Course I would not have gotten the 'suspicious activity' alert AT ALL had I not signed on for 'text' message alerts in general thru that bank. If it is an option where ever you bank PLEASE OPT FOR IT!

As it stands I got hosed for nearly $100 dollars which they are refunding PRIOR to the results of their investigation. The card was rendered useless within 38 minutes. And I do get some satisfaction that the criminal troll[[s) wasted their time - and their gas in further attempts from that point on.

I talked to a few MetroPCS stores in the area to track who'd used my card and most stated that they require a PIN number and carefully review ID cards as they get hit for scams all the time...

To me BOA is the bank from hell.... my late mother had me and my sister on her account [[can be a big mistake!). When mom passed away... we closed her account. But 6 months later some item tried to come across to that account... which was automatically re-activated and a penalty assessed because there were no funds there... we'll since my sister also had a BOA account... they took the funds from her account and moved them over to mom's account to pay for the transaction and the overdraft fee.

Beware of joint accounts... they can bite you in the ass at a later date...

[Honky Tonk]

I work in a public somewhat public main REASON I rarely purchase my gas in Detroit.

Anyone else experience this fun?

I had my CC # stolen years ago. I haven't had the pleasure of the debit card scam, but could you elaborate on what happened so I, and others can avoid it?

[Zacha341]

Yep. That's precisely what happened. They did not have my PIN but did have my drivers license so they had my zip code and that's how they were plying their scam. When they got to the Metro PCS joint trying to purchase a $800+ in phones it was declined absent a PIN.

Also, many gas stations for the first 24 hours hold out only one dollar against your account. So for the first day I had a roll-out of these numerous attempts for a dollar which fell off the account as they were declined right then and there from the then 'dead' card, then the two that did get thru did not go thru until the next day for the full amount.

More places/ merchants need to demand a PIN. And I gladly show my ID to any merchant that asks.

And let's not forget the 'recipient' of the so called five-finger DISCOUNT who allows a scammer at a gas station to pump up off someone elses card? They KNOW this is a common hustle! Perhaps that will be remembered that when their card is stolen!

Apparently 10+ individuals were very comfortable and self-justified to allow this... and of course the 'no snitchin' policy is strongly entrenched.

The fact that a Debit card doesn't always require a PIN when used in some circumstances... has probably blindsighted a lot of people, to the delight of a lot of crooks...

[cla1945]

My credit cards were in my wallet and someone was able to call [[Blank) and make a change to my card, request new cards, put someone else on the card and they proceeded to try to charge thousands of dollars at [[Blank). I even had my credit card "password" protected but it didn't help when the perps made the call. Finally, [[Blank) security called me, asked me questions, and we knew some crook had the numbers.
[[Blank) did the same thing...allowed someone to access my "password" protected account and make changes. I had the cards in my possession and they still were able to get my numbers.
Best advice, check your credit report as much as you can; check your bank accounts for activity every day, check your credit cards for activity every day and hope you're able to catch it before you're cleaned out!
I'd like to get my hands on these low life and put a few hurts on them.

Incidentally, neither one of these stores wanted to prosecute these people [[they had them on video, car licenses, etc.) because it would not be cost effective. Therefore, the prices at the stores are raised to compensate for the theft and we all have to pay.

[[Thought I'd take the names of the companies down before they come after me for slander).

[Zacha341]

I think I've been very detailed but not to the level of revealing that specific employer, precise local and my suspicions of who committed the crime [[I have an idea).

Bottom line [[and to the broader issue): EVERYONE Be Vigilant!

You've got some folks out here stealing for SPORT! They're not homeless or starving! If a female, please lock up purses, keep wallets in purses, zipped and closed. Theft takes only minutes, sometimes only seconds and most habitual thieves know 'just' what to take from your belongings without even taking everything. They are skilled and very specific in their agenda.

One of the big scams are crims taking or going thru purses out of shopping carts [[while the distracted person is shopping) or reaching over toilet stalls for purses hung on the door hoops while one is 'indisposed' [[never had that one happen to me!). Keep you PIN private. Don't record it anywhere.

You can find yourself 'JACKED' without being face-to-face robbed and it can someone you see everyday!

I had my CC # stolen years ago. I haven't had the pleasure of the debit card scam, but could you elaborate on what happened so I, and others can avoid it?

[Zacha341]

I hear you Cla! Stores are notorious for not being very tight and fairly non-chalant relative to their card transactions and account security overall. I have no credit cards in my wallet so it was a non-issue for me thankfully. The CC'ds I do have [[for fiscal emergencies) are hidden at home so I am not tempted use them.

I have a few accounts with stores that I purchase things on my debit card with and have had TO REMIND them to ask for crucial info to VERIFY who I am. Duh!

Too many have this kick-the-can down the road attitude which is costing us all and embolding criminals.

Meijers did the same thing...allowed someone to access my "password" protected account and make changes. I had the cards in my possession and they still were able to get my numbers.

Best advice, check your credit report as much as you can; check your bank accounts for activity every day, check your credit cards for activity every day and hope you're able to catch it before you're cleaned out!
I'd like to get my hands on these low life and put a few hurts on them.

Incidentally, neither one of these stores wanted to prosecute these people [[they had them on video, car licenses, etc.) because it would not be cost effective. Therefore, the prices at the stores are raised to compensate for the theft and we all have to pay.

[Gistok]

There's another scam now to worry about... when you use your debit or credit card at a store where they have scanner right there in front of you... the latest scam is to have the person behind you use their phone camera to take a pic of your card [[if it's visible for them)... and then use the numbers later. That image also has the expiration date and your name. So when using your credit/debit card on a scanner in plain view.... sort of keep your hand covering the card numbers, so other's can't use their phone camera's to get the info.

[Islandman]

BofA is garbage. Yes, they are quick to find out about fraudulent activity, but they are just as quick to shut your card down during a vacation. This has happened to me several times to the the point I had to call them prior to going on vacation.

Also, I have never had my card cloned with any other bank, this also happened 3 times with them. The last time was when I was moving back here from Charlotte.

I rented a U-Haul with my card, by the time I got to 7 and Livernois to drop the truck off 3 days later, my card was shut down. It had been used simultaneously in Florida, Georgia and Alabama at Wal-Marts and gas stations.

Needless to say I don't have BofA any more. I switched to Chase, and since have had a travel job for 6 months flying all over North America and I've never had a problem.

[Zacha341]

I hear you. I could see them getting over zealous... but it was good with them shutting down my card when they saw three gas station transactions in 32 minutes! They knew it was probably the 'gas-station' scam... But if you went out of the country are they assuming the card is stolen by default? Do you have to call them FIRST before you travel? Sorta weird...

Indeed it worked out for me that BoA did shut down my card, but they also text me about the shut down. I wonder how hard it would have been to re-activate the card had it not been actual fraud? Well anyway I have an account with a credit union too but it is not one I rely on much. Too slow. And they've done some shannigans with a card I had with them. Chase and BoA are pricey! Especially Chase.

But my main issue is the commonality of this specific theft in general and the number of third-party entities willing to participate. They say this kind of crime really ramps up during this time. Tis' the season I guess. Great!

BofA is garbage. Yes, they are quick to find out about fraudulent activity, but they are just as quick to shut your card down during a vacation. This has happened to me several times to the the point I had to call them prior to going on vacation.

Also, I have never had my card cloned with any other bank, this also happened 3 times with them. The last time was when I was moving back here from Charlotte.

I rented a U-Haul with my card, by the time I got to 7 and Livernois to drop the truck off 3 days later, my card was shut down. It had been used simultaneously in Florida, Georgia and Alabama at Wal-Marts and gas stations.

Needless to say I don't have BofA any more. I switched to Chase, and since have had a travel job for 6 months flying all over North America and I've never had a problem.

[Ray1936]

I have a BofA credit card. A few years back while in the Detroit area, [[we live in Nevada), the wife and I decided to buy son #2 a new flat screen TV. Went to Wal-mart, picked out one for 8 Franklins, and presented the BofA card. It was declined. Had to call them and explain we were on vacation, then the charge went through. I say good for BofA in this case.

Since then, whenever we're going to be away from NV, we call BofA first and let them know our itinerary. Works for us.

[wolverine]

I don't care what anyone says. Any gas stations that don't require a pin and zip code are run by bad people.

[Gistok]

I don't care what anyone says. Any gas stations that don't require a pin and zip code are run by bad people.

Amen to that!!

[Zacha341]

Hmm I go to Windsor a great deal and used to gamble at Ceasars and I know they NEVER stopped my stupid multiple trips to the casino's ATM! I never had any trouble in Toronto either... I guess I better call them the next time I go overseas [[er' over the river I mean ----)!

I have a BofA credit card. A few years back while in the Detroit area, [[we live in Nevada), the wife and I decided to buy son #2 a new flat screen TV. Went to Wal-mart, picked out one for 8 Franklins, and presented the BofA card. It was declined. Had to call them and explain we were on vacation, then the charge went through. I say good for BofA in this case.

Since then, whenever we're going to be away from NV, we call BofA first and let them know our itinerary. Works for us.

[Zacha341]

Yeah. Some of these stations are just turnstiles for crime sadly. Like that bold one in Shelby Twp. that was cited in October and INSISTED on traficking that K12 etc., talking all rough to the news reporters. Turns out is was a whole family [[one owning a tobacco shop) and there are finally be charged.

They must have been smoking the stuff themselves or forgot they were NOT running their station and stores in Detroit!

West Bloomfield matriarch and family charged in Shelby Township K2 drug ring

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/in...iarch_and.html

Six family members charged in Shelby Township drug ring [[gas station)

http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/arti...e358785518.txt

I don't care what anyone says. Any gas stations that don't require a pin and zip code are run by bad people.

[gazhekwe]

I used a credit card to pay for an online order recently [[not a rare occurrence). After 2 am that night, someone tried to charge $45 at ITunes. My credit union denied the charge as suspicious activity and notified me next day, then after we talked, closed the card and issued me another, just like that. Needless to say, I will not be shopping on line at that merchant any more.

I have had two other card issuers deny charges and call me for suspicious activity when I have been traveling. In another incident I was giving the card # over the phone to a gas station in Canada to pay for my sister's gas after her card was shut off for suspicious activity on the weekend as she was driving to Alaska. All three cards were shut off after one payment each. Fortunately she and I were able to get them reactivated on Monday morning.

I LOVE the service! It might be a little inconvenient when I am the one trying to charge something, but it saves a ton of trouble.

[Johnnny5]

Most all the major banks have alert settings that can be adjusted to send text messages whenever a card is used. I have all my credit and debit cards set to send a text message whenever a charge over $20 is made on my account. Twice I have received messages when I was not the one making the charges, and with a quick phone call to the bank I was able to have the accounts frozen.

[canuck]

Most all the major banks have alert settings that can be adjusted to send text messages whenever a card is used. I have all my credit and debit cards set to send a text message whenever a charge over $20 is made on my account. Twice I have received messages when I was not the one making the charges, and with a quick phone call to the bank I was able to have the accounts frozen.

Smart. Excellent advice, thanks, I'll look into it!

[Jimaz]

I guess this is why I prefer to use cash although I understand why that's not a secure option for many people.

I've mentioned before that, when traveling, I carry a worthless decoy wallet in my left hip pocket and carry my real wallet elsewhere. The decoy contains a nasty note addressed to any potential pickpocket.

[Detroitgayhistoryguy]

Since you're talking about bank of America, have you read this:

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics...-fail-20120314