I have fallen victim to credit card fraud. I swear, the more I talk about it with others, the more I realize it's similar to the
Kevin Bacon six degrees game - except it's closer to two or three degrees!
Anyway, without going into the details, my $0 balance checking and savings account combined left me with a heavy heart and a sour taste for humankind. Here are some things I learned last week that I would like to share with you. Hopefully you will never have to refer back to these gems of advice, but in case you do, here they are:
1. Victim-Schmictim
Even though you know you are the victim, the bank will accuse you of stealing your own money. Be prepared to get interrogated by a customer service agent from your bank.
2. The Up sell
After spending 30 minutes of accusations(all of which you can prove wrong), your bank will transfer you to a new customer service agent who wants to sell you a fraud protection program (wait, I have no money left - what am I protecting?). In addition to preparing for the up sell of your account, also prepare yourself to be called Ma'am several times and be told that they understand your frustration in a tone that is less than understanding or sympathetic. Clearly, we're not working with Thespians here.
3. Who exactly do the police "protect and serve"?
My bank told me to contact the police and file a report - otherwise a fraud claim cannot be made or investigated (nor will I get my money refunded ). In my situation, all of the charges were made 400+/- miles from where I live. The bank told me to call the local police station where the fraudulent charges happened. I did. They in turn told me to call my local police station or drive to Pasadena and file a report. I called my local station and they said they could not help me and to call Pasadena again. This run around went on for several phone calls until finally I was told to physically walk into my local police station and make a report. Once I arrived at the police station, I was yet again told they could not help me. By now, I am hysterical and about to shout "You're the Police. Aren't you supposed to help me?". Finally two officers agree to see me (crying sometimes does help). What I learned here is that if you don't have utility and phone bills in your name, get that remedied. Apparently a driver's license, a social security number (with new married name and address attached to the new card), "other bills", and a marriage license will do as a second best but they prefer a bill from your local utility company (wwhhaaaatteeeevvvvverrrrr!).
4. Mug shot
Be prepared to be asked the same interrogative questions the bank asked from the police. But this time, you get the added bonus of getting finger printed and a picture taken. At this point, I really did feel like the thief. I'm amazed they didn't shackle me in the waiting room.
5. Be your own detective
Remember the
Brady Bunch episode #69 where Peter becomes "Scoop" Brady? Finally, useless T.V. paid off and I knew what to do! Basically the cops and the bank weren't going to do a thing. So I made phone calls to the merchants that appeared on my statement and asked them what the heck happened. One of the restaurants (Tea House in San Gabriel had my back) looked up my credit card number and said that the owner of the card was Ba Lui. Umm, I don't think so...
FYI, I called the bank and the police to tell them this interesting bit of news and neither seemed as interested as I was. My shout out goes to Peter. Thanks "Scoop" Brady for coming to my rescue!
One last thing to mention, don't use an ATM card EVER (according to my bank) unless you are depositing or withdrawing money from their machines only.
Best of luck to you all,
Ba Liu, ah, um, I mean Lori...yeah, Lori....
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